The Best Hearing Aids for Active Adults and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Because Your Hearing Should Keep Up With Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re an avid hiker, a weekend warrior, or just someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, your hearing aids should be as active as you are. From morning jogs and afternoon pickleball matches to gardening and kayaking, life doesn’t slow down—and neither should your hearing support.

Today’s hearing aids are designed with more than just indoor conversations in mind. They’ve evolved to suit a wide range of lifestyles, including people who love fresh air, movement, and staying socially and physically engaged. In this post, we’ll explore what to look for in a hearing aid if you lead an active life, plus tips for getting the most out of your devices when you’re on the move.

Why Lifestyle Matters When Choosing a Hearing Aid

When it comes to hearing aids, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your choice should reflect how you live—whether that means taking long walks, biking on the weekends, gardening in the sun, or meeting friends for a round of tennis. Hearing aids built for active use offer specialized features to help you stay connected without compromise.

Features Active Adults Should Prioritize

If you’re comparing hearing aids, pay attention to the features that make a difference during outdoor or high-energy activities:

1. Durability and Environmental Protection

Many modern hearing aids are rated for dust and moisture resistance (look for an IP68 rating or similar). This means they can withstand real-world conditions like humidity, sweat, and exposure to light rain. This durability gives peace of mind when you’re outdoors or engaged in sports.

Note: Most modern hearing aids are sweatproof and weatherproof, but not waterproof. Never submerge them. Be sure to follow your hearing care provider’s care instructions to protect your devices.

2. Noise Reduction and Speech Clarity

Whether you’re biking into the wind or having lunch with friends at a busy patio café, it’s crucial to hear clearly without straining. Hearing aids with directional microphones, background noise suppression, and wind reduction features help ensure you don’t miss a word—even in less-than-ideal conditions.

3. Comfortable, Low-Profile Design

Discreet styles like receiver-in-ear (RIE), miniRIE, and microRIE are popular among active adults. They are lightweight, secure, and blend seamlessly into your lifestyle. For those who prefer an in-ear design, custom-molded in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-canal (CIC) styles also offer stable fit and comfort during physical activity.

4. All-Day Battery Power

Look for rechargeable hearing aids that can last all day on a single charge. This is especially helpful when you’re on a hike, at the beach, or running errands and don’t want to carry spare batteries.

5. Wireless Streaming and Smart Features

Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids allow you to connect directly to your smartphone, smartwatch, or GPS. You can stream music, take hands-free calls, or receive voice navigation instructions—all without missing a beat.

Tips for Using Hearing Aids During Outdoor Activities

Even with hearing aids designed for an active lifestyle, how you care for them can make a big difference in long-term performance.

Here are some expert tips:

• Keep them dry: Even sweat-resistant hearing aids shouldn’t be submerged. Avoid wearing them while swimming or during heavy rain, and dry them off if they get damp during activity.


• Store them safely: Use a protective case when your hearing aids aren’t in use, especially if you’re hiking or traveling.


• Wipe them down after use: A soft, dry cloth can help remove moisture and debris after a workout or time outdoors.


• Use a hearing aid dehumidifier: Especially helpful if you live in a humid area or sweat frequently. Dehumidifiers help remove moisture overnight.

What Type of Active User Are You?

Different activities call for slightly different considerations. Here's how to match your hearing needs to your lifestyle:

The Outdoor Adventurer

You love hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, or camping. You need hearing aids with strong environmental protection and excellent directional sound so you can enjoy nature safely and fully. Features like wind noise management and 360-degree sound awareness are especially beneficial.

The Social Athlete

Pickleball, tennis, yoga, and group exercise classes are your jam. Look for hearing aids with secure fit, easy volume adjustments, and speech clarity features to help you follow conversations and instructions clearly in noisy spaces.

The Everyday Mover

Gardening, dog-walking, biking to the store, or volunteering outside keeps you active. You’ll benefit from all-day battery life, weather resistance, and Bluetooth® for phone calls on the go.

The Tech-Savvy Explorer

You like to stay connected—whether it’s music while you run, taking work calls outdoors, or navigating with GPS. Wireless streaming, app-based control, and multi-device connectivity will make your hearing aids an essential tool in your daily routine.

Hearing Your Best, Living Your Best

Living an active lifestyle doesn’t mean compromising on hearing. The right hearing aids can elevate your experience—whether you’re hearing the rustle of leaves on a trail, joining friends for a workout, or simply catching up over coffee outdoors. Modern hearing aid technology makes it possible to stay engaged, energized, and in control.

If you’re unsure which style or features are right for your lifestyle, a hearing care professional can help guide the way. During a hearing screening, they’ll assess your hearing, talk through your daily routines and priorities, and help you choose a solution that’s tailored to you—not just your audiogram.

Your Next Adventure Starts With Better Hearing

Ready to hear more clearly and live more fully? Schedule a free hearing screening at your local Beltone and discover how the right hearing solution can keep up with your lifestyle—no matter where it takes you.