Are Hearing Aids Waterproof? The Correct Answer Is Here!

Hearing aids are a must-have for people with hearing loss, and they have to wear this tiny device almost all the time.

With that in mind, you may consider whether it's okay to wear a hearing aid when showering, swimming, or bathing.

TheAudioCritic will help you clear up these queries in this post.

Let’s find out, “Are hearing aids waterproof?”

Are Hearing Aids Waterproof? 

Few truly waterproof models are currently available on the market. Instead, most hearing aids are water-resistant. It means they should not be submerged in water but can handle a little bit of moisture.

The fact is that fully waterproof models are practically nonexistent, except for the Aquaris hearing aid from Siemens. Most modern hearing devices are considered to be water-resistant, giving them limited protection from water. 

While fully waterproof models remain rare, most modern models offer a high level of protection against sweat, moisture, rain, and even swimming.

So how to make hearing aids waterproof? If you want to add protection, it is okay to use hearing aid waterproof covers, helping to protect the sensitive electronics inside your device.

Hearing Aids and Water Resistance Ratings 

All hearing aids will work best when we keep them dry and clean. Yet, some hearing devices are water-resistant to a certain extent.

The fact is that the water-resistant level of hearing aids depends on the IP rating. Here is how it works: every device is accompanied by a two-digit number. 

The first number represents the resistance against dust, sand, and other dry erosion. Meanwhile, the second one represents the ability to resist the water of your device. 

The higher the second number, the longer the device will last (in 3 feet of water or more). 

For example, if your hearing aid has an IP87 rating, you probably know it will be resistant to sand well and run for about half an hour in three feet of water.

Many modern hearing devices are pretty waterproof. But almost none of the models are entirely waterproof, except for the Aquaris hearing aid from Siemens.

What Should You Do if Your Hearing Devices Get Wet?

If you don't have a waterproof hearing aid, you may be worried about your hearing aid when it gets wet.

Peace of mind. Start by carefully letting your hearing aid dry and checking with a trusted professional, especially if it has a low IP rating.

The IP rating of your hearing aid will tell you what you can expect in terms of potential water damage.

Is Water Resistance Worth It?

Water-resistance is worth it?

The electronics within your hearing device will not mesh well with water.

So, you should remove the hearing aids before swimming or hopping in the shower, depending on their IP rating.

Remember that water resistance won't help if you drop your hearing aid at the swimming pool's bottom. However, there are some situations where a high IP rating would be more beneficial to you, such as:

• If you're living in a relatively rainy, humid, or wet climate
• If you are perspire significant, whether when exercising or at rest (sweat s a form of water)
• You like to play water sports (such as boating or fishing).

FAQs

Can Hearing Aids Get Wet?

Most modern models feature an IP68 rating. That means they can withstand dust, dirt, sand, and being submerged in water. 

The fact is that many hearing devices can get to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters underwater for half an hour, although we do not recommend it!

How Much Are Waterproof Hearing Aids?

The only truly waterproof hearing aid is the Aquaris model made by Siemens. This device is dustproof and waterproof. You can expect to get it for over $40.

What Happens When Hearing Aids Get Wet?

It can get your device's battery wet, which can become corroded and cause rusting inside your hearing aid.

Therefore, when your hearing aid falls into the water, it is essential to remove it from the water as quickly as possible – the less water exposure to the hearing aid, the better.

After that, you need to open its battery door, remove the battery, and throw away or recycle the battery.

Conclusion

Most hearing aids are water-resistant but are not waterproof. The only exception is the Aquaris model from Siemens. 

Today’s hearing devices are technological marvels. Even though entirely waterproof models are unavailable, water-resistant devices can endure most of what life has to offer. Thank you for reading