Why moisture is so damaging to hearing aids

Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices packed into a very small space. Moisture causes damage in several ways: it corrodes the metal contacts and circuitry, it causes the microphone membranes to swell and distort, it degrades the receiver (speaker), and it promotes the growth of mold and bacteria inside the device. Even hearing aids rated IP68 (fully waterproof) can be damaged by prolonged exposure to sweat, which contains salts and acids that degrade seals over time.

Signs of moisture damage

• Intermittent sound — hearing aid cuts in and out, especially in humid conditions
• Distorted or muffled sound quality
• Static or crackling sounds
• Hearing aid shuts off unexpectedly
• Volume fluctuates on its own
• Corrosion visible on battery contacts
• Hearing aid works fine in the morning but degrades through the day (as sweat accumulates)

What to do if your hearing aid gets wet

Immediate steps

1. Remove immediately and turn off. The longer a wet hearing aid stays powered on, the more damage occurs. Remove it from your ear, open the battery door (or power it off if rechargeable), and remove the battery if applicable.
2. Do not use heat. Never use a hair dryer, microwave, or oven to dry a hearing aid — heat damages the electronics and melts plastic components. Do not place it in direct sunlight.
3. Pat dry gently. Use a soft, dry cloth or tissue to absorb surface moisture. Do not rub vigorously.
4. Use a drying kit immediately. Place the hearing aid in an electronic dehumidifier or desiccant drying kit overnight. If you don't have one, a sealed container with uncooked rice (though less effective) can help absorb moisture.
5. Wait 24–48 hours before testing. Resist the urge to test the hearing aid immediately. Allow at least 24 hours of drying before powering it on.

After drying

Insert a fresh battery and test the hearing aid. If it works normally, continue using it but monitor closely for intermittent issues over the next few days. If it still doesn't work or sounds distorted, contact your audiologist — professional cleaning and drying equipment can often recover hearing aids that home drying cannot.

Daily moisture prevention

Use a nightly dehumidifier

A nightly drying routine is the single most effective thing you can do to extend hearing aid life. Electronic dehumidifiers (such as the Dry & Store or PerfectDry Lux) use gentle heat and UV light to remove moisture and kill bacteria. Desiccant jars are a lower-cost alternative. Either option used consistently can double the lifespan of your hearing aids.

Sweat management for active users

If you exercise, work outdoors, or live in a hot climate, consider:

• Hearing aid sweat covers: Thin fabric sleeves (such as Ear Gear) that fit over behind-the-ear hearing aids and absorb sweat before it reaches the device
• Moisture-wicking hearing aid sleeves: Silicone covers that provide a physical barrier against sweat
• Removing hearing aids during intense exercise: For activities with heavy sweating, removing hearing aids and storing them in a dry case is the safest option

Humidity and climate considerations

In very humid climates, consider running your dehumidifier twice daily rather than just overnight. Store hearing aids in their case (not loose in a pocket or on a nightstand) when not in use. Avoid leaving hearing aids in bathrooms, which are consistently humid environments.

Water resistance ratings explained

Most modern hearing aids carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating:

• IP54: Protected against dust and water splashes from any direction — adequate for light rain and sweat
• IP67: Dust-tight and can withstand immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes — suitable for most everyday situations including accidental submersion
• IP68: Dust-tight and can withstand immersion beyond 1 meter — the highest rating available on hearing aids

Important caveat: IP ratings are tested with fresh water. Sweat, chlorinated pool water, and salt water are more corrosive and can damage even IP68-rated hearing aids over time. The rating tells you the device can survive accidental exposure — not that it's immune to long-term moisture effects.

When to seek professional repair

If your hearing aid doesn't recover after 48 hours of drying, or if you notice persistent distortion, intermittent operation, or visible corrosion, take it to your audiologist. Many manufacturers offer moisture-damage repair service, and audiologists have professional-grade drying equipment that can recover devices that home methods cannot. Most hearing aids also come with a manufacturer warranty that may cover moisture damage — check your warranty documentation before paying for out-of-warranty repair.