Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including athletes. For athletes, hearing loss can be particularly challenging as it impacts communication with coaches and teammates, situational awareness, and overall performance. Fortunately, advancements in hearing aid technology now allow athletes to enjoy a more natural, immersive listening experience — even during intense physical activity.
In this article, we’ll cover the top three recommended hearing aids for athletes in 2025. We’ll also touch on how exercise affects hearing loss and why certain features — like wind noise reduction, water resistance, and helmet compatibility — matter for sports performance. The three models we’ll highlight are the ReSound Vivia, Phonak Infinio , and Oticon Own IIC.
ReSound Vivia – The Best for Wind Noise and Outdoor Sports
The ReSound Vivia hearing aids incorporate advanced M&RIE technology, placing an additional microphone inside the ear canal to capture sound more naturally. This preserves the pinna effect for improved speech clarity, better localization, and a more realistic listening experience — a game-changer for athletes exposed to wind and environmental noise.
With Vivia’s superior wind noise reduction and precise directional microphones, athletes can maintain situational awareness in outdoor environments. Whether you’re cycling down a mountain trail, teeing off on the golf course, or playing soccer in a windy stadium, Vivia ensures you hear both the game and your surroundings.
Sports ideally suited for ReSound Vivia include:
- Biking
- Beach volleyball
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Golf
Read my full review to learn more about its performance and pricing.
Phonak Infinio – The Water-Resistant Powerhouse
For athletes who train in challenging weather or high-humidity environments, the Phonak Infinio offers exceptional durability. This model is fully water-resistant and sweatproof, making it a top choice for swimmers, triathletes, and anyone who trains hard.
Equipped with SmartSpeech Technology and dynamic scene detection, Infinio automatically adjusts to noisy sports arenas, crowded sidelines, or bustling outdoor events. Athletes can communicate clearly with teammates and coaches even in high-noise situations.
Ideal for sports like:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Ice hockey
- Swimming and water polo
- Long-distance running
For even better speech clarity in noisy environments, consider pairing it with the Phonak Roger system. You can also compare prices from trusted providers.
Oticon Own IIC – The Invisible Helmet-Compatible Option
For contact sports like football, lacrosse, and hockey, behind-the-ear devices aren’t always practical. The Oticon Own IIC fits deep inside the ear canal, staying secure under helmets and headgear.
Featuring Deep Neural Network processing, the Own IIC reduces listening effort and improves the signal-to-noise ratio. This means athletes can hear important cues clearly — like a coach’s call or the sound of an approaching player — without distraction.
Although IIC hearing aids have smaller batteries and fewer noise reduction features, Oticon’s AI-powered platform helps bridge the gap. If you prefer a RIC model with even more noise control, consider the Oticon Real.
You can check Oticon Own prices from licensed audiologists nationwide.
Conclusion
Whether you’re braving the wind on a mountain trail, diving into a pool, or wearing a helmet in a high-contact sport, there’s a hearing aid built for your needs. The ReSound Vivia, Phonak Infinio, and Oticon Own IIC are top picks for athletes in 2025, each excelling in different sporting environments.
Always consult an audiologist to ensure proper fit and programming for your sport and lifestyle. With the right hearing aid, you can stay competitive, safe, and fully engaged in your game.