Are hearing aids waterproof?

Siemens marketed the Aquaris as waterproof, but they stopped manufacturing it recently. While current hearing aids have the same IP rating as the Aquaris, they are not promoted as waterproof and will be unlikely to hold up in situations such as swimming. Even cell phones have an IP rating. What this all means is that hearing aids are very good at resisting moisture today, but don't purposely immerse them in water. Several of my patients have gotten in the shower with their hearing aids with no consequences after the hearing aids are dried out.

As the dry (get it) technical information has been given I will give a few experiences of my patients. Approx 12-13 years ago when I qualified I would find patients visiting humid climates would after a period of time have their sweat enter the battery compartment of their RIC aids & corrode the battery contacts causing them to fail. 

I had a lady with top of the line full shell ITE aids go swimming in the sea, the aids were dead when I got them handed to me.

I had around this time a guy (wearing RIC aids) was pushed into a lake as a joke?! He didn't find it particularly funny & his aids stopped working.

I have had several clients step into & start having a shower in more recent years wonder what the strange noise (again RIC aids) water on the mics & hurriedly take them off! After a drying out period they all seemed to work just fine.

I also had a gent drop his recent RIC aid in the road in a puddle, it was run over by a car & when I sent it for repair the only issue was tyre marks!

One lady during a check up on her up to date RIC aids informed me she had worn them (accidentally) while swimming I informed her I would send them to the manufacturer. She asked why? To get them repaired! She informed me after a brief dry out period they sprang back to life! I exclaimed so you didn't go underwater? Yes I did, I was trying to swim full underwater laps!

In conclusion hearing aids aren't water proof but if you are going to get one wet (try & avoid it) it should be a modern RIC aid.

There is no such thing as a waterproof hearing aid.  This is largely due to the way the batteries are manufactured, (they need air, but to be waterproof the compartment has to be sealed.  Siemens did make one that was supposed to be waterproof, but it was largely a failure due to moisture and water getting in the hearing aids.  

Hearing aids are mostly highly water resistant.  You will see an IP rating on hearing aids, the first number is for dust (0-9) and the second is for moisture (0-9) the higher the number the better the resistance.  

Hearing aids are becoming more water resistant but not water proof. Ever once in a while hearing instruments do get wet they still remain ok. Using a drying unit prevent long-term damage to instruments. Several manufactures have made water proof instruments but not really design them to be completely submerged. We as hearing instrument specialist are more concerned of moisture during warm and hot months. Now instruments with stand these climates easily and function extremely well in any environment. 

Great Question! Currently there are no hearing devices on the market that are waterproof. Some manufacturers have devices that are highly rated "Water Resistant", although nothing in the area of waterproof.

Currently there are no waterproof devices available in the latest technology.  All of the big 6 manufacturers have highly rated water resistant products which includes OPN .  The only place water can get in is through the battery door and if the hearing aids do get wet, removing the battery and drying out that space with a cotton swab is all you need to do.  Using an electronic dryer on days when you have experienced high levels of moisture can be a good investment.    During the warranty period, they can always be sent in for an overhaul if needed.  I would wear and enjoy your devices.

At this time there is not a hearing aid on the market that is waterproof. They are water resistant, but not waterproof. There used to be a hearing aid from Siemens (now Signia) called the Aquaris, but that model has been discontinued. There are slips you can use to put over your hearing aids if you are someone who is very active in sports or outdoor activities and perspire, but even then the hearing aid is not waterproof. Just more water resistant.   

No. Some hearing aids are more moisture resistant than others, but honestly, you do not want to submerge any hearing aid in water as it will likely cause damage.

Eargo devices are not waterproof. Please do not wear them while swimming or in the shower. We even provide a handy-dandy sticker to serve as a reminder before washing up. Please let our team of personal hearing guides know should you have any questions. We're all ears at 1-800-481-1302 for any questions about our comfortable, invisible hearing aids.