Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles

Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles

What are the best hearing aids for active lifestyles?

Overview    |    What are your priorities?    |    What to consider    |    Conclusion

Last Hearing Aid UK Update:  07/08/2026

Hearing aids are invaluable tools for those with active lifestyles with hearing loss

If you lead an active lifestyle, the hearing aid features that matter most usually come down to three things: a genuine IP68 water and dust rating, a wind noise management system, and reliable wireless connectivity. Beyond your actual hearing needs, these are the priorities worth focusing on first, whether you're buying your first hearing aid or upgrading an existing pair.

Below, we go through each of these in more detail, along with the other factors worth considering depending on what "active" means for you: running, swimming, the gym, or just a busy, on-the-go daily life.

Hearing aids that are designed to be reliable, comfortable, durable, and keep up!

Say you're a runner. You need your hearing aids to keep up with you, literally, bouncing along a route, picking up your music, and still helping you hear a cyclist call out behind you, all at once. That's a lot to ask of a small device, which is exactly why the "right" hearing aid looks different for everyone depending on what you actually do.

So, you have an active lifestyle - what are your hearing aid priorities?  What features do you need to think about when purchasing a hearing aid?

Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid for an active lifestyle

What are your priorities?

Most everyday activities involve differing levels of sweat, moisture, and movement.  Therefore, knowing the waterproof rating of the hearing aids you are considering is important.  This determines whether they are waterproof or water-resistant.

Most hearing aid manufacturers now offer devices with an IP68 rating, though the exact depth and duration this covers varies by manufacturer and model; some are tested to withstand a metre of water for up to an hour, others less. Ask your audiologist for the specific rating on any device you're considering rather than assuming they're all equal.

It is not just moisture and rain, but IP68-rated hearing devices handle wind noise well, too. This type of hearing aid, in theory, should not let you down. Below, we go through all the factors you might consider important when searching for the right hearing aid for your active lifestyle.

Comfort, size, and fit

If you are active, you might want a hearing aid that is small and discreet, so it will not get in the way or cause discomfort during physical activities. In-Ear hearing aids are a good option as they are small and fit snugly in the ear canal.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids can also be a viable choice as they can be fitted with sweat-resistant covers and have a secure fit.  If you want discretion and water resistance, some In-Ear models have an IP68 rating.  Check with your audiologist on what styles are available. 

Water resistance

As I mentioned earlier, if you enjoy outdoor activities or participate in water sports, it is important to find a hearing aid that is water-resistant or waterproof. Many modern hearing aids are rated as "water-resistant" and can withstand some exposure to moisture, which meets IP68 and has been put through extended durability testing beyond the standard requirement.

Hearing Aids for Active Lifestyles

Other factors to consider when looking for a hearing aid to match your active lifestyle

• Durability

An active lifestyle can put a lot of wear and tear on a hearing aid, so it's important to find one that is built to last. Therefore, looking for a hearing aid with a durable design and a good warranty is key.

• Connectivity

If you use a smartphone or other device for communication and entertainment, you may want a hearing aid that is compatible with these devices.

Most modern hearing aids now come with Bluetooth built in, so your phone can stream straight to them. Which means you can go for a run, hear the traffic around you clearly, and still have your playlist in your ears, all without a second device to think about.

• Sound quality

A high-quality hearing aid with good sound processing capabilities is important for anyone, but it's especially important for those with active lifestyles.

Look for a hearing aid with advanced noise reduction, a wind noise management system, and sound amplification features to help you hear clearly in a variety of environments.

Wind, in particular, can be annoying for hearing aid users in general, but if you are active, it can blow across the microphones and cause cavitation, which is super loud in the ear.

However, my guidance is to get advice from your audiologist, as advanced wind noise reduction systems are usually only available at the top performance levels, so you will pay extra for this. 

"Advanced wind noise reduction is usually only available at the top performance levels, so it's worth being upfront with your audiologist about how much time you actually spend outdoors or in wind-exposed environments. There's no point paying for a feature you won't use, but equally, if you're regularly out on a bike or a boat, it's worth the investment."

Paul Harrison, Audiology Expert & Founder, Hearing Aid UK

• Battery life

Long battery life is important for an active lifestyle, as you don't want to be constantly worrying about running out of power. Many modern hearing aids have long battery life, but it's still a good idea to check the manufacturer's estimates and find one that meets your needs. 

For most active lifestyles, rechargeable hearing aid options are worth prioritising over disposable batteries. Ask your audiologist whether a rechargeable model suits your specific routine.

• Customisation and personalisation

It's important to find a hearing aid that can be customised to your specific hearing needs and preferences. Look for a hearing aid that offers a range of settings and allows you to fine-tune the sound to your liking and hearing loss level.

• Tracking features

Some modern hearing aids now include built-in heart rate sensors, which work alongside motion sensor technology to give you an activity data tracking feature, useful for well-being and general fitness insights alongside your hearing support.

These "healthable" hearing aids give you a wider picture of both your hearing and your general activity levels. RNID notes that managing hearing loss with hearing aids can support communication, social engagement and overall wellbeing, and that research suggests this may also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline linked to hearing loss, though more research is still needed to fully understand the link with dementia risk specifically.

Conclusion

Whether it's the water resistance, the wind noise handling, or the connectivity that matters most to your routine, get advice that's actually built around your lifestyle, not just a spec sheet. Call 0800 567 7621 or book a free hearing test with one of our HCPC-registered audiologists.