Hearing Aid Use at Theme Parks

Thank you for your question regarding the use of your hearing aids when riding on theme park rides. Some of these rides can hit speeds as high as 65 miles per hour (Kraken, Sea World). This would be equivalent to sticking your head out your car window while traveling down the freeway. Even though your hearing aids sit down into your ear canal, there would be a strong possibility the aid could become dislodged. In addition, some of these rides involve water and the possibility of getting wet.

When fitting patients with hearing aids, I will always instruct them to care for them as they would expensive jewelry. Wearing one's finest diamond necklace or a bracelet with sentimental value while riding these attractions would be taking a significant risk. Hearing aids are a large investment and require special care.

Remember, hearing aids are designed for close range speech conversation. Having been on these rides myself, I did not find time for a lot of conversation until I was back on the ground and my balance system was working again. I hope this is of help for you.