It’s summertime, and with it comes countless hot days where nothing sounds more refreshing than a swim in the Burdette Park pool. If you’re among the 1.5 billion people in the world with hearing loss, spending your summer in the pool probably leads to worries about the safety of your hearing aids.
Luckily, many modern hearing aids have a water-resistant coating that protects them from accidental splashes.
What’s the Water Resistance Level of My Hearing Aids?
We use an ingress protection (IP) rating to determine the level of waterproofing on your hearing aids. The rating is made up of two parts: one number for resistance to solid foreign objects and one number for water resistance. The foreign object rating ranges from zero (no protection) to six (dust-tight), and the waterproof rating ranges from zero (no protection) to nine (protection against high-pressure water jets).
For example, a device with an IP rating of 68 will be dust-tight and protected against damage from continuous immersion in water. Ask your hearing aid specialist or check the rating in your manual to determine how waterproof your devices are.
Can I Swim With My Devices if They Have a High Waterproof Rating?
The waterproofing on your hearing aids is designed to protect against accidental splashes or rain. While the coating helps prevent damage, it’s still best to remove your devices before diving in.
And waterproofing doesn’t just prevent water from damaging your devices. It can also prevent sand and sunscreen from getting in and affecting the internal components.
What if I Drop My Hearing Aids in the Pool?
Hearing aids with an IP68 rating are designed to protect against full submersion, so they should be fine if you drop them in the pool. That said, you should dry them off after retrieving them. Pat them dry with a soft towel and then place them in a hearing aid drying jar or electric dryer to remove any dampness.
If you notice sound quality issues after getting your hearing aids wet, contact Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. to schedule a repair with one of our specialists.