Water-Resistant & Waterproof Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

According to a study publishing the journal Trends in Amplification, the seven attributes of hearing aids that consumers prefer to have include, “performance in quiet settings, comfort, feedback, frequency of battery replacement, purchase price, water and sweat resistance, and performance in noisy settings.” This post focuses on the water resistance feature, specifically the difference between water-resistant and waterproof hearing aids.

What Hearing Aids Are Water-Resistant?

woman wearing backpack looking over water while wearing water resistant hearing aids

Most modern hearing aids have some degree of water resistance thanks to a protective Nano-coating on the shell of the devices that repels water. You can tell how water-resistant a hearing aid is based on its IP rating; the higher the number, the more water-resistant it is.

Note that water-resistant hearing aids can repel water if they are splashed or exposed to sweat or rain, but they cannot be submerged.

What Hearing Aids Are Waterproof?

There is currently only one hearing aids model on the market that’s waterproof. This is because it utilizes a waterproof, sealed housing, and the battery door seals tight with silicone so there are no seams for water to penetrate.

This device has been tested and proven to withstand submersion at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.

Protecting Your Devices from Water

Even though most hearing aids can handle some water, if moisture does infiltrate your devices, it could be game-over. Because of this, it’s important to protect them from water and other moisture as much as possible.

  • Wipe them down. After you take out your hearing aids for the night, wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth to remove any moisture from the shell.
  • Open the battery doors. Opening the battery doors not only extends your battery life, but also allows moisture to evaporate.
  • Get a dehumidifier. One of the best things you can do for your devices is get a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night.
  • Invest in sweat covers. If you enjoy working out at Haddonfield Fitness off Haddonfield-Berlin Rd, invest in sweat covers to protect your devices.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Advanced ENT & Allergy today.