Waterproof Hearing Aids 101

What Are Waterproof Hearing Aids?

Do you tend to forget to remove your hearing aids before taking a shower? Do you enjoy being out on the water? If so, you may be familiar with waterproof hearing aids. There aren’t any hearing aids available that are 100 percent waterproof. But, there are many water-resistant models out there. These can give you what you need.

What Are IP Ratings And What Do They Mean?

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are hearing aid ratings. The IEC issues the rating based on how much protection these provide against water and dust.

The IP consists of two digits. The first digit is a rating of the degree of protection against certain particles such as sand or dust. This is a rating between one and seven. The second digit measures anywhere from one to nine. It indicates how resistant the hearing care devices is to moisture. A hearing aid with a rating of 78 would be very resistant to moisture and particles. It has shown that it can function in less than three feet of water for at least 30 minutes.

Despite testing water resistance, manufacturers suggest not submerging them at all. It’s best to avoid moisture as much as possible. This is to help protect your devices.

When To Get Water Resistant Devices For Hearing Loss

It is not suggested to submerge your hearing aids. But, there are certain times when getting a water resistant device could help you.

For instance, you may sweat from recreation or work. This will leave your hearing aid more vulnerable to moisture. You may also want these products if you live in a climate that’s particularly wet or humid. If you enjoy fishing, boating, or other water sports, these hearing aids can also help. They’re also ideal for people who forget to remove them when needed. This includes when they need to take a shower.

Why Dry Is Best

Regardless of if you get a water resistant hearing aid, you’ll want to keep them dry as often as possible. This is to keep them working at their best. At night before going to sleep, follow these steps to make sure your devices function.

• Remove the batteries from the device and wipe it using a clean, dry cloth.
• Open the battery compartment door and leave it open until morning. This will help reduce the internal moisture.
• Get a dehumidifier based on a hearing professional’s recommendations. You can find these at a local pharmacy or retail store.

Keeping all this in mind, you may want to consider getting a water resistent hearing aid. Contact Chicago Beltone to learn more! We can help you choose the right hearing aid for your life.