Living with hearing aids does not mean you have to slow down. Whether you enjoy a morning walk along the seafront, a game of tennis in the park, or a social fitness class with friends, your hearing aids are designed to keep up with your lifestyle. Here in Eastbourne and across East Sussex, we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful walking routes and outdoor activities in the country, and there is absolutely no reason why hearing loss should prevent you from enjoying them.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we are a family-founded and family-run audiology clinic serving Eastbourne and the wider Sussex area. We believe that hearing well and living well go hand in hand. In this guide, we will share practical advice on staying active with hearing aids, explore local walks and activities, and explain how the right hearing aids and aftercare can support your active lifestyle every single day.
Research from the National Institute on Aging has highlighted a clear connection between hearing loss and reduced physical activity in older adults. When hearing becomes more challenging, it is natural to feel less confident about going out, joining group activities, or exercising in unfamiliar environments. Over time, this withdrawal can have a real impact on both physical and mental health.
Wearing your hearing aids during physical activity helps you stay aware of your surroundings, communicate with others, and engage confidently in social exercise settings. From catching a friend’s conversation on a group walk along the South Downs to hearing your instructor’s cues in a yoga class, your hearing aids play a vital role in keeping you safe, connected, and motivated.
Staying physically active also supports better circulation, which some research suggests may benefit the inner ear. Keeping your body moving is one of the best things you can do for your overall wellbeing, and your hearing aids are there to make that experience richer and more enjoyable.
Eastbourne is a paradise for walkers. The town sits at the eastern end of the South Downs Way, a 160km national trail that stretches all the way to Winchester through the South Downs National Park. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll along the promenade or a more challenging clifftop route, there is something for every level of fitness and confidence.
One of the most iconic walks in the area takes you from Eastbourne seafront up to Beachy Head and along to the Seven Sisters cliffs. This route offers stunning coastal views and plenty of fresh air. For hearing aid wearers, the open landscape means you can enjoy the sounds of nature, from birdsong overhead to the crash of waves far below the cliffs, all enhanced by your hearing aids.
The wind along the clifftops can sometimes cause feedback or whistling in hearing aids. If you experience this, a simple headband or a well-fitted hearing aid with wind noise reduction features can make all the difference. We can advise on the best settings and features for outdoor environments during your hearing assessment at our Eastbourne clinic.
For a more relaxed outing, the flat promenade walk from the Wish Tower to the Sovereign Harbour is ideal. It is accessible, sheltered in parts, and perfect for those who want to stay active without tackling steep inclines. You can enjoy conversation with a walking companion while your hearing aids help you pick up the subtle sounds of the seaside around you.
Eastbourne’s surrounding downland and local parks such as Hampden Park offer quieter walking routes where you can appreciate a calmer soundscape. These walks are particularly enjoyable for hearing aid users who are still adjusting to their devices, as the lower levels of background noise make it easier to get comfortable with amplified sound in a relaxed setting.
Visit Eastbourne has a wealth of information on local outdoor activities and walking routes to help you plan your next adventure.
Staying active with hearing aids is not limited to walking. Many of our patients in Eastbourne and across East Sussex enjoy a wide range of sports and social activities while wearing their devices with full confidence.
Communication is key in team sports and group exercise classes. Hearing aids allow you to follow instructions, respond to teammates, and stay fully in the flow of the activity. If you attend classes at a local gym or community centre, consider letting your instructor know about your hearing aids. Most instructors are happy to make small adjustments, such as facing you when speaking or using visual cues alongside verbal instructions.
Modern hearing aids from brands like Phonak and Starkey come with advanced noise management features that can help filter out the background noise common in busy gyms and sports halls, allowing you to focus on the sounds that matter most.
Low to moderate impact activities such as running, cycling, and yoga are generally very compatible with hearing aids. Behind-the-ear (BTE) models, which are among the most popular hearing aid styles we fit, sit securely and are unlikely to dislodge during these activities. If you are concerned about your hearing aids staying in place during more vigorous exercise, retention clips and sport locks are inexpensive accessories that provide extra security and peace of mind.
Yoga and Pilates classes are particularly well suited to hearing aid wearers. The quieter environment means you can focus on your instructor’s guidance without competing with loud music or chatter, making them an excellent choice for anyone easing into an active routine with new hearing aids.
Eastbourne offers a range of water-based activities, from paddleboarding along the coast to sailing and kayaking. However, it is important to note that most hearing aids are not fully waterproof. While many modern devices carry an IP68 rating, which means they are resistant to dust and can withstand brief contact with moisture, they are not designed for prolonged water exposure or submersion. We always recommend removing your hearing aids before swimming, surfing, or any activity where they may become fully submerged.
If water sports are a regular part of your lifestyle, speak to our audiology team about the most moisture-resistant hearing aid options or protective accessories that can give you extra confidence on the water.
Not all hearing aids are created equal when it comes to supporting an active lifestyle. If you are someone who enjoys regular exercise, outdoor adventures, or sports, it is worth considering features specifically designed for active people when selecting your device.
Rechargeable hearing aids are a popular choice for active individuals across the UK. There is no need to fumble with tiny batteries after a workout or worry about running out of power during a long walk on the Downs. Simply charge your devices overnight, and they are ready to go the next morning. We offer a wide selection of rechargeable hearing aids from leading brands to suit every budget and lifestyle.
