Hearing systems in squad athletes: Where otology meets sports medicine

Objective: Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes represent a unique population in elite sports. While hearing loss does not inherently impair athletic performance, it can affect communication, safety, and injury risk. To date, little is known about the use and perceived benefit of hearing systems among elite deaf athletes. This study aimed to evaluate hearing status, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants (CIs), and the impact of hearing systems on communication and injury incidence in elite deaf athletes in Germany. Methods: A self-developed, web-based questionnaire (127 items) was distributed to all athletes (n = 170) in the German Deaf Sports Association elite squad. A total of 54 athletes (12 females, 42 males; mean age of 28.8 ± 10.5 years) completed the survey. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: The most frequently utilized hearing devices are hearing aids (72.1%) and CIs (32.6%). In total, 75% wore their devices during training with hearing athletes, but only 25% did so when training with deaf athletes. In competitions for deaf athletes, hearing devices are prohibited. All users reported improved communication in everyday life, with 90% perceiving a clear communication advantage in sports. Athletes who do not use hearing devices seem to have a significantly higher number of work-related incapacities due to sports injuries. Conclusion: Hearing aids and CIs are perceived as beneficial, particularly in communication and potentially in injury prevention. These findings highlight the importance of supporting and optimizing the use of hearing devices in sports to enhance athlete safety, communication, and performance.