{"id":486,"date":"2020-11-20T15:20:54","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T06:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/?p=486"},"modified":"2020-12-09T13:43:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T04:43:16","slug":"how-to-dry-your-hearing-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/hearing-device\/how-to-dry-your-hearing-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Dry Your Hearing Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although it would be great to be able to jump in the pool or shower without having to worry about your hearing aid, there are no truly waterproof hearing aids available on the market. Most hearing aids made today are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52887-The-basics-of-waterproof-hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">water-resistant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to some degree, which means that they are designed to handle some moisture, but not prolonged submersion in water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like other sophisticated electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops, hearing aids function best when they are kept clean and dry. All hearing aid manufacturers include language warning users to not submerge your device in water. However, you may forget and take a dip in the pool or step into the shower before remembering that you\u2019re wearing your hearing aids. So what can you do if your hearing aids get wet?<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Can_You_Get_Your_Hearing_Aid_Wet\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Can You Get Your Hearing Aid Wet?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Dry_Your_Hearing_Aid\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> How to Dry Your Hearing Aid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_Maintain_Your_Hearing_Aid_for_Longer_Life\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> How to Maintain Your Hearing Aid for Longer Life<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Average_Hearing_Aid_Lifespan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Average Hearing Aid Lifespan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Can_You_Get_Your_Hearing_Aid_Wet\"><b>Can You Get Your Hearing Aid Wet?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is NO. However, if you do happen to get your hearing aid wet, you probably won\u2019t need to replace it &#8211; today\u2019s electronics are built to be resilient against water intrusion and your hearing aid is no different. All hearing aids come with an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.rs-online.com\/web\/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice\/ip-ratings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP rating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, determined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Look for this on the outside of the hearing aid packaging. The first digit rates the device on how well it protects against dust and debris on a scale from one to seven. The second digit rates the device&#8217;s protection against water or moisture intrusion on a scale from one to nine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a hearing aid with a rating of IP67 is well protected against dust intrusion and moderately well protected against moisture intrusion. The most water-resistant hearing aids currently available will have an IP rating of IP68. These devices are rated to withstand brief immersion in water and continue functioning. However, there are some immediate steps you should take if your hearing aid gets wet, no matter the IP rating.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Dry_Your_Hearing_Aid\"><b>How to Dry Your Hearing Aid<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you accidentally wear your hearing aids into the shower or the pool, don\u2019t panic just yet. Instead, follow these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearingaidknow.com\/if-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">steps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to dry out your hearing aid as quickly as possible:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the hearing aid from the water as soon as you possibly can; the less time it\u2019s submerged means the less time water has to infiltrate the important internal components.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch off your hearing aid immediately, and don\u2019t consider turning it back on until it\u2019s had time to dry properly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the battery, dry the battery with a clean dry cloth, and set aside.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove the tube if one is present, and shake the whole device gently to try to remove as much water as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a hairdryer or a fan to dry the hearing aid as much as possible; however, be careful to not let your hearing aid get too hot. Use the blowdryer on a low setting and keep it a few inches away from your device.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let the hearing aid dry out, which may take several days. Make sure to leave the battery door open and let it sit in a dry area, ideally with air flow. Better yet, store your hearing aids in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hear-it.org\/When-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dehumidifier<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which will shorten the drying time considerably. If you do have a dehumidifier, run the dehumidifier for approximately 24 hours, which should be about three or four drying cycles.<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the hearing aid is dry, put the battery back in and try turning it on. If it won\u2019t turn on, then you might consider letting it dry longer or have your audiologist inspect it; it might need to be sent in for repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your hearing aid comes into contact with salt water or dirty water, still follow the same procedures outlined above, but first rinse the device immediately with fresh water before doing anything else. Salty or dirty water could harbor dangerous bacteria and potentially corrode any exposed metal components.