According to one study on consumer preferences for hearing aid attributes, “performance in quiet settings, comfort, feedback, frequency of battery replacement, purchase price, water and sweat resistance, and performance in noisy settings” are what people look for most in hearing aids. The purpose of this post is to focus on the water and sweat resistance feature, specifically the difference between waterproof and water-resistant hearing aids.
What Is a Waterproof Hearing Aid?
If a hearing aid is said to be waterproof, it means it can withstand being submerged in water – with limits. There is only one truly waterproof device on the market, and it is able to be submerged at a depth of one meter for under 30 minutes while you’re doing laps at the swimming pool in Recreation Center of Highland Park. The reason for this is because it has a silicone seal to prevent water from entering the battery compartment, and it has no other seams or cracks for water to penetrate. Talk to an audiologist at North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab if you’re interested in this model.
What Is a Water-Resistant Hearing Aid?
Water-resistant hearing aids are able to repel sweat, rain and other light sources of moisture, but cannot be submerged in water. There are many water-resistant hearing aids on the market, and you can tell how waterproof they are based on their IP rating. The higher the number, the more water resistance. They are able to repel water thanks to a protective Nano-coating on the shell.
How Can I Protect My Hearing Aids from Moisture?
Even if your hearing aids are water-resistant, you’ll want to take measures to prevent moisture from infiltrating them and causing damage. You can do this by:
- Taking them out before showering, bathing or swimming
- Investing in sweat-proof covers to put on them while working out at the gym
- Wearing a waterproof jacket or using an umbrella when it’s raining
- Opening the battery doors so moisture can evaporate when not in use
- Storing your devices in a dehumidifier at night
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.