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What Wearers Need to Know about Moisture in Hearing Aids
Hearing aids require routine care and maintenance; otherwise, enhanced sound will quickly fade. Moisture in particular presents ongoing challenges for wearers because it can damage the electronic components. Continuous enjoyment of your listening device requires an understanding about:
- Symptoms of moisture damage,
- Activities and circumstances which can lead to moisture damage, and
- Methods for removing moisture.
Signs of Moisture Problems in Electronic Listening Devices
Moisture in the tiny components of the hearing aid can easily accumulate on any given day, depending upon your activities and surroundings. Here are some of the primary indications of moisture problems:
- Distortion
- Loss of clarity
- The sound cuts out when there are loud noises
- Inconsistent sound, with moments of fading
- Intermittently stops and starts
Another symptom of moisture issues is that the device stops working altogether but works again a day or two later. This problem can also be caused by the battery. Just before a battery is completely drained, there will usually be buzzing noises and distortion. To troubleshoot the problem, replace the battery; but keep the old one. If the off-and-on activity continues, moisture is more likely the cause.
Causes of Moisture in Hearing Aids
Preventing moisture in hearing aids begins with steps that are taken during everyday routines. Bathrooms typically have high levels of humidity, and hearing devices should never be stored there. Most importantly, hearing aids should always be removed from the ear prior to bathing, showering, swimming, soaking in a hot tub, or entering a sauna.
Temperature changes caused by moving from an air-conditioned environment to warm outside temperatures can create condensation in hearing devices.
Capillarity or capillary action is another cause of moisture in hearing aids. Capillarity is, in short, the natural tendency of liquids to either rise or become depressed in tiny tubes. This often occurs in the receiver tube and in the ear mold tube. Capillarity combined with perspiration and earwax leads to aggravating and sometimes chronic moisture problems.
Tips for Drying Hearing Aids
A simple way to address moisture issues in your hearing aid is to make it a practice to remove the battery every night and leave the battery compartment open. This allows moisture in the device to dissipate naturally.
Drying devices for hearing aids are highly recommended. Various kinds of drying systems are available, such as small puffers which many find more convenient than blowing into a tube to dry it after cleaning. It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions regarding drying and to use drying tools and aids recommended by your hearing-care professional, to ensure that your listening devices are not damaged.
Here are some things NOT to do in an attempt to remove moisture:
- Never put a hearing aid in a microwave, since the microwave will instantly destroy all of the electronic components.
- Do not leave a listening device in direct sunlight or place it in a conventional oven because the direct heat could melt the plastic components.
Many people use drying devices on their hearing aids every night. That is not a bad idea, since moisture is a leading cause of hearing aid problems.
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