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Enjoy Peace of Mind With Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

Are you worried about sweat, rain, or humidity damaging your hearing aids? In this guide, we explore top water-resistant hearing aids that offer the best protection against the elements. Keep reading to find the best moisture-resistant hearing aids for you and your lifestyle.
Published 4/24/2025,
Updated 4/24/2025
Hearing aidsTechnology
Connect deeply with nature during walks and hikes, appreciating the sounds of rustling leaves, birdsong, and flowing water, enhanced by the use of hearing aids.
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How Moisture Impacts Hearing Aids

Why Water Resistance Matters for Hearing Aids

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.

Common Moisture-Related Hearing Aid Issues

  • Corrosion of internal parts

    Moisture can seep into hearing aids, corrode parts, and cause device malfunctions. Even small amounts of humidity can cause long-term damage. A water-resistant design helps prevent these issues.
  • Shortened battery life

    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.

  • Sound distortion and malfunctions

    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.

Get back your hearing enjoying all the wonderful sounds of nature when wearing hearing aids
IP Ratings for Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

Understanding Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Hearing Aids

Not all hearing aids offer the same level of moisture protection. Water-resistant devices resist water to a certain degree: some can handle splashes while others can be submerged. 

Keep in mind that no hearing aid is truly waterproof. Some just can withstand deeper water submersion for longer.

Check Your Hearing

What Does an IP Rating Mean?

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is a set international standard that helps consumers understand how well electronics are sealed against elements like dust and water.1
understanding your hearing aid ip rating

The first number in the IP rating refers to protection against solids, like dust. The second refers to protection against liquids.1

  • IP67: Can withstand dust and temporary water exposure. An IP67-rated device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.
  • IP68: Can withstand dust and offers higher protection against prolonged moisture exposure. An IP68-rated device allows for submersion up to 1.5 meters of water for the same time. Always read your hearing aid manual for information on the specific rating and recommendations, or talk to your hearing care professional.
Types of Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

OTC vs. Prescription Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

When it comes to choosing a water-resistant hearing aid, there are both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options available to match your budget and level of hearing loss.

Key Differences Between OTC and Prescription Models

  • 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.

Water-Resistant Options in Both Categories

To select a hearing aid with moisture protection, be sure to consider models with higher IP ratings. Here are some notable options across both categories:
Sony's cre-c10 over-the-counter self-fitting hearing aids.  Fits in the earcanal for a nearly invisible look.

OTC Models With Moisture Protection

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. 

Prescription Hearing Aids With High IP Ratings

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:

  • Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX - a rechargeable, IP68-rated device made for active people who want the most natural sound in any environment.2
  • Starkey Genesis AI - a rechargeable hearing aid with an IP68 rating, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.3 
  • Phonak Audéo Life - first waterproof hearing aid designed to protect against submersion in up to 1.64 feet/50 cm of water. It’s ideal for active lifestyles or humidity.4
Signia Pure charge and go ax banner image.

Which Option Is Best for You?

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:

  • Cycling
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • High-intensity exercise classes
  • Sports like basketball or soccer
  • Swimming (be sure to confirm the submersion level for your devices)

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:

  • Police officers and firefighters
  • Construction workers
  • Park rangers and forest workers
  • Mining workers
  • Pool or ocean lifeguards
  • Fitness and swimming instructors
  • Any outdoor profession subjected to hot, humid, or rainy environments

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. 

Water-Resistant Hearing Aid Brands for Active People

Best Water-Resistant Hearing Aids for an Active Lifestyle

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.

Other Top Moisture-Resistant Hearing Aids

If you’re looking to combine advanced technology with water-resistance, these popular devices can help keep you connected and on the go:

#1 Widex MOMENT Sheer (IP68)

With a water-resistant coating and smart sound processing, this device is durable and provides crystal-clear sound clarity.6

#2 Sony CRE-C20 (IP68)

A discreet, rechargeable OTC hearing aid with moisture-resistant features and prescription-grade sound that automatically adjust to your environment.7
Tips for Protecting Hearing Aids Against Moisture

How to Protect Your Hearing Aids From Moisture

How to Find the Right Water-Resistant Hearing Aid

Find the Right Water-Resistant Hearing Aid for You

Before choosing a hearing aid, take time to think about what features will best complement and seamlessly support your lifestyle.

  • Assess your needs:

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. 

  • Get professional guidance:

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.

Support Center at HearUSA

Let Us Help You Find Your Fit

Contact a HearUSA hearing care specialist to book your complimentary hearing screening or to get help finding a water-resistant hearing aid that matches your lifestyle.

We can help you stay active and worry-free, no matter the conditions.

Book Appointment
1 Wikipedia: IP Code (March 19, 2025): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_code
2 Signia Pure Charge & Go BCT IX: https://www.signia.net/en/hearing-aids/integrated-xperience/pure-charge-go-ix/.
3 Starkey: Waterproof hearing aids: https://www.starkey.com/hearing-aids/waterproof-hearing-aids.
4 Phonak: Phonak Audéo Life™: https://www.phonakpro.com/il/en/products/hearing-aids/audeo-life/overview-audeo-life.html.
5 HearUSA: Rely on Rexton: https://www.hearusa.com/hearing-aids/rexton/.
6 Soundly:Widex Moment Sheer 110 Review (February 21, 2025): https://www.soundly.com/product/widex-moment-110.
7 Wired: Review: Sony CRE-C20 Hearing Aids (August 27, 2024): https://www.wired.com/review/sony-cre-c20-hearing-aids/.

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* Return hearing aids for a refund within 60 days of purchase. Only applies to prescription hearing aids purchased through HearUSA (excludes any purchase where HearUSA is 3rd party dispenser of the hearing aid being purchased). Excludes Sony over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. In the event you decide to return the prescription hearing aids within the 60-day trial period, you will receive a refund of the total purchase price in the same manner that you paid for the prescription hearing aids, upon return of the prescription hearing aids in good working condition, less any charges permitted by the state of purchase.