Hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant. This is to help protect sensitive electronic parts from moisture from the environment and your ear canals. This means that you don’t have to worry about sweating too much or getting caught in the rain. However, you should not ever wear your hearing aids in the shower. It is always best to remove them before you get into the shower.
Moisture damage is one of the top reasons hearing aids are sent in for repair. If your hearing aids are exposed to water or moisture more frequently it can affect their lifespan. In fact, when you purchase hearing aids your hearing care professional will discuss regular maintenance with you. This will include information about how to protect your hearing aids from moisture.
How Water-Resistant Are Hearing Aids?
All hearing aids receive two “IP” ratings from the International Electrotechnical Commission. This is to determine how resistant they are to dust and water. Here are what the two numbers mean:
The first digit rates the degree of protection against debris, such as dust or sand, and is rated on a scale of 1-7.
The second digit indicates how resistant the electrical device is to moisture and is rated on a scale from 1-8.
For example, a hearing aid with an IP67 rating means it is highly protected against debris such as sand or dust. It also means it has been tested to work for at least 30 minutes in water less than three feet deep.1