Introduction
There is an idea that hearing aids are waterproof. It implies that they can be used relatively near water, such as under the faucet at your sink or showering in your pool. The fact is that hearing aids aren’t built for intentional exposure to water and should not be immersed in a water source.
It goes without saying that hearing aids are a significant source of assistance for many people with hearing loss. However, most people will agree that regardless of how effective they may be at amplifying sounds, the only way to avoid damage is to take them off when you’re taking a shower or swimming.
But what about if you’ve left your hearing aids on and go into the water accidentally? It’s been reported that this could be potentially dangerous and result in serious injury such as drowning or even death.
The Myth of Hearing Aid Waterproofness
Hearing aids are electronic devices, and electronic devices can get wet if they are left out in the rain or submerged in a swimming pool. Water will destroy the mechanics of the device, making it difficult to function properly when not dried off quickly enough with a towel. Soaking them too long will also corrode internal parts and cause permanent damage to electrical components. While most modern hearing aids are built with water protection, this does not mean that they are waterproof. Hearing aids are actually categorized as IPX rating. The first number indicates how resistant a given device is to dust, with the second number indicating how resistant it is to water.
Hearing aids with IPX4 ratings or newer can withstand splashes of water, such as during a rainstorm or when you’re washing your face. They can also be immersed in water as short as 15 minutes. If you’re swimming and accidentally dislodge your hearing aids, they will float on the water surface instead of sinking like other electronics would. However, this isn’t to say that your hearing aids should be exposed to water in any way. As stated earlier, the point of any electronic device is to protect the actual components inside from the elements.
Hearing aid waterproofing isn’t actually an issue with all manufacturers. Many of the older models do not have an IPX rating and many manufacturers choose not to include it due to potential liability issues (i.e. if a hearing aid ended up being a life-threatening situation or even death).
What Will Happen If Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet?
1. Completely submerging a hearing aid will cause it to short-circuit, which means that it will be damaged and will not function properly.
2. Leaving a hearing aid when it is wet can cause serious damage to the internal components and electrical parts of the device.
3. Improper drying of your hearing aids by not using a towel can also cause serious damage and potentially corrode the internal parts.
4. If an object with a mass heavier than a few small drops of water comes into contact with the hearing aid, it could result in damage or malfunction of the device because of its inertia or kinetic energy (for example, if you drop your phone or other objects in water accidentally). 5. As a result, the hearing aid will be difficult to repair or replace.
What Will Happen If You Go Swimming With a Hearing Aid?
1. Going swimming with a hearing aid in or keeping it on outside water is not the same as being under the shower or washing your face at the sink. Being exposed to water for a long period of time will result in damage to the device if not dried properly.
2. Not only that, continuous exposure to water for an extended period of time can cause permanent malfunction of the device sooner than if you were splashed with water occasionally by rainwater or in your sink. Hearing aids are not designed to be immersed in water and this can result in rapid damage.
3. Because of the inertia or kinetic energy when you jump into the pool, the hearing aid floats but it may still be damaged by the impact force if it lands on the bottom of the pool.
4. You need to remove your hearing aid before going swimming, and this is because water is a corrosive chemical that will eventually ruin it even if you’re only in the water for a short time.
5. Some hearing aids are water-resistant and therefore have an IPX rating. However, this does not mean that they can be immersed in water. Taking them into the pool can cause damage to the internal components of your hearing aids.
Conclusion
Hearing Aids Waterproof While it’s easy to assume that an electronic device is waterproof, a hearing aid is not. While some are relatively water-resistant and can handle exposure to water (a rainstorm or washing your face at the sink), it’s incredibly risky to take your hearing aids into the pool with you or leave them on when you jump into the water. Even though there are hearing aids that are IPX4-rated or newer, this does not mean they’re completely waterproof. You can damage them if you use them near water, as mentioned before. If a hearing aid gets wet, be sure to remove it from your ear and wipe it off with a towel immediately. Your hearing will be more sensitive to the temperature of the water. Be sure to also let it dry as best as possible. Failure to do so will result in more damage and reduce its functionality.
Hearing aid waterproofness has become a topic of debate among people who wear hearing aids for long periods of time (months, years, and decades). However, it’s important to remember that there are many other factors to consider in the long-term care of your hearing aids. You should periodically have a hearing exam and clean your hearing aids regularly. Also, do not wear your hearing aid in water or go swimming. This can permanently damage it and even result in death.
Dry and clean your hearing aids regularly with a towel to prevent corrosion on the external parts of the device. Most devices come with cleaning kits, but if you don’t have one of these kits, you can use a dry paper towel and be sure not to get any of it into the device itself. Keep them in a case when not in use if possible (or at least put them away).