Hearing aids are an essential tool for people with hearing loss, but users often worry about the durability of their devices, especially when exposed to water or dust. Fortunately, there are waterproof and dustproof hearing aids on the market today that can better withstand various environmental conditions. But how do you know which hearing aid is truly waterproof, and what exactly does this mean? In this blog, we answer these and other questions about waterproof hearing aids.
What Does ‘Waterproof’ Actually Mean?
Waterproof hearing aids are designed to withstand water to a certain depth and for a certain amount of time. But the term “waterproof” can cause confusion because not all waterproof devices offer the same level of protection. To determine how water-resistant a hearing aid is, pay attention to its IP (Ingress Protection) rating, an international system that indicates how well a device can withstand solids (such as dust) and liquids (such as water).
How Do You Know Which Hearing Aid Is Waterproof?
Most water-resistant hearing aids have an IP68 rating. This means they are completely dustproof and can withstand water to a certain depth, usually 1 meter for 30 minutes. If a hearing aid has this rating, you can reasonably assume that it is highly resistant to rain, sweat, and accidental immersion in water.
Note, however, that “waterproof” does not always mean you can swim with it. The term indicates that the device can be temporarily immersed in water without damage, but prolonged exposure to water, such as swimming, can still damage the electronic components. Therefore, always check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations before exposing your hearing aid to water.
How Is Waterproofing Tested?
The waterproofness of hearing aids is tested according to the IP standard. Manufacturers immerse the device in water and check that it still functions correctly after the specified time. Hearing aids with an IP68 rating must be able to withstand dust and immersion to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes without damage. In addition to these tests, manufacturers often check how well the devices can withstand sweat and other liquids to ensure that they continue to perform well in everyday use.
What is Dust Density and Why Is It Important?
Dustproofing is another important factor in hearing aids. A device that is dustproof has protection against the entry of small particles, such as sand or dust, which is especially useful for people who work in dusty environments or spend a lot of time outdoors. Like waterproofness, dustproofness is indicated by an IP rating. Hearing aids that are completely dustproof have the highest rating of “6” for solids (the first digit in IP68), meaning that no dust particles can enter the device.
Does Waterproofing Help Against Perspiration?
Yes, waterproof hearing aids also provide protection against sweat. Because sweat can lead to corrosion of the electronic components, it is important that hearing aids have good resistance to moisture. A waterproof device with an IP68 rating is designed to withstand perspiration, which means you need to worry less about damage from sweat during sports or other activities.
Are Waterproof Hearing Instruments Rechargeable or Do They Also Work with Batteries?
Waterproof hearing aids today are available in both rechargeable versions and models with replaceable batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids are convenient because they do not have a battery compartment that can be vulnerable to water infiltration. This often allows them to be sealed better, which contributes to water resistance. Models with replaceable batteries must be carefully designed to ensure that water has no chance of entering the battery compartment. This can affect durability in wet conditions, depending on how good the seal is.
Can I swim with Waterproof Hearing Instruments In?
While some hearing aids are waterproof, this does not necessarily mean they are designed for swimming. As mentioned earlier, an IP68 rating means that the device can stay underwater for a short period of time without damage, but constant underwater use, such as swimming, can eventually cause problems. For people who still want to swim and continue to use their hearing aids, special protective covers are available that provide additional water resistance.
In addition, it is important to remember that even if the device is waterproof, sound transmission works differently under water than in air. Under water, sound waves move faster, and this can affect the way sound is perceived. Hearing aids are usually not designed to handle these types of sound waves, which means your listening experience underwater may not be optimal.
What Do You Hear Underwater with Waterproof Hearing Instruments?
It is important to understand that even if you can wear your waterproof hearing aids underwater, it does not mean that you will hear the same as above water. Sound travels faster and in a different way under water, which can result in muffled or distorted sound. Most hearing aids are not designed to correct for these acoustic differences, which means conversations underwater can be difficult to understand. This is an important consideration if you are considering taking your hearing aids with you while swimming.
When Will You Benefit from a Dustproof Hearing Aid?
A dustproof hearing aid is useful for people who work in environments where there is a lot of dust, such as construction sites, workshops or outdoor areas. Even if you don’t seek out a particularly dusty environment, dust particles can enter the device and cause long-term problems. Dustproof hearing aids are designed to prevent the ingress of these particles, which helps to protect the internal electronics and extend the life of the device.
What Types of Protection Are Important to Your Lifestyle?
- Waterproof for Sweat and Rain: If you regularly exercise or work outside, sweat or rain can damage your hearing aid. A waterproof device provides extra security and durability.
- Dustproof for Outdoor Work and Dusty Environments: For people who often work outside or are in dusty environments, a dustproof device provides extra protection. It prevents small particles from accumulating in the electronics, making your hearing aid last longer.
Conclusion
Waterproof and dustproof hearing aids provide additional protection that can extend the life of your device, especially if you are regularly exposed to moisture or dust. When choosing a waterproof hearing aid, pay attention to the IP rating and consider whether you want a rechargeable model or prefer one with replaceable batteries. While you may not have a problem with rain, showering or sweating while exercising, this does not mean that swimming is always safe with waterproof hearing aids.
When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult with your hearing care professional about what best suits your lifestyle and hearing needs. This way, you can make an informed choice and enjoy the full functionality your hearing aid offers.
