Summer is here, which means days spent outside and lots of activities around pools and water! Your hearing aids should be left in a safe place when you take a dip in the pool, lake or ocean, but you will likely want them nearby so you can enjoy socializing when you aren’t in the water. Accidents can happen, though, so what should you do if your hearing aids get wet?
Most modern hearing aids, including Oticon hearing aids, have an IP rating, which indicates how much dust, dirt, sand or water they can resist. Oticon hearing aids are rated IP68, which means they can be submerged up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and continue to work. This means they should not be submerged on purpose, but can withstand an accidental splash or dunk in the pool.
Hearing aids, even those with an IP68 rating, should not be considered waterproof – rather, think of this as protection for everyday life situations like sweat.
If your hearing aids get submerged in a pool or the ocean
If your hearing aids get fully submerged in water, take them out of your ears right away. Next, dry them off with a towel, remove the batteries if they are not rechargeable, and give them a gentle shake to get as much water out as possible. This is especially important if they get salt water on them, as the salt can cause corrosion.
Finally, place them in their case or a drying box (preferably an electronic drying device) and let them rest overnight.
If they aren’t working the next day with new batteries, contact your HearingLife office for help.
If your hearing aids get a splash of water
Accidentally stepping in the shower with your hearing aids on or getting caught in a rainstorm is not usually cause for concern. You can wipe your hearing aids off and continue wearing them (after your shower, of course). If you notice a problem with their performance after they dry out overnight, contact your provider.
If your hearing aids get sandy
Do not touch your hearing aids with sandy hands or let them fall in the sand. If they do get sand in or on them, put them away in their case and take them to your hearing care professional as soon as you can. Since sand can scratch and damage the hearing aids, they will need to be professionally cleaned.
Don’t forget – if you’re traveling this summer, HearingLife has nearly 700 locations in 42 states to serve you! Use our locator to find a HearingLife nearby should you need anything while you’re on vacation.