Can I Wear My Hearing Aids in the Shower or While Swimming?

If you’ve recently been fitted with a set of hearing aids at American Medical Hearing Centers, you may find yourself constantly asking: Can hearing aids get wet? Can I wear my hearing aids in the shower or while swimming? As you navigate daily activities, it's essential to understand the limits of your hearing aids. While many modern devices are designed to be water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can still pose risks. We want to emphasize the importance of understanding your device's resistance capabilities, specifically its resistance to moisture, what precautions should be taken to avoid damage from water exposure, and what you should do if your hearing aids do get wet.

Can Hearing Aids Get Wet?

Despite the remarkable advancements in technology, it's essential to remember that tech gadgets and water aren't compatible. The same goes for hearing aids. While modern hearing aids are more resistant to water and sweat, and many brands boast an impressive IP rating (an international standard for defining levels of sealing effectiveness), which helps to guard them against moisture, it's important to remember that they're resistant, not fully waterproof.

This understanding means that some contact with sweat or moisture won't typically destroy your hearing aids immediately. However, exposure to large amounts of water for extended periods – like during a shower or a swim in the pool, will almost certainly lead to damage.

What Happens If Hearing Aids Get Wet?

Consistent exposure to water or moisture can affect your hearing aids’ microphone and receiver. Both these components are vital for sound amplification, and their performance is heavily reliant on being dry. Dampness can result in distortion of sound, lowered volume, or, in some cases, your hearing aids may stop working altogether.

Further, moisture trapped in the hearing aids may also lead to corrosion of the battery or other electronic parts, affecting your device’s life span and reliability. This potential for damage necessitates caution, especially if you're tempted to wear your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming.

What Should You Do If Your Hearing Aids Get Wet?

While the industry continues to improve the resilience of hearing aids against moisture, currently, no hearing aids can withstand full immersion in water over an extended period. That said, accidents can and do happen. So, what should you do if your hearing aids get wet?

First and foremost, don't panic! Carefully remove your hearing aids and dry them as thoroughly as possible. Remove the battery and leave the battery door open. Then, place them in a dry, warm place (but not under direct heat). Ideally, you should use a dehumidifier specially designed for hearing aids to extract moisture.

If they're soaked or have been submerged in water, you'll likely need to take them in for professional servicing. Even if they appear to be working, there could be internal damage that might lead to more problems later on.

Preserving Your Hearing Aid Investment

American Medical Hearing Centers are here to provide advice, resources, and the most advanced hearing aid technology. To avoid any potential water damage and expensive repairs, remember to always remove your hearing aids before any water-involved activities. It might feel a bit strange at first, but your hearing aids - and your wallet - will thank you in the long run! Keep your devices functioning optimally with our guidance, and enjoy the gift of hearing for years to come. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.