Are Waterproof Hearing Aids Worth it for Active Adults?
If you enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle, protecting your hearing device from damage due to sweat, humidity, rain, water, and other environmental elements is important. If you’re a swimmer especially, you’ll want to use waterproof or highly water-resistant hearing aids. There are different options available, depending on your lifestyle and budget.
Know the difference between waterproof and water resistant
A waterproof hearing aid has a single-piece casing and uses specialty waterproof membranes between compartments and around sensitive components. It’s designed to withstand continuous submersion in water but be aware – it may not be completely foolproof for extended pool laps.
Many hearing aids are not waterproof, but they are water resistant, sometimes termed “moisture resistant.” Water resistant means the hearing aids will deflect moisture, but the aids will probably not function properly if submerged in water.
How to check if your hearing aid is waterproof
You should look for its ratings, which are determined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a worldwide governing body that sets ratings for consumer products based on their protection against dust, water, and other external elements. The rating is called an IP Code (or Ingress Protection Code). You can use the IP Code to determine how much water- and dust-proof a consumer product is, including hearing aids.
The higher the code numbers (on a scale from 0 to 9), the better protection the hearing aid provides against dust and moisture.
The first digit in an IP code measures how well the device keeps out materials like dust, dirt, and debris. The second digit measures protection against liquids. So, an IP68 means they’re dust-tight (6) and protected against water immersion (8). IP68 is currently the highest waterproof rating for hearing aids on the market now. You should consult with your hearing specialist about which to buy, especially if you’re an avid swimmer.
Ways to protect your hearing device
Here are some tips to help keep your hearing aid safe from dust and moisture, whether it’s water-resistant or waterproof.
- Wipe your hearing aids after use – at the end of the day, wipe them with a dry, dust-free cloth. This can help clean any excess moisture and remove dust from the outer casing.
- Use a small dehumidifier – store your hearing aids in a dehumidifier, which can help prevent moisture damage. There are several on the market from simple plastic containers with a desiccant (small packet of moisture absorbing crystals) or ones with a tiny electric fan.
- Open the battery doors when not in use – opening the door allows air to flow freely through the hearing aid and helps dry up any moisture trapped inside the casing.
- Use sweat covers – these moisture-absorbing “socks” range in price so you may want to shop around.
At Two Rivers Hearing, our team provides expert hearing aid services for the people of Melbourne and Rockledge.
We can help you determine the best hearing device for your active lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment today to discuss hearing aids.