Did you know that majority of the hearing aids available in today’s market are moisture proof, but not waterproof? While walking in the rain and having a vigorous workout won’t damage your hearing aids, you still need to be conscious of your hearing aids in wet environments. While this may be easier to manage in the fall and winter, extra precaution should be taken during the warmer months. The heat often brings with it humidity and moisture, and then there’s the typical warm weather pastime, swimming. On hot days, it’s not uncommon for a person to dive in, and then realize they still had their hearing aids in after the fact. However, even if you didn’t look before you took the plunge, all hope is not lost.
Have a pair of hearing aids that decided to go for a swim? Before you panic, learn what to do with wet hearing aids.
1. When your hearing aid has been exposed to water, make sure you remove it from the source of water, turn it off, and immediately remove the battery from the device. The exception to this is when your hearing aid falls in salt or dirty water. When this happens, rinse first with clean water and then turn it off and remove the battery.
2. Gently shake your hearing aid to help remove the water from your device. Then take a clean towel or cloth and lightly dry it off. Never, EVER, use an oven or a microwave as a way to dry your hearing aids. Otherwise, you run the high heat you run a risk of melting the hearing aid’s circuitry.
3. Let your hearing aid(s) sit out with the battery compartment door open to dry for a day or two. Make sure that the battery has been removed. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier is best for this step.
4. Put in a new battery and give your hearing aids a try to see if they work. It’s always good news when they work, but if they don’t, do not assume that all hope is lost. It may need some more time to dry. Otherwise, contact your audiologist to discuss your options. You may have a warranty or may have to pay a repair charge. Remember, even if you have to pay a repair charge it is often cheaper than the price of a new hearing aid!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most hearing aids available today are moisture proof, meaning they can handle exposure to sweat or light rain without damage but are not waterproof. They are not designed to be submerged in water, so full immersion can still cause damage.
If your hearing aids get wet, remove them from the water source immediately, turn them off, and take out the battery. If they were submerged in salt or dirty water, rinse them first with clean water before turning off and removing the battery to minimize damage.
No, you should never use an oven or microwave to dry hearing aids. High heat can melt the device’s circuitry and cause permanent damage. Instead, gently dry with a cloth and let them air dry or use a hearing aid dehumidifier.
It’s best to let your hearing aids dry for a day or two with the battery compartment open and battery removed. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier can speed up the drying process and help prevent moisture damage over time.
If your hearing aids still don’t work after thorough drying, don’t panic. They may need more time to dry completely. If they remain nonfunctional, contact your audiologist to discuss repair options or warranty coverage, as repairing is often less costly than replacement.
Yes, swimming with hearing aids is harmful because most devices are not waterproof and can be damaged by submersion in water, especially in chlorine or salt water. It’s best to remove your hearing aids before swimming to avoid damage.
Warm weather often comes with increased humidity and moisture, which can affect hearing aids by causing internal condensation or damage if exposed frequently. Taking extra care during the summer months is important to maintain device functionality.
