Quick answer
Most modern hearing aids are built to cope well with everyday moisture such as rain, sweat and humidity, but very few are genuinely waterproof in the sense of being safe to submerge. Manufacturers now test devices against recognised durability standards, so day-to-day life, exercise and typical British weather shouldn’t be a worry. If you have a specific concern, such as swimming or very heavy sweating, it’s worth asking your audiologist what your particular device can and can’t handle.
It’s one of the most common questions we hear at angli-EAR Hearing, and a fair one. Hearing aids sit in and around the ear all day, through showers you forget to remove them for, unexpected rain, warm gym sessions and everything in between. Understanding how much protection your hearing aids actually offer can help you wear them with confidence rather than anxiety. Our Audiologist, Kirstie Eley, offers her advice on waterproof hearing aids:
Can hearing aids get wet?
Yes, to a point. Nearly all hearing aids made today are designed to withstand a certain amount of moisture, whether that’s a light drizzle on the school run, condensation on a humid day, or perspiration during a walk. Manufacturers achieve this through sealed casings, protective internal coatings and components chosen specifically to resist corrosion. What they’re not generally designed for is full submersion, so a swim or a bath with them in is usually where the risk starts.
How are modern hearing aids designed to resist water and sweat?
Engineering has moved on a great deal in recent years. Many manufacturers now put their devices through structured durability testing before they reach clients, covering things like drop resistance, dust exposure and prolonged contact with moisture or sweat. Internal components are often treated with a protective coating designed to stop moisture reaching the electronics, and hearing aids are increasingly built as sealed units with fewer gaps for water to find its way in.
This is genuinely good news for anyone who leads an active life or simply doesn’t want to think twice before heading out in the rain. That said, the exact level of protection varies between manufacturers and even between models from the same manufacturer, which is why it’s always worth asking us directly about the device you’re wearing or considering.
What does “waterproof” really mean for hearing aids?
Water resistance in electronics is usually described using an IP, or Ingress Protection, rating: a two-digit code where the second number indicates protection against liquid. A higher number means better resistance, but even the most robust hearing aids on the market tend to be rated for splashes, sweat and brief exposure rather than full submersion. True waterproofing, in the sense of a device you could safely wear swimming, is still uncommon in hearing aids generally. If a device is marketed as “waterproof,” it’s worth asking what that means in practice and under what conditions it was tested, since the term is sometimes used more loosely in marketing than the technical rating supports.
How can I look after my hearing aids day to day?
A few simple habits go a long way, whatever level of water resistance your device has:
- Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming, even if they’re described as water resistant.
- Wipe them over with a soft, dry cloth at the end of the day, particularly after exercise.
- Use a drying kit or dehumidifier overnight if you live somewhere humid or sweat heavily during the day.
- If a hearing aid does get wet unexpectedly, dry it gently, open the battery door if it has one, and get in touch with us rather than waiting to see if it dries out on its own.
Is water resistance something to consider when choosing hearing aids?
For some people, yes, absolutely. If you swim regularly, work outdoors, or simply sweat a lot during exercise, the level of water and moisture protection a device offers is a genuinely useful thing to factor into your decision, alongside sound quality, comfort and battery life. During a fitting, we can talk through your lifestyle and recommend a device that suits the way you actually live, rather than a generic choice.
If you’re not sure whether your current hearing aids offer enough protection for your day-to-day life, or you’re due a check-up, our team would be glad to talk it through with you.
Book a FREE Hearing Screening or a FREE Ear Health Check with our team at angli-EAR Hearing in Great Shelford. If you’re considering new hearing aids, ask us about our 30-day no-obligation trial so you can find out how a device suits your lifestyle before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with my hearing aids in?
It’s best not to. Even hearing aids with good moisture resistance aren’t generally designed for direct contact with running water, soap or shampoo, so it’s worth getting into the habit of taking them out first.
Can I swim with hearing aids?
Most hearing aids aren’t suitable for swimming, even those described as water resistant. If swimming is a regular part of your life, mention this to us so we can talk through the options available and how to protect your device the rest of the time.
What should I do if my hearing aid gets wet?
Dry it gently with a soft cloth, open the battery compartment if it has one, and avoid using heat sources like hairdryers or radiators to speed things up, as this can cause damage. Contact us if you’re at all concerned, and we can check it over.
Do all hearing aids have the same water resistance?
No, protection varies between manufacturers and models. If water resistance matters to you, it’s worth discussing during your fitting so we can recommend a device that matches your lifestyle.
