Can You Wear a Hearing Aid While Exercising? What You Need to Know

If you wear a hearing aid and lead an active lifestyle, you've probably wondered: is it safe to keep it in while I exercise? Will sweat damage it? Should I take it out before a workout?

The short answer is: it depends on your hearing aid and the type of exercise. Here's what you need to know to make the right call for your device and your routine.

Why Exercise and Hearing Aids Can Be Tricky

The main concern with wearing hearing aids during exercise is moisture. Sweat is the enemy of most electronic devices, and hearing aids are no exception. Even small amounts of moisture can work their way into the microphone, receiver, or battery compartment and cause damage over time.

Beyond moisture, physical activity introduces other challenges:

• Movement and fit — Vigorous movement can dislodge hearing aids, especially behind-the-ear (BTE) models, if they're not secured properly.
• Wind noise — Outdoor activities like running or cycling can cause wind noise that's amplified through the hearing aid microphone, which some people find distracting.
• Impact risk — Contact sports or activities with a fall risk create the possibility of physical damage to the device.

What the IP Rating Tells You

Most modern hearing aids have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that tells you how resistant they are to dust and moisture. The rating looks like "IP57" or "IP68" — the first number refers to dust protection, the second to water resistance.

• IPX4 — Splash resistant. Can handle light sweat but not heavy perspiration or rain.
• IP57 or IP58 — Water resistant. Can handle sweat, rain, and brief submersion. Suitable for most exercise.
• IP68 — Highest water resistance. Can handle submersion for extended periods.

Check your hearing aid's IP rating before deciding whether to wear it during exercise. If you don't know the rating, assume it has limited moisture protection and take precautions accordingly.

Which Types of Exercise Are Generally Safe?

Low-sweat activities (generally fine)

• Walking
• Light yoga or stretching
• Golf
• Casual cycling on flat terrain

These activities produce minimal sweat and low impact risk. Most hearing aids can handle them without issue.

Moderate-sweat activities (use caution)

• Jogging or running
• Hiking
• Dancing
• Gym workouts (weights, machines)

These activities produce more sweat. If your hearing aid has a good IP rating (IP57 or higher), it should be fine. Consider using a sweat-resistant cover or sleeve for extra protection.

High-sweat or high-impact activities (remove or protect carefully)

• Swimming — Unless your hearing aid is specifically rated for swimming (IP68), remove it before getting in the water.
• Contact sports — The impact risk is significant. Remove hearing aids or use a secure retention clip.
• Intense cardio (HIIT, spinning) — Heavy sweating can overwhelm even water-resistant devices. Consider removing or using a protective cover.

Tips for Exercising With a Hearing Aid

Use a retention clip or sports lock
For BTE hearing aids, a small clip or lock attaches the device to your clothing or ear, preventing it from falling during movement. These are inexpensive and widely available.

Wipe down after exercise
After any workout, gently wipe your hearing aids with a dry, soft cloth. Remove the battery (if applicable) and leave the battery door open to allow any moisture to evaporate.

Use a hearing aid dehumidifier
A drying kit or electronic dehumidifier removes moisture from inside the device overnight. If you exercise regularly, this is a worthwhile investment.

Consider a sweat-resistant cover
Thin, breathable covers designed for hearing aids provide an extra layer of moisture protection during exercise without affecting sound quality significantly.

Know when to take them out
For swimming, contact sports, or any activity where the risk of loss or damage is high, it's better to remove your hearing aids and store them safely.

The Safety Argument for Keeping Them In

There's also a case to be made for keeping your hearing aids in during exercise — particularly for outdoor activities. Being able to hear traffic, other pedestrians, cyclists, or warning sounds is a genuine safety benefit. Many people feel more confident and aware during outdoor exercise when they can hear clearly.

For walking, jogging, hiking, or cycling, the safety benefit of wearing your hearing aid often outweighs the modest moisture risk — especially if your device has a decent IP rating.

What About the RKEPIE M802?

The RKEPIE M802 is a BTE hearing aid designed for all-day wear, including during light to moderate activity. Its ergonomic behind-the-ear design sits securely during movement, and its build is suited for everyday active use. For swimming or high-impact contact sports, we recommend removing it and storing it safely.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to choose between staying active and hearing well. With the right precautions — knowing your device's IP rating, wiping down after exercise, and using protective accessories when needed — most people can wear their hearing aids through most of their daily exercise routine.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution for high-sweat or high-impact activities. Your hearing aid is an investment worth protecting.

Explore the RKEPIE M802 BTE Hearing Aid — designed for all-day comfort and active living.