Staying Dry: Water Resistant And Waterproof Hearing Aids
Water and moisture cause lots of trouble for hearing aid wearers. Too much humidity means earwax buildup, and even a little water can ruin the electronics. So, can you get waterproof hearing aids?
Actually, there are no waterproof hearing aids. It's impossible, because sound has to pass through the device somehow. But, water is one of the surest ways to damage your hearing aids. Companies are working now to improve hearing aid technology in order to offer better resistance against moisture and humidity.
What Is Available?
Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve their models to make them more water-resistant. Rion and Eurion are two companies that offer water-resistant hearing aids.
Rion offers several water-resistant styles, such as the HB-54. It is a behind-the-ear hearing aid that has a protective film which helps keep out moisture, but you still have to take it off to go swimming! One problem many hearing aid users report is sweat getting into their hearing aids, and these are ideal for outdoor activities. They are worn by many firefighters for just that reason.
Another popular model is Eurion's Lotus PP. You can find this model for sale on their website.
Remember that hearing aids advertised as "waterproof," really are not. They may have features that help keep water out, but no hearing aid is truly waterproof.
Keeping Out Water
Getting water directly into the ears is rarely ever a problem, so a good CIC (completely-in-the-canal) hearing aid might be suitable if you are concerned about it.
You can also get Dri-Aid and other products which will help keep down moisture in your ears.
Another product designed to keep out water is Super Seals. This is a protective wrapper that you can put over your hearings aids.
Here are a few other tips for protecting your hearing aids from moisture:
- Wrap them yourself in a tiny layer of plastic or tissue. Wrap them just enough to absorb the sweat, not so much that you can't hear anything!
- Wear your hair short. If you have longer hair, it's easier for sweat to get into your ears.
- Carry a plastic bag, like a Ziplock, and put the hearing aid in there when you are active and sweaty. This also works well if you are going to an amusement park and want to go on some water rides!
Although there are no waterproof hearing aids, the demand for them is quite high. For this reason, researchers are working on ways to develop waterproofing, such as using impermeable membranes.
Until a waterproof model is developed, hearing aid users can always find water-resistant hearing aids. Be sure also to practice proper maintenance on your hearing aids, and make sure the moisture doesn't build up.