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Can you wear hearing aids in the shower? The answer is no, you shouldn’t. However, there are certain kinds of hearing aids that can work to wear while swimming. 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!
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. 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.
Many hearing aids have an Ingress Protection rating (IP) 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.
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
“Uh oh, my hearing aid fell in toilet.” 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, use desiccant beads, or put hearing aid in rice to dry out the moisture. 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. Wearing hearing aids successfully is a matter of getting hearing benefit in important situations in your life. For some people, physical activity is a big part of their life and they 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.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this post on: can you wear hearing aids in the shower?