Steps to Take if Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet

Hearing aids play an important role in keeping you connected to the sounds and conversations around you. Because they are electronic devices, exposure to water can cause problems that affect how well they work. Whether it’s from rain, sweat or an accidental spill, getting your hearing aids wet is a situation many individuals can face at some point. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly when your hearing aids come into contact with water can make a big difference. Taking the right steps can help reduce the risk of damage and extend the life of your devices. Being aware of these simple precautions and steps can provide reassurance and help ensure your hearing aids continue to work effectively.

Why Are Hearing Aids Important?

Hearing aids do more than just make sounds louder – they help people stay involved in the parts of life that matter most. As hearing changes over time, simple things like talking on the phone, hearing the doorbell or talking at a family gathering can become harder to manage. Hearing aids provide support by making speech and important sounds easier to catch, which helps reduce confusion and frustration. They also ease the mental effort it takes to follow conversations, allowing you to stay focused and engaged without feeling worn out by the end of the day.

Common Ways Hearing Aids Get Wet

Hearing aids are built to be durable, but water exposure is still one of the most common problems individuals face. Everyday situations – like forgetting to take them out before a shower or being caught in an unexpected rainstorm – can easily lead to moisture getting inside the device. Even something as simple as sweating during a workout or spending time in a humid environment can affect how well your hearing aids perform. While most modern hearing devices offer some level of water resistance, they’re not waterproof and repeated exposure can eventually cause issues.

Another common way hearing aids get wet is during routine cleaning or when handling them with damp hands. Accidental drops into sinks, bathtubs or puddles can happen quickly, especially if you’re in a hurry or distracted. In some cases, storing hearing aids in a bathroom where steam builds up regularly can allow moisture to collect over time. Understanding how water exposure happens in everyday life can help you take small but effective steps to avoid damage and keep your hearing aids working like they should.

What Water Can Do to Your Hearing Aid

Water can cause problems for your hearing aid. It may damage the small electronic parts, which can lead to weak or unclear sound. Sometimes, the device might not work until it’s fully dried out and checked by a hearing instrument specialist. Even small amounts of moisture from sweat or rain can build up over time and affect how well your hearing aid works.

Not all hearing aids are made the same when it comes to handling moisture. Some have special coatings, but most still need to be kept dry. If your hearing aid often gets wet, you may notice the battery runs out faster or hear crackling sounds. Acting fast when your device gets wet helps avoid long-term problems.

What To Do Right After Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet

Quick action can help limit any damage. Remove the device from your ear and turn it off right away. If possible, take out the battery and keep the battery door open to let air in. Gently dry the outside with a soft cloth – don’t use heat or try to shake water out. If you have a drying kit, use it. Don’t try to take apart your hearing aid yourself or use sharp objects to remove water. If your hearing aid still isn’t working after drying it out, reach out to your hearing instrument specialist for help.

What Not to Do if Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet

If your hearing aid gets wet, it’s important not to panic – but also not to make quick decisions that could cause more harm. One of the biggest mistakes people make is using heat to dry their device. That includes hair dryers or even leaving them on a sunny windowsill. While these might seem like easy ways to speed up the drying process, high heat can damage the delicate internal parts and make the problem worse. It’s also not a good idea to shake the device or tap it against a hard surface in an attempt to get water out, as this could loosen or break internal components.

Another thing to avoid is turning the hearing aid on too soon after it gets wet. Even if it looks dry from the outside, moisture can still be trapped inside and turning it on could short out the electronics. The best approach is to handle the situation calmly and avoid doing anything that might cause more damage, giving you a better chance of repairing your hearing aids.

Simple Drying Tips for Hearing Aids

A few easy steps can help keep your hearing aid in good shape. Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Open the battery door and take out the battery if you can, so air can move through the device. Drying kits and dehumidifiers made for hearing aids work well and are simple to use overnight. Keeping your device dry helps it work better and last longer.

When Is It Safe to Use Your Hearing Aid Again

After your hearing aid has dried, check for signs of water damage before using it again. Make sure the sound is clear, there are no strange noises and all buttons work as they should. If it still feels damp or isn’t working right, let it dry longer. If you’re not sure if it’s safe to use, ask your hearing instrument specialist before putting it back in your ear.

When To Contact Your Hearing Instrument Specialist

If your hearing aid isn’t working well after drying, it’s time to get help. Buzzing, static or other odd sounds could mean water has reached the electronics. If your device turns off by itself or won’t turn on even with new batteries, have a specialist take a look.

How To Prevent Water Damage

A few simple habits can help keep your hearing aid dry. Always remove your device before showering, swimming or using a sauna. If rain is in the forecast, use a hat or umbrella for extra protection. Ask your hearing instrument specialist about covers or sleeves made for hearing aids. These small steps can go a long way toward keeping moisture out.

If you want to learn more about how to care for your hearing aids when they get wet, schedule an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist. They will be able to give you the best advice.