Swimming and Water Protection for Hearing Aids

If you wear hearing aids and take part in swimming or other water activities, it’s important to understand how water can affect your devices. Hearing aids contain electronic components that are not designed to be submerged, and exposure to water can reduce their performance or cause damage. Protecting your devices while staying active in and around water is an important part of long-term hearing care.

Discussing water protection strategies with your audiologist can help you keep your hearing aids in good working condition. Whether you are at the pool, the beach or simply worried about splashes, knowing the best practices for protecting your devices can prevent problems. With careful planning and simple precautions, you can continue to enjoy water activities without compromising your hearing aids. Being aware of these steps helps maintain both the function of your devices and your confidence in different settings.

How Water Can Impact Your Hearing Aids

Water can interfere with the performance of your hearing aids in several ways. Moisture can damage the delicate electronic parts inside your devices, causing issues like static, sound dropouts or complete loss of function. Corrosion may develop on battery contacts, making it difficult to power on your hearing aids. If water becomes trapped in the tubing or microphone, it can block sound and reduce how well you hear. Keeping your hearing aids dry helps them work better and last longer.

Risks Linked to Swimming While Wearing Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids while swimming can result in significant damage. Water can enter the devices, causing them to malfunction or stop working entirely. Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean can also harm internal components, making your hearing aids less reliable over time. To avoid these risks, always remove your hearing aids before swimming and store them in a dry, safe place.

Activities Besides Swimming That Can Expose Hearing Aids to Water

Swimming is not the only activity that puts your hearing aids at risk for water exposure. Showering, bathing or spending time in saunas and steam rooms can also introduce moisture. Even heavy rain or sweating during exercise can allow water to reach sensitive parts of your devices.

Signs That Moisture May Have Damaged Your Hearing Aids

Moisture damage can cause your hearing aids to work poorly or stop working. Watch for signs like sudden loss of sound, weak or distorted audio, static or crackling noises, the device turning on and off by itself or batteries draining much faster than usual. You may also see corrosion on the battery contacts or notice water droplets inside the battery compartment. If you notice any of these problems, dry your hearing aids immediately.

Water Resistance Levels Among Different Hearing Aid Types

Not all hearing aids are designed to handle moisture in the same way. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids often have higher water resistance ratings, making them suitable for people who spend time outdoors or near water. In-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) styles usually have lower resistance to moisture and require more care around water. Many newer models are built with special coatings or seals that help protect against sweat and humidity.

Water resistance is measured by an IP rating, which indicates how well a device stands up to dust and water. If you need a hearing aid that can handle more moisture, ask your audiologist about models with higher IP ratings.

Cleaning Hearing Aids After Water Exposure

If your hearing aids come into contact with water, proper cleaning is important. Start by gently shaking out any visible droplets and wiping the surface with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use cleaning solutions or sprays that are not made for hearing aids, as these may cause further damage. Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling or turning the device back on.

If you notice dirt or residue from pool or ocean water, ask your audiologist for advice on safe cleaning methods. Regular cleaning after exposure helps prevent long-term issues and keeps your devices in good condition.

Steps to Protect Your Hearing Aids Before Going Near Water

Before going near water, remove your hearing aids and store them in a safe, dry case. Make sure your hands are completely dry before handling your devices to avoid introducing moisture. If you use special covers or sleeves designed to keep out moisture, put these on before spending time outside or near water. Bringing a drying kit or dehumidifier with you can also help keep your hearing aids in good shape if you plan to be around water for an extended period.

Protective Accessories Designed for Use Around Water

There are several accessories available to help protect your hearing aids from moisture. Some popular options include waterproof covers or sleeves that fit over your devices, headbands designed to keep sweat and splashes away, watertight storage cases for use near pools or showers and dehumidifiers or drying kits for removing moisture after use. Using these accessories can help lower the risk of water damage. An audiologist can recommend options that work best for your specific hearing aid model.

What to Do If Your Hearing Aids Become Wet

If your hearing aids get wet, act quickly. Remove them right away and turn them off. Take out the batteries and leave the battery doors open to allow air to circulate. Gently dry the outside with a soft, clean cloth. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, microwaves or ovens, as high temperatures can cause permanent damage.

Place your hearing aids in a drying kit or dehumidifier as soon as possible. Quick action can help prevent problems like static, sound loss or corrosion that might require repairs.

Staying Safe and Confident Around Water with Hearing Aids

Protecting your hearing aids from water is key to keeping them working well. By removing your devices before swimming, using protective accessories and drying them promptly if they get wet, you can reduce the risk of damage. Staying aware of signs of moisture problems also helps you address issues early before they become more serious.

If you want to learn more about water-resistant hearing aid models or need advice on protecting your devices near water, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. Reach out if you have questions or would like to review options that suit your lifestyle. Taking these steps helps ensure your hearing aids remain reliable so you can enjoy time near water with peace of mind.