Water-Resistant Hearing Aids: Ready for Sweat, Rain and Moisture
Why Water Resistance Matters for Hearing Aids
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to hearing aid performance, as exposure to water, sweat, and humidity can lead to costly damage and repairs.
Choosing a water- and sweat-resistant hearing aid not only provides day-to-day peace of mind, but helps protect your investment in better hearing health for years to come.
Common Moisture-Related Hearing Aid Issues
Corrosion of internal parts
Moisture can seep into hearing aids, corrode parts, and cause device malfunctions.
Even small amounts of humidity can cause long-term damage.
A water-resistant hearing aid design helps prevent these issues.
Shortened battery life
Excess moisture can drain batteries faster.
Water exposure can also lead to poor connections or even battery failure.A water-resistant hearing aid provides better protection and helps ensure consistent performance, even in humidity.
Sound distortion and malfunctions
Water can interfere with a hearing aid’s internal microphone and speaker. This results in muffled sound and static, and can even cause the device to fail.
Water-resistant coatings and sealed components can help maintain sound quality.
What Does an IP Rating Mean?
Not all hearing aids offer the same level of moisture protection.
Water-resistant devices resist water to a certain degree: some can handle splashes while others can be submerged.
Keep in mind that no hearing aid is truly waterproof. Some just can withstand deeper water submersion for longer.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a set international standard that helps consumers understand how well electronics are sealed against elements like dust and water.1
The first number in the IP rating refers to protection against solids, like dust.
The second refers to protection against liquids.1
Always read your hearing aid manual for information on the specific rating and recommendations, or talk to your hearing care professional.
IP67
Can withstand dust and temporary water exposure.
An IP67-rated device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
IP68
Can withstand dust and offers higher protection against prolonged moisture exposure.
An IP68-rated device allows for submersion up to 1.5 meters of water for the same time.
Best Water-Resistant Hearing Aids
Other Top Moisture-Resistant Options
Other options include:
- Starkey Genesis AI: Rechargeable hearing aid has an IP68 rating, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.6
- Phonak Audéo Life: First waterproof hearing aid designed to protect against submersion in up to 1.64 feet/50 cm of water. It’s ideal for active lifestyles or humidity.7
How to Find the Right Water-Resistant Hearing Aid
Before choosing a hearing aid, take time to think about what features will best complement and seamlessly support your lifestyle.
Cycling
Running
Hiking
High-intensity exercise classes
Sports like basketball or soccer
Swimming
(be sure to confirm the submersion level for your devices)
Police officers and firefighters
Construction workers
Park rangers and forest workers
Mining workers
Pool or ocean lifeguards
Fitness and swimming instructors
Any outdoor profession subjected to hot, humid, or rainy environments
How to Protect Your Hearing Aids From Moisture
Use hearing aid sweatbands
Store hearing aids properly
Try drying kits or dehumidifiers
Clean moisture-prone areas regularly
Find the Right Water-Resistant Hearing Aid for You
Before choosing a hearing aid, take time to think about what features will best complement and seamlessly support your lifestyle.
Get professional guidance
1 Wikipedia: IP Code (March 19, 2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_code
2 HearUSA: Rely on Rexton: https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-aids/rexton/.
3 Soundly:Widex Moment Sheer 110 Review (February 21, 2025): https://www.soundly.com/product/widex-moment-110.
4 Wired: Review: Sony CRE-C20 Hearing Aids (August 27, 2024): https://www.wired.com/review/sony-cre-c20-hearing-aids/.
5 Signia Pure Charge & Go BCT IX: https://www.signia.net/en/hearing-aids/integrated-xperience/pure-charge-go-ix/.
6 Starkey: Waterproof hearing aids: https://www.starkey.com/hearing-aids/waterproof-hearing-aids.
7 Phonak: Phonak Audéo Life™: https://www.phonakpro.com/il/en/products/hearing-aids/audeo-life/overview-audeo-life.html.
