While having a good sense of hearing may not be number one on the list of attributes that make a good athlete, it is rather important. But there are plenty of deaf and hard of hearing athletes that have made names for themselves and paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps.
Famous Deaf Athletes
One of the most famous deaf athletes is Heather Whitestone. While she rose to fame for winning the Miss America Pageant in 1995, her talent portion was what helped her become a role model for thousands. She performed a classic ballet en pointe by counting the beats of the music in her head and moving to the feel of a change in pitch.
Other deaf athletes include:
- Chris Colwill, American diver
- Tamika Catchings, WMBA player who completed in the 2008 Olympics
- Marcus Titus, American swimmer
Whether you’re destined for the Olympics or just enjoy a casual game with your friends, sports can be enjoyed by all, regardless of the ability to hear.
Below are three tips for playing sports with hearing loss.
Let Your Audiologist Know
It is important to let your audiologist know that you play sports. This information will affect their hearing aid recommendation, as the amount of physical activity you exert can have an effect on which models are most effective for you.
Hearing aid models that sit inside your ear are more protected from the elements, while those that sit behind the ear can be secured to your clothing to prevent damage during a fall.
Invest in Protective Gear
Regardless of what sport you play, you are going to sweat more than the average hearing aid user. As with most electronic devices, moisture and hearing aids don’t mix. Investing in a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier can help keep your hearing aid safe from water damage.
Water resistant hearing aids should also be considered for those who participate in water-based sports.
Sweat bands and cords can help keep moisture away from your device.
Inform Your Teammates
Many athletes choose not to wear their hearing aids while they compete. If you decide to do this, let your teammates know. This will ensure they can pass along pertinent information and alert you when a whistle is blown or other warnings are announced.
You don’t have to let hearing loss stand in the way of your passions. Your audiologist can help ensure that you can continue playing your sport while keeping your hearing intact. Contact the experts at Hearing Center of Lake Charles today to learn more.