Summer and fall are the perfect times to visit a local go-karting place or drive out to Arnolds Park to ride some serious roller coasters. If you’re among the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss,[1] you might be worried that a fast ride will lead to fast hearing aid loss or damage. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can protect your devices without sacrificing your fun day.
1. Bring a Case
Bringing your hearing aid case or a waterproof, padded case will protect your devices during rides that turn upside down or sideways. Before you get on the ride, place your devices in their case, preferably in a zipped, secure bag or a very deep pocket. Asking a family member to hold your devices while you ride is another option.
2. Wear Hearing Aid Clips
Hearing aid clips attach your devices to your shirt or a lanyard around your neck. The clips are a great backup to keep your devices in place if they fall out of your ears. Wearing them on go-karts, Ferris wheels and any other rides that don’t flip upside down is helpful.
3. Watch Out for Water Rides
There’s nothing like a water park to cool you off on a boiling South Dakota day. While the water is fun, it’s best to keep it away from your devices. Remove your hearing aids and place them in a waterproof case. If the amusement park has lockers, placing your devices inside one will provide the best protection.
4. Pay Attention to Signs of Damage
Accidents happen, and knowing how to respond to them can make a world of difference in the lifespan of your hearing aids. If you get your hearing aids wet, place them in a specialized dehumidifier or drying jar overnight to remove moisture. Watching for visual signs of damage, like bent or cracked parts, after a drop is also crucial.
The final signs of damage to watch out for are low battery life or distorted sound—common in water-damaged devices. If you notice physical damage, muffled volume, whistling, crackling or low battery life, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants to schedule a service appointment with one of our specialists.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing