Top Hearing Aid Features for Active Lifestyles

Modern hearing aids offer remarkable capabilities for people who lead active lifestyles. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, exercise regularly, or travel frequently, today's hearing technology can keep up with your dynamic schedule while providing excellent sound quality and durability.

For those with hearing loss who want to maintain their active lifestyle, choosing the right hearing aid is essential. At Kleckner Audiology, we see many patients hesitate about wearing hearing aids during physical activities or outdoor adventures. Our experience shows that wearing properly fitted hearing aids from leading manufacturers like Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Oticon, and Signia can actually enhance your active lifestyle by helping you stay aware of your surroundings, communicate clearly with exercise partners, and enjoy the sounds of nature during outdoor activities. With professional fitting and ongoing support from our experienced audiologists, you can participate confidently in all your favorite activities while enjoying better hearing.

Water and Dust Protection

For active individuals, protection against moisture and debris is critical. Many current hearing aids feature IP68 ratings, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 60 minutes and are highly resistant to dust.

Durability Testing and Build Quality

Modern hearing aids undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle active lifestyles. For instance, the Phonak Infinio has been subjected to over 135 individual "torture tests" to verify its durability in challenging conditions. The Widex Moment features a robust housing designed to withstand daily wear and tear, while maintaining its sleek profile. The ReSound Nexia and Oticon Intent are built with premium materials that resist damage from impacts and regular handling. This attention to build quality means your hearing aids can keep up with hiking, sports, or any other activities you enjoy. When selecting hearing aids for an active lifestyle, considering the manufacturer's testing standards and build materials helps ensure your investment will last.

Battery Life and Charging Solutions

Long-lasting battery power is essential for people on the go. Modern rechargeable hearing aids provide extended use between charges:

• The Starkey Edge AI maintains a 51-hour battery life, making it ideal for longer trips without needing to recharge.
• The Signia IX provides 39 hours of battery life, letting you stay connected throughout your busy schedule.
• The ReSound Nexia comes in both rechargeable and disposable battery options, giving you flexibility based on your lifestyle needs.

Quick charging capabilities are standard on most models. The Phonak Infinio can provide up to 3 hours of use with just a 15-minute charge, making it convenient to power up between activities.

Motion Sensing Technology

Several current hearing aids incorporate motion sensors that automatically adjust settings based on your activity level. The Phonak Infinio's Motion Sensor Hearing optimizes sound processing whether you're walking, running, or staying still, ensuring clear sound quality during various activities.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Staying connected during activities is simple with modern hearing aids:

• The Oticon Intent allows direct streaming from iPhones and compatible Android devices, letting you listen to music or take calls while exercising.
• The ReSound Nexia features Bluetooth LE technology and supports Auracast, enabling seamless audio streaming from various devices.
• The Widex Moment offers direct connection to smartphones, making it easy to adjust settings through dedicated apps during different activities.

Directional Microphones and Noise Reduction

Active lifestyles often involve dynamic listening environments. Advanced directional microphone systems help you focus on important sounds:

• The Signia IX includes RealTime Conversation Enhancement to improve speech clarity in group situations.
• The Oticon Intent uses DNN 2.0 and 4D sensor technology to adapt to your listening environment and movements.
• Starkey Edge AI's G2 Neuro Processor with its neural processing unit (NPU) classifies complex soundscapes and enhances speech in real time.

Smartphone Apps and Controls

Modern hearing aids can be controlled through smartphone apps, making adjustments convenient during activities:

• The Starkey Edge AI connects to the My Starkey app for easy adjustments and health tracking features.
• The Widex Moment works with MySound 2.0 for AI-driven sound personalization.
• The Phonak Infinio can be controlled through the myPhonak app, offering remote adjustments and health monitoring.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Some hearing aids now include health monitoring capabilities:

• The Starkey Edge AI tracks activity levels and can detect falls, adding an extra layer of safety for active users.

Various models monitor wearing time and activity patterns through their smartphone apps, helping you maintain an active lifestyle.

Wind Noise Management

For outdoor activities, wind noise reduction is crucial. Modern hearing aids use advanced processing to minimize wind interference while maintaining speech clarity. This feature is particularly beneficial for activities like cycling, running, or playing golf.

Temperature Management and Climate Considerations

Active lifestyles often mean exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions. Today's hearing aids are designed to perform reliably across a wide range of temperatures. Many models include internal sensors that help regulate performance in different climate conditions. The Signia IX features advanced temperature management systems that help maintain consistent performance whether you're exercising outdoors on a hot day or enjoying winter activities. The Phonak Infinio's dual-chip architecture includes sophisticated thermal management to prevent overheating during extended use. When participating in outdoor activities, these temperature management features help ensure your hearing aids continue to function optimally regardless of the weather.

Custom Fitting Options

Proper fit is essential for active users. We offer various fitting options:

• Custom earmolds provide a secure fit for high-impact activities.
• Different dome sizes and styles accommodate various ear shapes and hearing needs.
• Real-ear measurements ensure optimal performance for your specific hearing profile.

Schedule Your Active Lifestyle Hearing Consultation

At Kleckner Audiology, we understand the unique demands that an active lifestyle places on hearing technology. Our audiologists, Peter Kleckner and Andrew Fluck, have extensive experience helping active individuals find the perfect hearing solution. Call us at 610-435-8299 to schedule a consultation at our Allentown office. We'll work with you to select and fit hearing aids that match your activity level and hearing needs, ensuring you stay connected and confident in all your pursuits.