Moisture is one of the biggest threats to hearing aid performance, as exposure to water, sweat, and humidity can lead to costly damage and repairs.
Choosing a water- and sweat-resistant hearing aid not only provides day-to-day peace of mind, but helps protect your investment in better hearing health for years to come.
Excess moisture can drain batteries faster. Water exposure can also lead to poor connections or even battery failure.
A water-resistant hearing aid provides better protection and helps ensure consistent performance, even in humidity.
Water can interfere with a hearing aid’s internal microphone and speaker. This results in muffled sound and static, and can even cause the device to fail.
Water-resistant coatings and sealed components can help maintain sound quality.
The first number in the IP rating refers to protection against solids, like dust. The second refers to protection against liquids.1
Over-the-counter hearing aids are widely available online and in retail stores with no prescription needed.
While less expensive than prescription models, OTC devices often offer less customization. They’re designed for a milder form of hearing loss.
Prescription hearing aids are prescribed by hearing care specialists or audiologists and tailored to your specific needs. They can help with everything from mild to profound hearing loss.
Your specialist adjusts the settings and fit for comfort and clarity and can provide follow-up care, too.
Many OTC hearing aids feature water-resistant coatings and sealed designs, offering decent protection against sweat and splashes.
Two of the best in this category are the Sony CRE-C20 and Jabra Enhance Select 500. Both rechargeable hearing aids offer the highest IP68 rating against dust and moisture.
When it comes to selection, you’ll often find there are more waterproof options available for prescription hearing aids than for over-the-counter (OTC).
Three popular options include:
When choosing a hearing aid, consider your activities and moisture exposure.
Consider a higher IP-rated device for humid outdoor environments, especially when doing these types of activities or similar:
In addition, keep in mind the type of work you do. Some occupations that may require more moisture protection include, but aren’t limited to:
Having a hearing test with a hearing professional can ensure you’re spending your money on the right device for your needs.
If you need more customization or have a more severe level of hearing loss, a prescription hearing aid will most likely be the best for you.
The Rexton LifeProof hearing aid is designed for the toughest conditions, making it ideal for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and any active individual.5
With an IP68 rating, it’s dust-tight and built to resist sweat, humidity, and water.
It’s also impact proof with rugged housing and provides long battery life for all-day wear.
Before choosing a hearing aid, take time to think about what features will best complement and seamlessly support your lifestyle.
Are you often outdoors, working in humid conditions, or exercising regularly? Look for devices with high IP ratings like IP67 or IP68 and rugged durability.
If you’re not as active or outdoors often, lighter water resistance may be enough.
A hearing care professional can test your hearing and recommend the best moisture- and sweat-resistant hearing aids for your lifestyle.
They’ll make sure they fit properly and offer the right moisture protection.