Hearing Loss and the Great Outdoors

Be Prepared to Tackle Your Outdoor Spring Activities Safely

Outdoor activities always guarantee a fun day out, whether hiking, hunting, or relaxing at your campsite.

But for those who rely on hearing aids, a little preparation is in order. Not only do hearing aids help you have a seamless and enjoyable time, but they also go a long way toward ensuring your safety.

The following are some whys and whats for keeping your hearing aids secure and functional so you can relax and fully experience the nature around you.

 

Hearing Well in the Outdoors Is Key

Human hearing is remarkable.

It can detect frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz. That makes it highly adept at distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar sounds. Detecting such subtle nuances alerts you to potential danger and decodes important information about your environment.

These abilities are crucial when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Whether hunting, hiking, camping, or even just bird-watching, being able to hear the snap of a twig or the babbling of a brook isn’t simply pleasant — it could also save your life.

 

Wildlife Safety

A quiet forest is a reason to be alert — ask any avid hiker.

When birds and other small animals fall silent, it’s often because there’s a predator nearby. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, you may need to be on the lookout for mountain lions or even bears emerging from their winter torpor.

Hearing the change in your environment can clue you into what could be lurking in the bushes nearby. It’s not uncommon to hear an animal before you see it, or to never see it at all.

Keen hearing will help keep you one step ahead of dangerous wildlife and ensure nothing unexpected takes you by surprise.

 

The Hearing Hazards of Hunting

More and more, hearing protection is becoming a standard topic when discussing firearm safety.

Proper gun use and storage are crucial, but so is protecting yourself from the earsplitting noise of a gunshot. Depending on the gun, even a single shot can permanently damage your hearing.

Not just any type of hearing protection will do, though.

When you hunt, you rely on your sense of hearing to track prey. You need hearing protection that muffles loud sounds while allowing the softer sounds of the forest to reach your ears. Custom earplugs are a great option — ask your hearing care provider about getting fitted for a pair.

You might be thinking, “Hunting? In spring?”

Hunting season isn’t just about deer. From turkey hunting in Maine to hogs in Texas, spring hunting season has a lot to keep the avid hunter busy!

 

Camping With Hearing Aids

If you’re already a hearing aid user, you may be wondering how to safely camp or backpack with your technology.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and your hearing aids. Here are some tips to keep your devices working well in the wilderness.

 

Keep them dry

Make sure to pack your cleaning cloth, dehumidifier, and — if it’s chilly, wet, or windy out — a hat or headband to wear over your ears. Ziplock bags are a handy way to store these items.

 

Keep them cool

Exposure to cold can take a toll on any electronic device, but heat poses a greater risk to your hearing aids. Remove them if you’ll be sitting close to a blazing campfire, shield them from direct sunlight, and don’t forget them in a hot car.

 

Use the buddy system

Any time you venture into a remote area, you should let someone know where you’re going and when to expect your return, even if you’re heading out with a companion. Don’t wander off to gather firewood or scout campsites alone, especially in the dark.

 

Preparing for the Great Outdoors

Now that you know why keen hearing is crucial in the great outdoors, let’s look at how to ensure your hearing stays keen throughout your adventure.

 

Get a tune-up

Before you hit the trails, make an appointment for a thorough clean and check with your hearing care provider. Let them know your plans so they can make any needed adjustments to account for the difference in environmental noise.

 

Know before you go

Familiarize yourself with your devices’ programs. Modern hearing aids often come with settings tailored to better capture rustling leaves, flowing water, birdcalls, and more while minimizing noise.

Get a good sense of the weather and conditions you can expect and adjust your devices accordingly. For example, if you’ll be somewhere windy, check whether your hearing aids have a wind-reduction program. If not, covers are available that fit over your hearing aids’ microphones and reduce wind noise.

 

Gather your ear gear

The outdoors and physical activities can wreak havoc on your hearing aids. Consider the following to keep them secure, safe, and working properly.

• Sports clips or retainers attach to your clothing and hearing aids to ensure that, should they slip from your ears, they won’t fall to the ground.
• Protective covers for your hearing aids shield them from sweat, dust, and moisture, which is ideal for vigorous activities or debris-heavy environments.
• Hats and headbands help keep your devices firmly in place and protect them from the elements.
• Custom earmolds ensure a secure fit, so you don’t have to constantly worry about your hearing aids dislodging during activities.
• A device-care kit that includes extra packs of batteries — or a portable way to recharge your charger, if you have rechargeable devices — wax guards, tubing, domes, etc., for any unforeseen issues with your hearing aids.
• Hearing protection, if hunting is included in your activities.

Hearing aids can help you embrace your time outdoors like never before. Ensure they’re a trusted companion when savoring nature’s beauty, whether on a mountain hike, at a lakeside campsite, or simply perched up in your hunting blind.

Let us help you make the most of your outdoor excursions. Contact us today to schedule a hearing evaluation or clean and check of your hearing aids.