From amateur leagues to the World Cup: Soccer is and always will be the people’s sport. And that doesn’t just apply to watching the game. Perhaps you, too, enjoy kicking the ball around yourself? However, many hearing aid users are unsure whether they can wear their devices while playing soccer. What are the recommendations here?

“Hearing aids should always be worn; once hearing loss reaches a certain level, wearers rely on them even during sports,” advises master hearing aid specialist Andreas Bögl. “That’s the only way to understand shouts from the sidelines or the referee’s instructions. Especially in contact sports like soccer or ice hockey, there’s a risk that the earpiece on the hearing aid could break. However, this can be prevented with special earpieces.”

Hearing aidsare usually made of nylon or a similar plastic. The ear mold should be made of silicone, which is elastic and gives way when the ear is struck. They can even withstand a soccer ball kicked against the ear. During one-on-one plays or when a player falls, the hearing aidmay occasionally fall out. In such cases, it’s possible to custom-make special models. For example, Andreas Bögl developed a special hearing aid for a client who is a passionate ice hockey player, combining a soft silicone ear mold with a relatively rigid push-pull tube. Both components are firmly bonded together so that the tube holds the hearing aid securely in place.

“This solution has proven effective in practice; in contrast, in our experience, hearing aids with retaining tubes like Huckies or other fasteners are more likely to fall out,” reports Andreas Bögl. “With in-the-ear hearing aids, it’s important to ensure they sit as deep as possible in the ear canal so they’re protected. Anyone concerned about the cost of a second pair of hearing aids can inquire with their health insurance provider, hearing care professional, or sports club about possible subsidies.”

If you want to feel confident about taking to the field with your hearing aids, you should definitely consult with a hearing care professional in your area to find the best personalized solution. Then nothing will stand in the way of enjoying sports with your hearing aids!