Tipps vom Experten: Sport mit Hörgerät: Worauf sollte ich achten?

When perspiration forms beads on your forehead during exercise, wearing a hearing aid might become an issue. Moisture entering the device could cause damage to the delicate electronics. However, this can be easily avoided: "A headband, cap or beanie - depending on the sport - can catch sweat before it reaches the sensitive technology," advises Eberhard Schmidt, President of the Federal Association of Hearing Aid Specialists (biha).

Wearing a headband is especially practical, particularly for rapid sports such as jogging or horseback riding. The headband prevents the hearing aid from slipping and also helps to stabilize the device - a good idea in fast-paced activities. But it should not be too tight, or it may cause pressure points or interference. The question and answer session continues with three points on exercising with a hearing aid.

Firstly, which sports involve hearing aids and which do not? Most sports do not pose a problem when wearing a hearing aid. "Good hearing is crucial in team sports where teammates' shouts must be heard, and in sports where communication between coach and athlete is essential," Schmidt explains. However, some activities require the hearing aid to remain in a bag or at home.

For instance, martial arts involve close and sudden body contact, which could cause injury to the device if it were to hit the ear. Similarly, water sports like swimming are best enjoyed without a hearing aid. "Hearing aids are generally water-resistant, but too much moisture is harmful to the electronics," Schmidt points out.

Secondly, what should be considered when listening to music during exercise? Jogging playlists or engaging podcasts can provide motivation for those exercising alone. If the hearing aid can connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone, music or podcasts can be streamed directly into the ear. Those who are active outdoors should ensure that ambient noises like car sounds or bicycle bells remain audible.

This can be adjusted in the hearing aid settings. A helpful tip: It is advisable to fully charge the hearing aid before exercising with music, as streaming consumes more battery.

Lastly, what should be done after the workout? Sweating can cause damage to the hearing aid. Before showering, the device should be removed. Cleaning the hearing aid with a soft, tangle-free cloth is recommended by Schmidt. After cleaning, place the device in a box specifically designed for hearing aids to dry.