Technology

Is my hearing aid waterproof?

Q: Will rain damage my hearing aid?

Whether it is rain, sweat, steam or water, humidity is the number one enemy of most hearing aids. In the case of IP68 devices, the devices are highly resistant with a low risk of long-term damage to electronic components.

What can I do if my hearing aid gets wet?

Last update on Jul 13th, 2021

Waterproof hearing aids: certification

IP is the international standard that certifies the impermeability of a hearing aid, i.e. it defines how well the hearing aid is protected from dust, debris and water according to the international standard IEC 60529. The first number in the IP rating indicates the level of protection against dust, on a scale of 1 to 6, the second against water, on a scale of 1 to 8.

Waterproof hearing aid models

The water-resistant hearing aids include models such as:

Ampli Mini R5,
Phonak Virto M90-Titanium,
Sivantos Motion 13 1NX/T,
Phonak Bolero M90-M.

All these models have an IP 68 certification, the highest IP rating, according to international standards.

How do I know if my hearing aid is waterproof?

To find out if your hearing aid is waterproof, search for the IP code on the online product sheet or in the instruction manual inside its packaging. If you are unable to find it, your hearing care professional can provide you with information about the water resistance of your hearing aid.

Are waterproof hearing aids more expensive?

IP 68 hearing aids are part of the new generation of hearing aids, designed with a nano-coated lining on both the inside and outside, so they can be worn in any everyday situation without worrying about sweat, rain, or splashing water. However, this technology is slightly more expensive than the technology in traditional devices.

Special hearing aids for swimming

Hearing aids with an IP rating of 68 indicate a resistance at about 1.5 meters for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, this does not mean that they can be used regularly for swimming, especially in the sea, as salt water releases crystals that damage the device.

Will rain damage my hearing aid?

Whether it is rain, sweat, steam or water, humidity is the number one enemy of most hearing aids. In the case of IP68 devices, the devices are highly resistant with a low risk of long-term damage to electronic components.

Hearing aid dropped in the water

Below are some useful tips and steps on how to dry your wet hearing aids

turn it off immediately,
remove the battery and wipe it dry with a cloth,
gently shake the hearing aid to remove any remaining water
place the hearing aid on a newspaper in a warm, dry place for several hours with the battery compartment open.

Hearing aid got wet: What can I do?

If your hearing aid has come in contact with water or you're in a particularly humid place, it may be enough to wipe your hearing aid dry with a cloth. Most hearing aids can withstand contact with water or being submerged to shallow depths, thanks to nano-coating technologies. However, it is critical to act as soon as possible to avoid damage.

Drying hearing aids properly - here's how it works!

To effectively dry a wet hearing aid, the most convenient method is to use a hearing aid dehumidifier: there are various types on the market, from drying boxes to dehydrating capsules or sprays. A homemade solution, however, is to put the open device for a few hours in a dry place, but never in the sun. Using hair dryers or radiators to dry the device is not recommended.