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Dog jumping into water to demonstrate how hearing aids can get wet easily when you're having fun this summer because moisture damages hearing aids.

There are many factors which can affect the circuitry of your hearing aids. Hearing aids seem to self-destruct under extreme moisture conditions. Even if you already know that and take care to protect your investment from the shower, pool, or a good face washing, chances are you are missing the most common reason for water damage in hearing aids: humidity.

Invisible moisture has the highest chance of causing permanent damage. It’s time to learn more about why humidity is a damaging thing for hearing aids.

Understanding Humidity

Despite the fact that the word humidity is very common, what does it actually mean? PBS describes humidity as water molecules in the air. The relative humidity refers to the ratio of water molecules in the air compared to how many the air can actually hold. When you can feel wetness in the air, that means the relative humidity is high.

Humans cool their body by sweating so that makes us very sensitive to humidity. When you sweat it evaporates into the air, but that doesn’t happen as fast when the humidity level is very high. Moisture and electronics don’t mix well and that includes hearing aids.

As A General Rule Electronic Devices Have a Hard Time Coping With Humidity

Strangely enough, electronics are not only sensitive to high humidity but low levels as well. When water vapor percentages are high condensation can collect on the delicate elements that make electronics function, and low humidity can lead to brittle core materials.

Hearing aids rely heavily on internal electronics to function. Modern digital hearing aids use a state-of-the-art signal processing chip to control noise. It’s what is behind elegant functions like:

  • Noise reduction
  • Anti-feedback
  • Targeted listening programs
  • Digital sound streaming

Moisture can accumulate in the hearing aid when humidity is high and damage that component. It can corrode elements inside the casing and ruin batteries also. You might as well throw your hearing aid in a sink full of water, and the effect is the same.

How to Control Humidity

Water resistant models are currently available. This feature will give you some protection against humidity and wet weather, but you still can’t swim with them in.

If you live in an area prone to high humidity, think about using a room or house dehumidifier to lessen water vapor indoors. It’s an investment that will help you and your family in many ways and protect other electronic devices like that expensive TV you got for Christmas. Dehumidifiers reduce the risk of mold, mildew and dust mites, so everyone breathes a little better, too. Although a house or room dehumidifier will help protect your hearing aids, it’s not enough. You will need to take other steps at the same time.

Consider buying a dehumidifier designed especially for hearing aids. There is one out there for every budget. Drying kits rely on silica gel crystals to protect the electronics. Moisture is eliminated by putting the hearing aids into the dehumidifier for a couple of hours. Drying your hearing aids as you sleep at night can be done using specially designed storage containers. In a pinch, you could use a bag of uncooked rice to remove moisture.

Don’t forget to leave the battery door open when you store your device. When you expose the battery and inner elements to air by leaving the door open, condensation can evaporate by itself. Do this all year round, not just in the summer months.

Always store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place. Avoid putting them in the glove compartment, in a hot room or on a table in the sun.

Thinking Beyond Humidity

Air vapor is not the only moisture that can damage hearing aids. Take precautions to protect them from other kinds of wet such as:

  • Make sure all lotion or sunscreen is fully absorbed before touching your hearing aids or putting them in your ears.
  • Leave your hearing aids in a safe place before you go swimming.
  • When exercising wear a sweatband. If you are wearing your hearing aid then it’s a good idea in general. Later that sweat will cause problems.
  • Try not to put your hearing aid down on wet surfaces. A glass or coffee cup can leave moisture behind.

Treat your hearing like the valuable asset that it is. Keep in mind how moisture can damage your hearing aids and make sure to prevent water from getting in them. If your hearing aid already has water damage make an appointment for service with a hearing aid specialist.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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