How to Exercise Safely While Wearing Hearing Aids

Staying active is essential for overall health—and hearing aid users should never feel limited when it comes to exercise. Whether you enjoy walking, yoga, gym workouts, or outdoor sports, hearing aids can be worn safely during most physical activities with the right precautions.

This guide explains how to exercise safely while wearing hearing aids, what to watch out for, and how to protect both your devices and your hearing health during workouts.

Can You Exercise While Wearing Hearing Aids?

Yes, most people can safely exercise while wearing hearing aids.

Modern hearing aids are designed for daily, real-world use and can handle moderate movement and activity. However, exercise introduces specific challenges such as sweat, moisture, impact, and environmental noise. Understanding how to manage these factors helps ensure comfort, safety, and device longevity.

Why Wearing Hearing Aids During Exercise Can Be Beneficial

Many hearing aid users choose to keep their devices on while exercising because it improves both safety and enjoyment.

Benefits include:

• Hearing traffic, cyclists, or verbal cues during outdoor activities

• Following instructions in group fitness classes

• Maintaining balance and spatial awareness

• Staying socially engaged while working out

For many users, removing hearing aids during exercise can increase risk—especially in shared or outdoor spaces.

Choose the Right Type of Exercise

Not all workouts affect hearing aids the same way. Understanding which activities are low-risk versus high-risk helps you decide when to wear your devices.

Low-Risk Activities (Generally Safe)

• Walking or hiking

• Yoga and stretching

• Light strength training

• Pilates

• Stationary cycling

These activities usually involve minimal sweat and impact, making them hearing-aid friendly.

Moderate-Risk Activities (Extra Care Needed)

• Running or jogging

• Dancing

• Cardio machines

• Group fitness classes

Sweat and movement increase, so moisture protection and secure fit become more important.

High-Risk Activities (Often Better Without Hearing Aids)

• Swimming

• Contact sports

• High-impact interval training

• Activities involving helmets or headgear

Unless your hearing aids are specifically designed for water or impact resistance, it’s usually safer to remove them during these activities.

Manage Sweat and Moisture

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to hearing aids during exercise. Sweat can seep into microphones, receivers, and internal electronics.

To reduce moisture risk:

• Use sweat-resistant covers or sleeves

• Wipe hearing aids with a dry cloth immediately after workouts

• Avoid touching devices with sweaty hands

• Store hearing aids in a drying case after exercise

If you exercise frequently, nightly drying can significantly extend the life of your devices.

Ensure a Secure and Comfortable Fit

Exercise involves movement—and poorly fitted hearing aids can slip, fall, or cause discomfort.

Tips for a better fit:

• Make sure domes or tips are the correct size

• Use retention wires or sports locks if available

• Avoid loose-fitting devices during high movement

• Test your fit before starting a workout

A secure fit reduces distraction and prevents accidental drops or damage.

Adjust Hearing Aid Settings for Exercise

Many hearing aids offer multiple listening modes or sound profiles. Using the right setting during exercise can improve comfort and clarity.

Helpful adjustments may include:

• Reducing wind noise for outdoor workouts

• Lowering overall volume in noisy gyms

• Switching to a speech-focus mode for classes

• Minimizing background noise amplification

If your hearing aids connect to a smartphone app, make sure you know how to adjust settings quickly before you start exercising.

Protect Your Hearing in Loud Fitness Environments

Gyms and fitness classes can be surprisingly loud, with amplified music and echoing spaces. Prolonged exposure to high volume can cause discomfort or listening fatigue.

To protect your hearing:

• Lower hearing aid volume in loud environments

• Avoid standing near speakers

• Take short listening breaks if needed

• Leave the room if sound becomes overwhelming

Hearing aids amplify sound—but they don’t make you immune to noise fatigue.

Know When to Remove Your Hearing Aids

While many activities are safe with hearing aids, there are times when removal is the better option.

You may want to remove your hearing aids when:

• Swimming or showering

• Participating in contact sports

• Wearing tight helmets or headgear

• Exercising in extremely humid conditions

When you do remove them, always store hearing aids in a protective case to prevent damage or loss.

Clean Hearing Aids After Every Workout

Post-exercise care is just as important as preparation.

After exercising:

• Turn off or power down your hearing aids

• Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth

• Check for moisture or debris

• Use a drying case if available

Avoid using water, alcohol wipes, or harsh cleaning products unless specifically recommended for hearing aids.

Listen to Your Body—and Your Ears

Exercise should feel energizing, not uncomfortable. If you notice:

• Ear soreness

• Feedback or whistling

• Muffled or distorted sound

• Skin irritation

These may be signs that your hearing aids need adjustment, cleaning, or temporary removal during workouts.

Comfort and safety should always come first.

Common Questions About Exercising with Hearing Aids

Can sweat permanently damage hearing aids?

Excessive or repeated moisture exposure can cause long-term damage if not properly managed. Regular cleaning and drying help reduce this risk.

Are hearing aids safe for outdoor exercise?

Yes, as long as you protect against wind, sweat, and environmental noise—and stay aware of your surroundings.

Should I wear hearing aids during group fitness classes?

Many users find it helpful for following instructions, but volume adjustments may be necessary to avoid discomfort.

Staying Active with Confidence

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and hearing loss shouldn’t be a barrier to staying active. With thoughtful preparation, proper care, and smart listening adjustments, most hearing aid users can exercise safely and comfortably.

Modern hearing aids—including over-the-counter options—are built to support active lifestyles. When combined with good habits and awareness, they help users stay confident, connected, and motivated during every workout.