Hearing aids and moisture
Just like any electronic device, hearing aids are susceptible to damage due to moisture exposure. Moisture can damage hearing aids in a number of ways. Oftentimes, it will cause corrosion in the battery compartment, leading to a decreased battery life for the aid. Moisture can also damage the microphones and speaker of a hearing aid, causing decreased sound quality. Because of this, it is important to be prudent about how much moisture hearing aids are exposed to.
However, moisture is everywhere around us- in the air, on our skin, and in our environment. It can also become a more significant factor at different times during the year (think working outside in the hot summer weather). And accidents happen! A hearing aid user might forget to take an aid off before stepping into the shower, or an aid may be dropped into a sink full of water. We will never be able to avoid all moisture.
But the good news is there are steps that can be taken to protect the hearing devices. First and foremost, if an accident occurs and hearing aids are exposed to a significant amount of moisture, immediately take the device to a local hearing healthcare professional. They will be able to take steps to remove as much moisture as possible, and ensure that the devices are still in working condition.
For day to day protection from moisture, there are two main options: Dehumidifiers, and electronic drying kits.
Dehumidifiers are the lower tech option. They consist of jars filled with desiccant which help remove moisture from the devices. The hearing aid user would place devices into this jar each night, and close the lid. The drying substance would be replaced every 6-12 months. This option is the most cost effective, and is great for minor day to day moisture exposure.
Electronic drying kits are another option. These work by using gentle heat and UV light to remove moisture and kill bacteria on the devices. These are able to complete a cycle in 30-60 minutes. This option is a bit more costly, but works great for heavier moisture exposure, such as significant sweat.
When choosing the option that will be the best fit, it’s important to take into account how much moisture the hearing devices are exposed to day to day, how frequently accidental exposures occur, cost, and even how humid the environment that a person lives in might be. Whether or not the hearing aid user has rechargeable or battery powered hearing aids is a consideration too- if rechargeable aids are kept on the charger each night, it may be more difficult to find a sufficient amount of time for them to dry in a desiccant jar.
If you or a loved one is considering hearing aids but are concerned about moisture exposure, there are also options for water resistant hearing aids. Make an appointment with your local audiologist to discuss the available options.
