We get a few questions about what you should do if your hearing aids get wet. The first two things to consider are: what IP (International Protection) rating do your hearing aids have and what solution did they get wet in?
IP Ratin
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Most modern hearing aids have an IP67 rating which means they are resistant to moisture and to dust. It doesn’t make them bullet proof! You should be able to find your rating in your instruction booklet.
If your hearing aids have an IP rating of 67 or higher then you may get away with a quick exposure to water.
Solution
The least harmless solution is fresh water. Salt water is very harmful, and other liquids, such as oils and lotions can be very damaging.
Take Action Quickly!
- If your hearing aid has an IP rating of 67 or higher and gets in contact with salt water we recommend that you rinse the hearing aid immediately in fresh water. If it doesn’t have a high IP rating, DON’T rinse!
- Dry the outside of the hearing aid as best you can with something very absorbent, like a handee towel
- After drying the outside of the hearing aid, if your hearing aid uses disposable batteries, open the battery door, remove the battery and throw it away
- Get your hearing aid to you audiologist as soon as possible so that it can be sent to the manufacturer to be taken apart and dried. Keep it in a drying container or dry warm place like a hot water cupboard until you get it to your audiologist.
Despite your best attentions, a hearing aid that has had exposure to liquids may not be repairable. It might work to begin with, but moisture can start a corrosive process inside the instrument that may only become apparent at a later date.
Please remember to insure your hearing aids, just in case!