Oh no—your hearing aids got wet!
Perhaps you forgot to take them out before jumping in the shower, or you went swimming in the ocean without removing them first.
Almost all hearing aids are available in today’s market. This includes Audiucs hearing aids, which are moisture-proof.
Sweating heavily or walking in the rain should not damage your devices, but heavier exposure to water can be a problem.
It happens to the best of us and there are plenty of ways to dry your hearing aids using a hearing aid dryer, so don’t panic!
Hearing Aid Dryer
If you’re particularly worried about your hearing aids or have a tendency to get them wet, it may be a good idea to invest in a hearing aid dryer.
Hearing aid dryers use heat or UV light and airflow to dry, dehumidify, and sanitize hearing aids.
Some people use them every night in order to preserve their hearing aids for as long as possible. Hearing aid dryers also help to dry out earwax. This makes it easier to clear your hearing aids of any buildup.
There are many different types of hearing aid dryers. All are available online.
You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting. If you choose to use a low setting, exercise caution when exposing your hearing aids to hot heat. Hot heat can cause further damage.
DIY Methods
There are several different at-home methods you can use to dry out your hearing aids. First, always turn them off and remove the batteries.
It is important to keep the batteries dry. When you keep a wet battery inside your device you can cause electrical damage.
If the battery is wet, stray on the side of caution and just throw it out.
Once your hearing aid dries out, you can put a fresh battery inside. If your hearing aid has been damaged by salty, dirty, or chlorinated water makes sure to thoroughly rinse it with clean water before attempting to dry it out.
One method of drying is to stick your hearing aids on a newspaper. Let them air-dry for at least 24 hours.
If your hearing aids are not too wet, this is a very effective method. Help the process by setting them near a lamp for a little extra heat. Do not put them very close to the light bulb, because hearing aids are sensitive to heat and could incur further damage. Placing them under a lamp should be sufficient.
Another tried-and-true strategy for drying out wet hearing aids and batteries is using rice or silica gel.
Rice works wonders on damp electronics and hearing aids are no exception! Make sure the rice is uncooked, and stick your devices in a bowl or baggie with it.
Leave it to dry at least overnight. By the morning, your hearing aids might have revived themselves!
Of course, the best method is prevention—however, we all make mistakes!
Try to leave a note in your bathroom to remind yourself to remove your hearing aids before showering, or make sure to double-check with a family member before splashing in the pool or the ocean.
And in the event that you do get your hearing aids a little damp, try one of the methods listed above to dry them out!
By: Elena McPhillips