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what to do if your hearing aid gets wet, let\u2019s briefly discuss what not to do in the event of accidental submersion:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never try to dry your hearing aid by putting it in the microwave or your oven. Your hearing aid will be exposed to far too much heat; it will melt and then you will definitely need to purchase a new one. It\u2019s not worth the risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t just assume your hearing aid is ruined because it got wet. You spent a considerable amount of money on your hearing aids, so don\u2019t give up on them. Give them time to dry and if all else fails, talk to your audiologist about having your hearing aid repaired.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Maintain_Your_Hearing_Aid_for_Longer_Life\"><b>How to Maintain Your Hearing Aid for Longer Life<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids are designed to take a beating; after all, they spend all day in your ears being exposed to sweat, ear wax, dust, and skin oils. To keep your hearing aids going for as long as possible, always keep them in a safe and dry environment when they\u2019re not in your ears. The ideal place is a dehumidifier, which will dry out your hearing aids every night while you sleep. Some dehumidifier models also sanitize your hearing aids, which kills harmful bacteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having your hearing aids regularly inspected and cleaned throughout the year is another great way to ensure that you\u2019ll get as much life out of them as possible. When you have your hearing aids checked up, your audiologist will inspect parts that wear out, such as wax guards, earmold tubing, and earpiece tips, and replace them if necessary. In addition to these regular professional cleanings, you should be cleaning your hearing aids everyday to keep them free from earwax buildup and other debris. The best time to do this is right before you go to bed and before you put your hearing aids in the dehumidifier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Average_Hearing_Aid_Lifespan\"><b>Average Hearing Aid Lifespan<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of hearing aids on the market today have an expected average lifespan of between three and seven years. There are a number of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/30926-Long-do-hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">factors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that impact exactly how long your hearing aids last:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Materials: the type of materials used in the manufacture of your hearing aids, such as plastics, metals, silicon, and polymers, can impact their lifespan, as well as the quality of those materials.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning frequency: the more often you clean your hearings aids, the longer they\u2019ll last.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environment: humid or dusty environments can greatly shorten the lifespan of your hearing aids; consider protective sleeves if you live or work in such environments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage: store your hearing aids in a clean, dry, and safe place.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aid style: behind-the-ear hearing aids tend to last longer than in-the-ear styles, largely because less components are sitting in the moist environment of your ear.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body physiology: there\u2019s no way around this one; some people sweat more, produce more ear wax, or produce more skin oils than other people, and the amount of those secretions your hearing aid is exposed to can greatly impact its lifespan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance: keeping up with the professional maintenance of your hearing aids is key to their longevity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>The information in this guide has been written using the following reliable sources:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.rs-online.com\/web\/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice\/ip-ratings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/uk.rs-online.com\/web\/generalDisplay.html?id=ideas-and-advice\/ip-ratings<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/collierhearingcenter.com\/hearing-aids\/maintenance-tips-to-keep-your-hearing-aid-working-like-new\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">http:\/\/collierhearingcenter.com\/hearing-aids\/maintenance-tips-to-keep-your-hearing-aid-working-like-new\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/30926-Long-do-hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/30926-Long-do-hearing-aids<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearingyourbest.com\/5-factors-that-affect-how-long-hearing-aids-last\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hearingyourbest.com\/5-factors-that-affect-how-long-hearing-aids-last\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearingaidknow.com\/if-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hearingaidknow.com\/if-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hear-it.org\/When-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hear-it.org\/When-your-hearing-aid-gets-wet<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52887-The-basics-of-waterproof-hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52887-The-basics-of-waterproof-hearing-aids<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that if you accidentally dunk your hearing aid in the pool or shower it&#8217;s not the end of the world? Follow these tips to dry out your wet hearing aid and get it working again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":955,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v15.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/hearing-device\/how-to-dry-your-hearing-aid\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Dry Your Hearing Aid - Olive Union\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Did you know that if you accidentally dunk your hearing aid in the pool or shower it&#039;s not the end of the world? 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