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How to Dry Out Your Hearing Aids

Amplifon Hearing Health Care breaks down how exactly to dry out your hearing aids

Last update on Aug, 29, 2024

What to do if your hearing aids get wet

Oops! Your hearing aids got wet. Now, what do you do? Accidents can happen, and the hearing-aid-got-wet-in-shower scenario is more common than you might think. It’s easy to get busy and forget that you’re wearing hearing aids. The good news is that most modern hearing aids are moisture-resistant, so exercise that causes sweat or getting wet from the rain aren’t likely to cause issues.

As with most electronic devices, it’s best to keep your hearing aids as dry as possible. In the article below, we’ll learn how to dry out wet hearing aids.

How to Dry Out Hearing Aids

Are hearing aids ruined if they get wet? Not quite. This situation may be entirely salvageable, and there’s no need to panic. You’re not the first person to get wet hearing aids from splashing around with grandchildren in a kiddie pool or jumping in the shower too quickly without thinking.

We’ve laid out the steps below on what to do if your rechargeable hearing aids get wet (or hearing aids with button batteries) and how to dry out hearing aids.

1. Remove the battery (If possible)

If your hearing aids have removeable button batteries, turn your hearing aids off, open the battery door, and remove the batteries. Keeping a wet battery inside hearing aids can cause further damage.

It’s also best to be on the safe side and recycle the batteries that were exposed. If your hearing aids have zinc-air batteries, discard them immediately, as they can corrode after water exposure.

If you have rechargeable hearing aids, don’t place your hearing aids back on the charger until you’re certain they’re dry and there was no water damage to the battery.

2. Dehumidify

If you have the time to spare, you can simply let your hearing aids air-dry overnight. Keep them on a cloth or paper towel in a warm and dry spot. You can also place them in a hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one.

Alternately, if you have silica gel packets or uncooked rice available, you can use these as drying agents to draw out the moisture. Simply place your hearing aid in rice or silica gel in a sealed container for 24 hours.

3. Wipe it off

Remove any excess moisture by it gently wiping with a dry cloth. This will help speed up the overall process of drying out your wet hearing aids.

4. Avoid excessive heat

Don’t place your hearing aids in a microwave or oven to warm them or dry them out. Avoid any direct heat sources when drying out your hearing aids. Excessive heat can severely damage the inner components of your hearing aids.

5. Play it safe

For hearing aids using button batteries, only replace your batteries when you are certain your hearing aids are completely dry. If you’re not yet positive they are dry, it’s better to wait a little longer than to risk further damage.

If the lithium-ion battery in your rechargeable hearing aid gets wet, It may need to be discarded. Once exposed to water, lithium-ion batteries can discharge, short circuit, or corrode. Water exposure can trigger potentially hazardous chemical reactions in the battery.

6. Test

Check to see if your hearing aids still work. If they don't work or the sound is muffled or doesn’t sound as good as they once did, contact your hearing care provider.

Hearing Aid Maintenance

Cleaning your hearing aids regularly with the appropriate tools will help extend their longevity and performance. Set up a consistent daily routine to make hearing aid cleaning easier and faster.

How to clean your hearing aids

Convenient Hearing Care

If you’re experiencing any issues with your hearing aids or notice changes after they’ve gotten wet, Amplifon Hearing Health Care can connect you with resources to get the hearing care you need. Our clinic locator tool can help you find a clinic location close to home and our check your benefits tool can help you determine if you have hearing coverage.

Do you have more questions regarding care or coverage? Amplifon Hearing Health Care’s experienced experts can help. Call us at 877-565-2706 today.

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