Uh oh – hearing aid got wet in shower? You might be wondering whether you can even wear hearing aids in the shower? The short answer is no, you shouldn’t. It’s dangerous to get hearing aids wet. However, there are certain kinds of new hearing aids that can work to wear while swimming. The hearing aid industry is coming up with innovate ways to provide lifestyle options for modern hearing aids. If you are just starting to wear hearing aids, it is important to know how to properly care for them and if you can wear in the shower or not. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to keep your hearing aids clean and in good condition!
Table of Contents
- What to know about hearing aids and water
- A hearing aid especially designed for water
- Can you wear hearing aids to bed?
- Hearing aid success
What to know about hearing aids and water
Hearing aids are electronic devices. Most electronics, unless especially designed for use in water, are best kept away from moisture and water exposure. Water can damage hearing aids in a few ways. First, moisture can enter the casing of the hearing aid and cause corrosion. This can damage delicate parts inside the hearing aid and lead to malfunction.
What is a Moisture Rating?
Many hearing aids have an Ingress Protection rating (IP) classification system to estimate how the device will perform when exposed to water. The rating will be made up of two numbers: one for solid material and one for liquids. For example, the first number in an IP rating of 57 means that the device has some protection from dust, denoted by the number 5. The second number (7), means that the device can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
How Can You Reduce Moisture Effects?
If you have an active lifestyle, you’ll want a device that is more resistant to water damage. In a humid climate, this is particularly important. Wet hearing aids can happen due to excess moisture, moving from high heat outdoors to air condition indoors, hearing devices will do best with a hearing aid dryer or other moisture mitigation strategy. It doesn’t have to interfere with your day, as moisture reduction even works well with the hearing aids overnight.
However, just because the device carries this rating, does not mean that it is recommended to allow water and dust exposure. According to GN Resound reps, the IP rating is not an indictor of long-term reliability or performance. Care is still needed to keep the hearing aid in good working condition. It is best not to wear hearing aids in the shower.
Steps to take if hearing aid gets wet
Accidents happen. What to do if your hearing aid gets wet? If your rechargeable hearing aid got wet accidentally, there are a few steps you can take to minimize damage. You can put your hearing aid in a dryer (or hearing aid dehumidifier), use desiccant beads, or put hearing aid in uncooked rice to dry out the moisture. Allow them to air dry as well as possible without exposing them to too much heat or high heat, like with a hair dryer. Side note: please do not put your hearing aids in the microwave!
If your hearing aids get wet you’ll want to safely dry them. Make sure to keep the battery door open or turn off the hearing aid to prevent feedback, battery drain, or further damage. The battery compartment also needs to dry out to prevent corrosion. Drying hearing aids removes some of the moisture and reduces possibility of damage. Do your best not to wear hearing aids in the shower. But if you do – take the proper steps.
A hearing aid especially designed for water
Are there waterproof hearing aids for swimming? Phonak has just come out with a new hearing aid you can wear in water. This device is designed to withstand being submerged in water of 1.6 feet, including salt water, fresh water, or pool water. This device is ideal for those who are active outdoors or are more concerned about perspiration. However, use your discretion in terms of whether the hearing aid should be worn while swimming laps in the pool, for example.
Can you wear hearing aids to bed?
While wearing hearing aids to bed won’t damage them, it is best to take your hearing aids out at night. Firstly, this saves on battery life. Secondly, hearing aids are likely to create feedback if anything comes close to them, for example a pillow. Thirdly, you ears need a rest each day to allow oxygen to come in, reducing chances of infection.
Hearing aid success
Hearing aids can improve your quality of life and treat your hearing loss. Wearing hearing aids successfully is a matter of getting hearing benefit in important situations in your life. Physical activity is also an important piece of overall health and a big part of life for many who are still needing to hear well in these situations. While care is needed to maximize hearing aid function, certain types of hearing aids will work better in more challenging environments. It is important to get technology that best addresses your needs but also equally important to properly care for them.
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