Will Sweat Damage My Hearing Aids?

Posted on by Hearing Systems

The hot Houston weather has us all sweating. For those of us with hearing aids, that sweat can trigger fears about how the extra moisture will impact our devices.

Let’s look at how moisture affects hearing aids and a few things you can do to protect your devices this summer.

How Moisture Affects Hearing Aids

Woman balancing on a log in the woods.
Balancing exercise outdoors. Woman standing on one leg, exercising balance

Hearing aids are like any other electronic device in that they perform better when their internal circuitry isn’t exposed to moisture. While hearing aids are built to be durable, and some even boast an impressive waterproof rating of IP68—meaning they’re dustproof and protected against submersion in water[1]—it’s always best to be on the lookout for moisture exposure.

Poor battery life and sound issues like crackling, whistling and low volume are common signs of moisture damage.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids From Summer Sweat

Take the following tips into account as we move through the hot Texas summer:

  • Catch dripping sweat. Wearing a headband or sweatband during sweaty activities like outdoor workouts will reduce the amount of sweat dripping onto your devices.
  • Wear hearing aid covers. Hearing aid covers protect your devices from water exposure. They’re a great option for both hot afternoons in the city and days boating on Lake Houston.
  • Invest in a dehumidifier. A hearing aid-specific electric dehumidifier or drying jar filled with desiccating beads can remove excess moisture after a long, sweaty day. Place your devices in their dehumidifier overnight to make them fresh and dry for the following day.
  • Clean your hearing aids nightly. In addition to placing them in a dehumidifier, you should clean your hearing aids nightly using their cleaning kit. Depending on your devices, cleaning could include wiping the casings, removing wax from the seams with a wax pick, washing earmolds and tubing, cleaning vents and any other steps your hearing aid manual recommends.

A sweaty day doesn’t have to mean your hearing aids get damaged. By following the above tips, you can protect your devices all summer long. For more information or to schedule a professional device cleaning, contact Hearing Systems today.

[1] International Electrotechnical Commission. (n.d.). IP ratings. https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings