Rain and snow are what make winter in Maine cozy and beautiful. However, if you’re one of the 28.8 million Americans who need hearing aids, you know that moisture can be a major hazard for your precious devices. Here’s a guide on what to do if your hearing aids get wet in the snow or rain.
For Light Moisture Exposure
Modern hearing aids are more durable than ever before, so they can withstand a light drizzle without too much fear. However, there is a danger of moisture accumulation or stagnation within the hearing aids. If those tiny raindrops aren’t removed, they can sit inside the delicate components of your hearing aid and cause damage to the battery or electrical components.
For this, we recommend a hearing aid dry kit (also sometimes called a dehumidifier). A drying kit looks like a small jar or box where you set your hearing aids. Inside the dry kit is a moisture-absorbing agent, such as silica beads or small crystals. Placing your hearing aids near this agent and closing the lid will allow the agent to lift moisture from your devices and absorb it. This process will take a few hours.
Putting your hearing aids in a dry kit daily, especially during the wet winter months, can be hugely beneficial to the health of your hearing aids. This will prevent water from getting trapped and accumulating inside your devices and causing damage.
For More Extreme Moisture Exposure
Suppose you got caught in a terrible rainstorm or dropped your hearing aids in the deep snow. If that happens, you’ll want a faster and more active moisture-removal strategy. For that, there are hearing aid electric dryers. These work quickly and use a gentle heat source, such as a heater, fan or UV light, to evaporate the water off your aids.
For best results, you’ll want to use the dryer immediately after your hearing aids are exposed to heavy moisture. Also, open the battery cartridge and remove any earwax or debris from the hearing aid’s surface before placing it in the dryer.
Signs of Moisture Damage
Even if you take great care to dry your hearing aids after they get wet, sometimes moisture damage can still happen. If your hearing aids start malfunctioning in any way, visit your audiologist for a repair appointment or to discuss options. Signs include:
- Muffled sound
- Distorted or tinny sound
- Feedback
- Battery dying suddenly
- Shortened battery life
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Hearing Aids
As mentioned, hearing aid designs are constantly improving, and water resistance has been a major focus in newer hearing aid models. Many modern hearing aids now offer some degree of water resistance, and there are even waterproof models on the market. If you’re interested in hearing more about these, contact Bangor Audiology. We want to make sure you stay connected to the world of sound, without missing out on or second-guessing the beautiful winter weather.