Water and hearing aids just don't mix. Like most electronic devices, hearing aids should be kept away from water. And although hearing aids may be labeled as “water resistant”, it is very different from “water resistant”, which means that you should avoid showing, bathing and swimming with hearing aids. Many patients soon get so used to wearing their hearing aids that they forget to take them off.
While there are more and more hearing aids designed to be water resistant, only a few devices are considered waterproof and prolonged exposure to moisture can permanently damage the device. Just like your mobile phone or any other electronic device, hearing aids don't work well in water. Although they are usually resistant to moisture, such as sweat and fog, completely submerging them in water can damage the hearing aid. It can be very simple things like a box and a drying tablet or more complex electronic devices that will dry and sterilize the hearing aids at the same time.
Here you can take a look at what you need to do to clean and care for your hearing aid on a regular basis. Together they offer a holistic view of the hearing aid industry and the equipment available on both sides of the fence. If this is maintained over time, it can end up affecting the internal electronics of the hearing aid or some of its physical parts, such as the BTE type elbow, without actually getting any drops of water inside it. Steve has been using hearing aids for over thirty years and Geoff is a veteran of the audiology industry.
They are worth investing in, as they will ensure that your hearing aids last longer even if you never drop them in the water. If your hearing aid is relatively new, water damage may be covered under warranty; check with your provider. The design of a new hearing aid model involves a series of new hearing technologies that are tested and tested to ensure the best result. Appliances such as hairdryers, ovens, microwaves, and radiators can cause much more damage to a hearing aid than even excess moisture, so always allow a damp device to dry slowly at room temperature.
