Solutions for Hearing Aid Water Damage

Hearing aids help in improving your ability to hear and engage with your surroundings. Yet, they are vulnerable to water damage, which might impact their effectiveness. If you want to learn how water can affect hearing aids and what strategies are available to protect your hearing aids against water damage, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.

What Are the Signs of Water Damage to Hearing Aids?

Sometimes, water damage may occur without individuals realizing it immediately. As such, it’s important that you are aware of the signs of water damage to hearing aids. This includes:

Distorted sounds.

• Reduced battery life.
• Static or crackling sounds.
• Hearing aids stop and start working.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, then talk with your audiologist about finding a solution that would be right for you and getting your hearing aids working in optimal condition.

Turn Off Your Hearing Aids

Whether you forgot to take your hearing aids out when in the shower or have dropped them into a body of water, the very first thing you should do is turn off the device. Once you have turned your device off, open the battery compartment and take a soft, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture there may be.

Remove the Battery

Removing the battery prevents corrosion and other forms of battery damage, which means it’s crucial that you do this as soon as possible. Dry the battery itself using a soft, dry cloth and place it on a clean surface to dry out further.

Try Different Drying Methods

Numerous methods exist to eliminate moisture from your hearing aids effectively. One approach involves utilizing a dehumidifier or storing the devices in a cool, dry area. Afterward, it’s crucial to keep your hearing aids powered off for an extended period, despite the temptation to resume using them promptly. Allowing sufficient time for the devices to dry thoroughly is essential to prevent additional damage and maintain their optimal functioning.

Test Your Hearing Aid

After giving your hearing aid plenty of time to dry, put the battery back into the device and turn it on. You should then test to determine whether your hearing aids are functioning correctly. For example, if you are still hearing static or the sound appears disjointed, this may indicate that you need a repair from an audiologist.

Contact an Audiologist

If you’ve followed the above steps, and your hearing aids are still showing signs of damage, you need to take your hearing aids to your audiologist for repairs. In some cases, this may be a relatively quick fix, as they can simply replace the batteries or specific components. In other cases, a more thorough diagnostic examination will be carried out to determine your next step.

It is important that you work quickly to respond to the signs of water damage, especially as it can reduce the lifespan of your hearing aids. While many of these steps can be carried out at home, don’t forget to reach out to your audiologist if necessary. They can help ensure your hearing aids are in prime condition.