Hearing aids damaged by water or moisture

As with any electronic device, hearing aids and water don’t get along. Many hearing aids are designed to be water resistant but not waterproof. This means that they’ll typically be unaffected by a splash of water or a drop of rain but submerging them is a no-go.

Accidents do happen, and if you find yourself still wearing your hearing aids after jumping in the shower, you’re not the first person to do so.

Here are the most important steps to take if you get your hearing aid wet:

· Quickly remove the hearing aid from any water or moisture – If you suddenly notice you’re still wearing your hearing aid whilst showering or swimming, or have dropped it in water, remove it immediately and take it to a dry place.

· Turn the device off and remove the batteries – It’s likely that the water may have penetrated inside the device, so where possible, remove the battery and leave the compartment open to dry.

· Dry the device as quickly as possible – Start by soaking up any visible moisture and leave the device in a warm, dry environment. Air drying can take 24 to 48 hours, but investing in a hearing aid dryer is a great option to speed up the process. Alternatively, place the device in a bowl of dried rice to encourage the fast absorption of moisture.