Many of the best hearing aids in the UK now offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music, podcasts, or phone calls directly to your hearing aids during exercise. This is a brilliant feature for runners and cyclists who want to stay entertained on the go without wearing additional earbuds or headphones. Brands such as Phonak, Oticon, and Signia all offer excellent wireless streaming options that we can demonstrate during your consultation.
For anyone leading an active lifestyle, moisture resistance is essential. Look for hearing aids with a high IP rating, which indicates their level of protection against dust and water ingress. Many of the devices we fit at our Eastbourne clinic through our hearing aid packages offer excellent moisture resistance, making them suitable for exercise, humid conditions, and everyday wear in all weather conditions throughout the year.
Taking care of your hearing aids after physical activity is just as important as choosing the right device. Sweat, moisture, and earwax can build up during exercise, and without proper hearing aid maintenance, this can affect the performance and longevity of your devices over time.
After every workout or active outing, we recommend following a few simple steps. Wipe your hearing aids gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove any moisture or sweat. If your hearing aids have a battery door, open it to allow air to circulate and moisture to escape. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying pot overnight is especially helpful after a particularly sweaty session or a walk in damp weather. You should also regularly check the tubing and ear moulds for any blockages caused by earwax or debris, as these can affect sound quality.
For more detailed guidance on hearing aid care and maintenance, RNID offers helpful advice on cleaning and looking after your devices. You can also visit us for a professional clean and check as part of our patient aftercare service at any of our Sussex clinics.
Regular maintenance will ensure your hearing aids continue to perform at their best, whether you are walking the South Downs, playing bowls on the green, or attending a fitness class in Eastbourne.
While hearing aids help you hear better, it is also important to protect your hearing in loud environments. Some gyms and fitness classes can reach noise levels that may contribute to further hearing damage or aggravate existing tinnitus. Research has highlighted that noise levels in certain gym settings can be surprisingly high, particularly during spin classes and high-energy group workouts.
If you find that certain exercise environments are uncomfortably loud, speak to our team about adjusting your hearing aid settings for those specific situations. You may also want to consider using custom hearing protection for particularly noisy venues or classes. If you experience tinnitus, our tinnitus therapy services can provide tailored support and management strategies that work alongside your active lifestyle.
If you are new to hearing aids, returning to an active lifestyle after hearing loss, or simply looking for the best hearing aids for your needs, we are here to help. Our free hearing aid assessment process includes taking a full health history, carrying out a hearing test, and then discussing your lifestyle and listening environments to recommend the most suitable corrective action. This means we consider your exercise habits, favourite activities, and the environments you spend time in when recommending the right device for you.
Whether you need advice on the best hearing aids for outdoor walks across the Downs, moisture-resistant options for watersports, or Bluetooth-enabled devices for streaming during your morning run, our experienced audiologists in Eastbourne can guide you every step of the way. We also offer home visits across Sussex for those who are unable to attend one of our clinics in person.
Eastbourne and East Sussex offer an incredible range of outdoor activities, sports, and social opportunities, and your hearing aids are designed to be part of every adventure. With the right device, proper hearing aid care and maintenance, and a little planning, there is nothing stopping you from living an active, fulfilling life with hearing aids.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we are passionate about helping our patients hear better and live better. As a family-run hearing clinic in Eastbourne with a personalised, friendly approach, we take the time to understand your lifestyle and match you with hearing aids that truly support the way you live. One of our patients recently shared that “the care and patience shown to my 94 year old mother has been on another level,” and that level of dedication is something we bring to every single consultation.
Yes, in most cases wearing your hearing aids during exercise is recommended. They help you stay aware of your surroundings, communicate with others, and enjoy activities more fully. The main exceptions are water-based activities where your devices may become submerged, in which case we advise removing them beforehand.
The best hearing aids for active people typically feature rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity, and a high moisture resistance rating. Brands like Phonak, Starkey, and Signia all offer excellent options for those with active lifestyles. Our team can help you find the right fit during a free hearing assessment at our Eastbourne clinic.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids generally stay secure during most physical activities. For extra peace of mind, you can use retention clips, sport locks, or a sweatband to keep your devices firmly in place during more vigorous exercise. We can also check the fit of your ear moulds to ensure they are sitting snugly.
Most hearing aids are moisture-resistant but not fully waterproof. We recommend removing your hearing aids before swimming or engaging in water sports where they could become submerged. Speak to our audiologists about the most water-resistant options if water activities are a regular part of your routine.
Wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth, remove any earwax or debris from the tubing and moulds, and store them in a dehumidifier or drying pot overnight. Regular cleaning helps maintain sound quality and extends the life of your devices significantly.
You can book a free hearing test at our Eastbourne clinic at 3b Meads Street, Eastbourne, BN20 7QT. No GP referral is needed. Simply get in touch with our team to arrange your appointment at a time that suits you.
If you are looking for hearing aids in Eastbourne that match your active lifestyle, or if you simply want expert advice on getting the most from your current devices, we would love to hear from you. Book a free consultation with our friendly team and discover how the right hearing aids can help you stay active, connected, and confident in everything you do.
Email us at eastbourne@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk, call us on 01323 387098, or visit our contact page to book your appointment today.
9 June 2023
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