When choosing a hearing aid, one of the most common questions people ask is: “Are hearing aids waterproof?” The short answer is — not completely. While many modern hearing aids are designed to resist moisture, sweat, and occasional splashes, very few are truly 100% waterproof for everyday use. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for real-life situations.
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💧 Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: What’s the Difference?
Many hearing aids are marketed as water-resistant, not waterproof.
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Water-resistant devices can handle light moisture — such as sweat, humidity, or a few drops of rain.
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Waterproof means they can be completely submerged in water without damage.
Most modern digital hearing aids, like Phonak Audéo Life, come with an IP68 rating, which means they can survive up to 1.5 meters underwater for 30 minutes in lab conditions. However, that doesn’t mean you should wear them while swimming or showering daily.
🚿 Real-World Scenarios: What You Can Expect
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Rain & Humidity:
Most hearing aids can handle getting caught in the rain or exposure to sweat during workouts. Just wipe them dry afterward. -
Accidental Splashes:
Dropping your hearing aid in the sink or getting splashed is usually fine if it’s quickly dried and cleaned. -
Swimming or Bathing:
Even with an IP68 rating, hearing aids aren’t meant for continuous water exposure. Soap, shampoo, and chlorine can easily seep through tiny openings and damage internal electronics. -
Sweat & Sports:
For active users, sweat-resistant hearing aids are ideal. Devices like Phonak Audéo Life or Signia Active Pro have enhanced moisture protection, perfect for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts.
⚙️ How Manufacturers Protect Hearing Aids
Hearing aid makers use special technologies to improve durability:
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Nanocoating: A thin, invisible layer that repels moisture and debris.
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Sealed casings: Prevents dust and water droplets from entering.
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Rechargeable batteries: Eliminates battery door gaps, a common entry point for moisture.
Still, water damage is one of the leading causes of hearing aid repairs, so proper care remains crucial.
🧴 Tips to Protect Your Hearing Aids from Water Damage
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Remove hearing aids before showering, swimming, or steam baths.
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Keep them away from hair sprays and perfumes.
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Use a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier every night.
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If your hearing aids get wet, turn them off immediately, remove the battery (if applicable), and let them dry completely before use.
🔊 The Verdict
While hearing aids today are more robust than ever, they’re not fully waterproof for everyday activities involving water. Think of them as splash-proof rather than swim-proof.
If you lead an active lifestyle or often deal with moisture, ask your audiologist about moisture-resistant models like Phonak Audéo Life or Oticon Real — both designed for better protection and reliability.
👂 Expert Advice from VR Speech and Hearing Clinic
At VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, we guide you in selecting the best hearing aids for your lifestyle — from water-resistant designs to rechargeable and Bluetooth-enabled models.
Visit our branches in Ahmednagar or Aurangabad, or call us at 📞 9112717179 for expert consultation and fitting.