Things to do When Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Posted by Living Sounds
When summertime hits in Alberta, many of us race to spend our time at our beautiful beaches, hiking mountain trails, camping, or at numerous summer festivals. It’s a small reprieve from the woes of winter, and we look to those few summer months as our ray of sunshine. But, this year in Edmonton, unfortunately, has been a summer of rain.
And for those of us with hearing aids, the summer showers bring with it another layer of trouble. While hearing aids are often water-resistant, most are not waterproof. So, if you get caught in the rain, here are 6 steps you can take to ensure your hearing aids are always working correctly.
1) Prevent Damage
If your hearing aid gets wet, ensure that you take it out of your ear and remove the battery as soon as possible. Then, dry off the hearing aid with a dry cloth and let it sit for a while.
2) Use the Jar
If you are on the road, dry-aid jars are an excellent portable idea to store your hearing aids. The moisture-absorbing beads need to be “reactivated” once in a while – make sure to read the easy to follow instructions.
3) The DIY Option
There are DIY options for when you are without a dehumidifier jar. One such option (and the best one), is to use a container with a lid, fill it with dry rice, place a tissue down and set the hearing aids on it. Then, place the top back onto the container and let it sit overnight. Make sure the rice does not get in the hearing aids.
4) External Heat
If you are going to use a hairdryer, make sure that it is on low and not too close to the hearing aid and not for a long time. It is best not to use the hairdryer method, but if you do – do so gently and with care. Do not ever put your hearing aids in the microwave or oven – this will destroy your hearing aids.
5) Let there be Light (and Sound)
One great daily homecare option is a UV light system. UV light both dries and disinfects. The best part is, there are dehumidifying systems explicitly made for the hearing aid care. They cost a little more but are well worth the purchase; we even sell them at Living Sounds.
6) See the Professionals
As always, your hearing specialist is available to help in our clinic. If you have concerns about water or moisture damage, call us to set up an appointment – we will always find a way to fix any and all hearing aid problems or concerns.
Contact Living Sounds Hearing Centre at 1-833-559-4327 to book your appointment. You can also visit our website and schedule online here.
Enjoy the last few days of summer — rain or shine!
Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
Registered Hearing Aid Practitioner
