Waterproof or Water-Resistant Hearing Aids. The waterproof hearing aid cover can play a waterproof role. Hearing aids are very sensitive to moisture, especially water, sweat and other liquids. That's why there is the waterproof hearing aid we are going to describe today.
What about waterproof hearing aids? Do they exist? Unfortunately, there are no waterproof hearing aids available on the market. When a hearing aid is water resistant, the device can continue working properly, even when it is exposed to a small amount of moisture for a short period of time. However, long-time exposure to humidity could potentially damage its delicate parts and cause it to stop functioning. You can dry out hearing aids with a dehumidifier, which can help air out water or absorb any moisture. It's important to remember that water-resistant does not mean waterproof. In other words, you shouldn't jump in a pool or take as shower while wearing a water-resistant hearing aid. The good news is, you won't have to worry about a few drops of rain or sweat damaging your device.
No one wants to lose their investment in hearing aids over a few drops of water. That's why the hearing aid industry has worked throughout the years to continually improve the water resistance of their hearing aids. However, it's up to you, the hearing aid user, to know the difference between the terms the industry uses. When you understand what “waterproof” and “water resistant” actually mean, you can get the hearing aids that will fit your needs and the understand the measures you can take to protect your hearing aids on your own.
Waterproof and water-resistant hearing aids have been around for some time, but the technology used to help protect your aids against moisture today is more effective than ever.
Hearing aid manufacturers have made many changes in the design of hearing aid casings over the last 10 years to include protective barriers between compartments that limit the amount of water—and other debris—that can get into the sensitive areas of your hearing aid. For example, many of the most important parts of your hearing aid today are treated with a special water- and oil-resistant nano-coating that protects them from moisture.
There are multiple reasons you might find waterproof hearing aids or water-resistant hearing aids appealing:
As with any other product, you need to weigh the pros of having waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids against the potential downsides. Due to the increased technical complexity and the materials involved, water-resistant hearing aids are usually more expensive.
Whether your hearing aids are waterproof or water-resistant, we don't recommend testing it out for yourself for an extended period of time. Although the IPX rating theoretically gives waterproof hearing aids some degree of protection, these tests are performed in ideal laboratory conditions with purified water. If you try to reproduce these tests in the pool or ocean, you run the risk of damaging your hearing aid, as well as introducing particles and contaminants.
To increase the lifespan of your waterproof or water-resistant hearing aids, you have several options. Removing the batteries, wiping down the device with a clean cloth, and airing it out can help remove moisture and water more quickly.
If you're looking to purchase waterproof hearing aids, you should always check the product's IPX rating. So what is an IPX rating exactly?
Modern hearing aids need to go through a rigorous testing process before they're approved for purchase by the general public. These tests are carried out by certified independent laboratories in accordance with standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which gives an IPX rating to each hearing aid based on how well it resists water, dust, and other foreign particles. The IP stands for “Ingress Protection,” i.e. how easy it is for foreign objects and materials to enter the hearing aid.
Every device tested by the IEC receives an IPX rating that consists of two digits:
The complete meanings of the second digit are as follows:
For example, AUSTAR hearing aids have an IPX rating of IP68 -- FUGUE H series products.
In other words, if you're looking to buy waterproof hearing aids, you should look for devices where the second digit in the IPX rating is as high as possible. Most of Cadenza's BTE and RIC hearing aids are waterproof hearing aids. If you are looking for a hearing aid supplier or OEM hearing aid manufacturer, please contact us.