Curling with Hearing Loss: 4 ways hearing aids get you back in the game | Connect Hearing

Don’t let hearing loss keep you from the activities you love. Before you hit the rink for a game of curling, learn how the right hearing solution lets you play effectively and safely. Good hearing is crucial for this team sport and can benefit you on the rink more than you might think!

Your hearing keeps you in the game

Wearing hearing aids shouldn’t keep you on the sidelines of your favourite sports. If you recently started wearing hearing aids, or are noticing a change in your hearing, there’s no need to pack up your curling gear for good. 

Whether you’re an avid curler or just want to try out a new sport, having a reliable pair of hearing aids can be exactly what you need to have fun with your team and find success on the rink. Especially with today’s modern technology, hearing aids are designed to positively impact your active lifestyle. 
Keep reading to learn four ways that hearing aids can keep you engaged in the game, keep you safe, and even improve your performance on the curling rink.

1. Hearing aids help improve your performance

While you might not turn into an Olympic gold-medallist immediately after turning on your hearing aids, wearing them can boost the awareness and confidence you need to make better plays and decisions on the rink. 

In an interview with late professional golfer Arnold Palmer, he said that better hearing made a significant difference in his game: 

“I’ve noticed the sound of the golf ball being hit by the golf club is different, and much more realistic, with the hearing aids. The sound with the hearing aids makes sense, and better represents what I know is happening to the golf ball. So you could say that the hearing aids help give me confidence regarding my golf game.”

If your hearing isn’t quite what it used to be, you might not even know what sounds you’re missing until you use a hearing aid to fully immerse yourself in the game again. Amateurs and professional athletes alike deserve a complete sporting experience, right down to the sound of the rock curling down the ice.

2. Hearing aids help you stay in touch with your surroundings

Communication is a critical part of curling, and being able to clearly interpret your surroundings helps you stay focused and play your best.

During a curling match or practice, voices come from all different directions: Your team calling the shots, your family cheering from the stands, your coach giving helpful advice, or the officials making an important call. 

Since the nature of the game means you’re not always standing near your teammates, being able to confidently hear them from across the rink is crucial to keep you on your game and executing your strategy. 

On practice days, hearing accessories like the Roger On can help by delivering your coach’s voice directly to your ear, no matter where they are on the rink or the level of surrounding noise.

3. Hearing aids keep you safe and in the game

Did you know that the quality of your hearing can directly affect your balance? 

Because our hearing and balance systems both operate within the ear, the decline of one can impact the other. We also rely on sound signals to orient ourselves and determine where we are in relation to other objects. Research from the Washington University School of Medicine found that those with hearing aids in both ears performed better on standard balance tests when their hearing aids were turned on compared to when they were off.

If you’ve curled before, you know that balance is important while on a slippery rink and when lunging down to release the rock and keep a steady posture. Being confident on your feet helps lower your risk for injury and falls, keeping you in the game longer.

4. Hearing aids keep you involved with the people and activities you love

Staying active and connected socially is important for your physical and mental health. Curling is far from an individual sport, so making your hearing a priority will keep you involved on and off the ice. 

From strategizing on the rink to enjoying a celebratory post-game meal with teammates, you can keep participating in the activities you enjoy. Exercise is even proven to help your hearing, and does wonders for your blood circulation to the inner ear. 

Plus, there’s no need to worry about breaking a sweat and damaging your hearing aids. Audéo Life hearing aids from Phonak are waterproof and sweatproof so you can sweep your team to victory. And you can use their built-in heart rate sensor to track the time you spend training and playing and better measure your fitness goals.

Ready to get back in the game? Complete a hearing test to win a free pair of hearing aids!

If you’ve been wanting to get back in the game or want to make sure you’re getting the full experience, now is a great time to get your hearing checked! Complete a free hearing test at your local Connect Hearing clinic before March 31st, 2024 and you'll be entered to win a free pair of hearing aids! Click here to book your appointment.