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Moisture and Hearing Aids
We all try to protect our hearing aids as much as possible, but sometimes things go wrong. Maybe you got caught in the rain, forgot to take off your hearing aids before getting in the shower, or just lived in a humid place. No matter what the reason, your hearing aids really don't like being wet.
Moisture is like a kryptonite for hearing aids.
Just as water can short-circuit a computer or damage the delicate components inside a cell phone, moisture can also cause similar problems for hearing aids. When your devices get damaged by water, it's not the water that does the damage but the small ions and other impurities in the water. These impurities can stick to sensitive electronics and mess up the connection.
Moisture can enter your hearing aids in many ways, including sweating, exposure to humidity, and condensation from cold environments. Some individuals may be more likely to experience moisture in their hearing aids because they live in a humid country, such as Florida or Louisiana. Other potential causes include getting caught in the rain, participating in water sports, using a sauna or shower, and spraying hair styling products.
How moisture damages your hearing aid.
Moisture may harm your hearing aids in a variety of ways:
- It can block gaps and ports.
- It disrupts circuits and impacts the hearing aid's frequency response.
- It is capable of harming the battery contact points.
In a place with a lot of humidity, your hearing aids might not work correctly. A little exposure to moisture won't move the needle, but a larger amount might permanently damage your hearing aid.
The following are some red flags that suggest your hearing aids may need repair:
- Loud noises cause the sound to disappear.
- Sound fades in and out.
- You also hear static in addition to the usual sounds.
- The sound is distorted.
- The hearing aid will sometimes stop working.
How to avoid the buildup of moisture
Hearing aids are complex medical devices that require regular maintenance to function correctly. Just like a car needs frequent oil changes and tune-ups to keep it running smoothly, hearing aids must be regularly cleaned, adjusted, and checked for damage to provide the best sound quality and performance.
With that in mind, here's what you can do to protect your devices from moisture.
Start a cleaning routine: We recommend you clean your hearing aids every night before bed when you take them out. First, wipe them down with a dry cloth to get rid of any extra water, dirt, dust, or earwax. Next, open the battery door and use a dry cloth to clean the battery and the battery door. You can let the hearing aid dry out by leaving the battery door open overnight. The best place to keep your hearing aids overnight is in a safe place in your bedroom. If you leave them in the bathroom, a buildup of moisture might occur inside the hearing aid.
Get a dehumidifier: A hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier is one of the easiest ways to keep your device dry between wears. Many dryers use air to dry their hearing aids all the way through. You can also buy products that use UV light to dry your hearing aids. There are even dryers for hearing aids that use desiccants. Desiccants can be pellets or linings. The desiccants will pull the moisture out of your hearing aid, so it will be gone by morning. This is a great way to dry your hearing aids if you don't have access to a power outlet.
Prevent moisture from getting in: Along with cleaning and drying them every day, it's best to keep your hearing aids from getting wet as much as possible. While most hearing aids have moisture-resistant coatings, users that sweat a lot or participate in active sports may need extra help to keep their devices protected. A hearing aid sleeve is one way to keep your hearing aid from getting wet. A sleeve can protect your hearing aids from sweat and moisture when you play sports, go for a jog, or think it might rain on your walk. You can put your hearing aids in the waterproof sleeve to keep them dry. You can also run a dehumidifier in your home to maintain the optimal environment for your devices to operate in.
If the damage is done, send in the professionals.
With care and attention, your hearing aids will avoid moisture and serve you for a long time. But if you're experiencing any issues with your hearing aid, please visit us for further assistance. We offer on-site cleaning, maintenance, and repair services for all hearing aids, regardless of where they were purchased.
We understand that getting your hearing aids repaired can be inconvenient. Still, a properly functioning device can make a big difference in your ability to maintain an active social life. We aim to make the repair process as easy and hassle-free as possible. Visit us for all of your hearing aid repair needs.
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