Got caught in the rain? Sweating from your workout? Dropped your hearing aids in the toilet? How do hearing aids fare when they are exposed to water damage? Are they waterproof?
Most modern hearing aids come equipped with a water-resistance rating of IP68. An IP68 rating means that, in testing trials, the device has survived continuous immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. How do companies make their hearing aids water-resistant? Well, the hearing aid is usually made with some sort of protective coating or sealant that protects them against moisture.
In practical terms, if a hearing aid comes in casual contact with moisture for a short amount of time, its water-resistant capabilities will likely protect it. However, long-term moisture exposure will definitely damage a hearing aid. Therefore, it’s not safe to shower or swim with your hearing aids.
If your hearing aids are exposed to moisture, it’s recommended to put them in a hearing aid dehumidifier, regardless of their IP rating. Dehumidifiers can come in different styles, including plug-in electric dehumidifiers or passive desiccant bead dehumidifiers.
Are there any hearing aids that are truly waterproof (not just water-resistant)? Currently, no. However, in 2011, a hearing aid company called Siemens created a truly waterproof hearing aid, but this model has since been discontinued.
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