Football is woven into Malaysian life. From futsal courts to weekend 11-a-side, the game draws players of all ages and abilities. While much of the game relies on your vision, football is as much an audio environment as a visual one.
From the referee’s whistle to a teammate’s call from the far post, being able to hear and communicate is a big part of the game. For those with hearing loss playing football, two questions tend to come up before the match even begins: is it safe to wear hearing aids on the pitch, and will the devices hold up?
In this guide, we will walk through the risks and practical considerations of playing football with hearing aids, and how you can protect your hearing aids on the pitch.
The Risks of Wearing Hearing Aids on the Football Pitch
Hearing aids are precision devices, and a football pitch can be a challenging environment. Malaysia’s heat and humidity alone are tough on electronics; add in the physical demands of a match, and a few specific risks come to mind.
- Sweat and moisture: Prolonged exposure to sweat can work its way into a device that is poorly sealed, particularly during an intense session on a humid afternoon.
- Accidental contact: Headers, collisions, and falls can dislodge a device or expose it to impact. A hearing aid that shifts mid-game may not just be uncomfortable.
- Dust and debris: Artificial turf pitches can throw up fine grit that settles into components over time.
Should You Wear Your Wearing Aids While Playing Football or Leave Them on the Bench?
Whether you should wear your hearing aids while playing football depends on your device and the conditions on the day. For many players, wearing hearing aids during a match offers clear advantages.
Spatial awareness is one of them. Hearing a teammate’s run, tracking a call from the goalkeeper, or reacting to an offside flag all happen faster when you can hear what is happening around you. For players who rely on verbal communication, wearing hearing aids may help them hear teammates and officials more clearly, which can support communication on the pitch.
However, certain conditions like playing football in heavy rain or a waterlogged pitch can be risky, especially if you don’t have a pair of sport hearing aids with an appropriate IP rating made for an active lifestyle.
If in doubt, consult your audiologist on whether your hearing aids are suitable for sport and exercise.
How to Protect Your Hearing Aids During a Match
While sport hearing aids are more durable, you still need to take care of them during a match to prevent them from getting damaged. Here are some tips to take care of your hearing aids while playing football or during exercise.
Before the match:
- Check that your devices are seated securely and that any retention clips or sleeves are in place.
- Retention clips and sweat-resistant sleeves are particularly useful for exercise with hearing aids in Malaysia’s climate, keeping devices stable and reducing moisture exposure during play.
After the match:
- Wipe your devices down immediately after the final whistle, before sweat has time to dry on the casing.
- Place them in a dehumidifier overnight to draw out any residual moisture. This will also help extend the life of your hearing aids.
Players in contact positions, particularly central defenders and goalkeepers, face a higher likelihood of impact and physical contact. If you play regularly in these roles, discussing additional protection options with your audiologist is a sensible step. They can advise on the most appropriate setup for your specific device and playing style.
Get on the Pitch with the Right Setup
Hearing aids for playing football or an active lifestyle will generally come with a high IP rating (usually IPX4 to IP68) and a secure fit.
At The Listening Lab, our audiologists can help you find a suitable device and provide a hearing aid fitting so you can enjoy playing football. If something happens to your hearing aids while on the pitch, we also offer a hearing aid repair service.
Book a consultation with The Listening Lab in Malaysia today to find the right hearing aid setup for sport and an active lifestyle.