Anyone who wears a hearing aid will sooner or later face the question: can I shower or swim with it? Water and electronics are generally not a good combination, and neither are most hearing aids. But how sensitive are hearing aids to moisture? What happens if you accidentally take a hearing aid into the shower? And are there ways to protect your hearing aid from water damage? In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about hearing aids and water.
How water sensitive are hearing aids?
Hearing aids are sensitive electronic devices with microphones, amplifiers and speakers. Most hearing aids can withstand a little sweat or moist air, but direct contact with water can be harmful. Water can penetrate the tiny openings of the device and cause short circuits or corrosion, which can cause the device to malfunction or even fail completely.
The degree to which a hearing aid is resistant to water is indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This is a standard that indicates how well a device is protected against dust and water. For example, a hearing aid with an IP68 rating is more resistant to moisture than a model with a lower IP rating. Still, a high IP rating does not mean that a hearing aid is completely waterproof.
What happens when your hearing aid gets wet?
If a hearing aid accidentally gets wet, there can be several consequences:
- Sound distortion: Water can block the microphone or speaker, causing the sound to sound distorted or dull.
- Short circuit: Electronics and water do not mix. In some cases, moisture can cause the device to stop working.
- Corrosion: Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause rust to form on the internal components, causing damage over time.
- Battery problems: Moisture can adversely affect battery performance and even cause leaks.
Can you shower with a hearing aid?
No, it is not recommended to shower with a hearing aid. The hot steam and direct running water can allow moisture to penetrate the device. Even if your device has a high IP rating, it is better to take it off before getting in the shower. Showering with a hearing aid increases the risk of water damage and can shorten the life of your device.
Can you swim with a hearing aid?
Like showering, swimming with a hearing aid is strongly discouraged. In swimming pools, the sea or lakes, the risk of damage is even greater due to the presence of chlorine, salt and other substances in the water. Water pressure and sudden movements can submerge the device, allowing moisture to penetrate more easily.
There is also a practical problem: If you jump or move in the water, your hearing aid can come loose and disappear into the water. This makes swimming with a hearing aid not only risky for the electronics, but also for the device itself.
What to do if your hearing aid got wet?
Did your hearing aid accidentally get wet? If so, follow these steps to limit the damage:
- Turn off the device immediately and remove the battery, if possible.
- Gently pat the unit dry with a soft, dry cloth. Do not shake it to get water out, as this may spread the moisture further.
- Let the hearing aid dry in a dry, warm place. Do not use a hair dryer or direct heat sources such as a radiator.
- Use a drying box or a special drying capsule to pull out any remaining moisture.
- Install a new battery and test that the device is still functioning properly.
If the hearing aid is still not working properly after these steps, contact your hearing care professional.
How do you protect your hearing aid from moisture?
While it is not possible to make a standard hearing aid completely waterproof, you can take precautions to protect it from moisture:
- Avoid humid environments: Do not wear your hearing aid in the bathroom while showering or in a sauna.
- Use a drying box: This helps to remove excess moisture from the hearing aid on a daily basis.
- Store your hearing aid in a dry place when not wearing it.
- Check the IP rating when buying a new hearing aid if you are often in humid conditions.
Are there waterproof hearing aids?
There are some hearing aids with high water resistance, but fully waterproof models are rare. Some manufacturers offer models with an IP68 rating, which means they can withstand short-term immersion. However, this does not mean you can swim or shower with them, but it does provide additional protection against unexpected exposure to moisture.
The answer
Can you swim or shower with a hearing aid? The short answer is: no. Most hearing aids are not designed to withstand direct contact with water, and exposure to moisture can significantly reduce the performance and life of the device. To prevent water damage, it is wise to always take your hearing aid off before showering or swimming and to take additional protective measures, such as using a drying box. This will keep your hearing aid functioning optimally and allow you to enjoy it for as long as possible.
