If you are a regular Hearing aid user, your Hearing Aids are the extension of your ears. It is important that your Hearing aids are well maintained and remain trouble free during the rains. Though regular Home maintenance is recommended throughout the year, problems like intermittent switches and crackling noise are more frequent during the rains. Though most of the available Digital Hearing aids are either water repellent or water resistant, they do give minor problems. Picking up a few Tips to protect your Hearing aids from rain and water will ensure trouble-free usage.
What precautions should I take during the Rains?
If you are a regular Hearing aid user and commute to the office it is natural that your Hearing aids will be exposed to water and humidity. You can read the following tips to protect your Hearing aids from the rain.
How to protect your Hearing aids from Rain.
If your Hearing aids are not water resistant and you are caught in an unexpected rain without an umbrella, your first instinct should be to protect your Hearing aids. The best option is to remove them and put them in a waterproof pouch. Always carry a waterproof pouch or a zip-lock bag. The Hearing aids will be safe from water and moisture in the waterproof bag.
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Always keep a Keep a soft, dry cloth in the office
It is advisable to keep a soft, dry cloth in your office. Once you reach the office, remove the Hearing aids and wipe them carefully with a soft dry cloth. In case you do not have a soft, dry cloth, you can use a dry tissue to clean the Hearing aids.
After cleaning the Hearing aids externally, open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Clean the battery compartment from inside. In case you are an ITC or a CIC user and cannot insert the cloth, use a cotton bud to clean all the water and the moisture. It is important to clean the battery as well. If the moisture is allowed to remain on the battery, the battery will run out faster than usual.
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Use a Dehumidifier or a Stay Dry box
If possible, keep a Dehumidifier box or a Stay Dry box in your office or use it when you retire for the day. Insert the Hearing aids in the Dehumidifier or a Stay Dry box after carefully cleaning the Hearing aids and the battery compartment with a dry cloth or tissue.
There are 2 types of Dehumidifiers. The electrically operated one is found to be more effective. Some of the Dehumidifiers blow air, this helps the air to reach the inner parts of the Hearing aid and dry the moisture. The basic non-electrical Dehumidifiers use a Desiccant. Desiccants are substances which absorb the moisture.
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Simple Home tip for Desiccant
You will be surprised to know that we may have a handy desiccant at home. Yes! Rice is a very good desiccant. In case you do not have a company made dehumidifier, you can insert the Hearing aid into a packet of uncooked rice.
Protective sleeves for Hearing aids is a good way to protect your Hearing aids. The sleeves are made of spandex nylon material which is water resistant. The sleeve protects the Hearing aid from water as well as dust. It is ideal for playful children and for people who sweat.
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Can I use a Hair Dryer to dry my Hearing aid?
It is not advisable to use a hairdryer in the hot air mode. In case you want to use a hairdryer, it should be in a cold air or normal mode. Hot air can damage the Hearing aid’s delicate parts.
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Are waterproof Hearing aids available?
100% waterproof Hearing aids are not available. But water repellent or water resistant Hearing aids are available from most of the reputed manufacturers.
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What are water Repellent Hearing aids?
Most of the hearing aid manufacturers “Nano coat” the outer shell of the factory manufactured Hearing aid. This is a process where the shell has a very fine layer of a material which is basically “water repellent”. The Nano coating does not allow the water droplets to stick to the Hearing aid shell. This prevents water droplets to seep into the Hearing aid through the small openings.
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What are Water Resistant Hearing aids?
Water resistant Hearing aids are a step ahead of water repellent Hearing aids. The housing is designed in such a way that there are no gaps or openings for the water to get in. The microphone is covered by a special membrane which allows air and sound waves to enter but do not permit water to enter inside.
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Can I swim with my Water Resistant Hearing aids?
The water-resistant Hearing aids cannot be used while swimming or while having a shower. These Hearing aids can be used in normal rain and sweat situations. You do not have to panic and remove your Hearing aids if you are caught in the rain. It is still advisable to clean and dry them after you reach home. The currently available models of water-resistant Hearing aids are classified as IP67 or IP68.
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What is IP67 or IP68 code?
IP means Ingress Protection, the number indicates the protection rating of your Hearing aids against dust particles and water.
The first number “6” means that your Hearing aid has 100% protection against dust particles. 6 is the maximum score for dust protection. The second number which is 7 or 8 indicates protection against water. 7 indicates that your Hearing aid can be under water for not more than 30 minutes up to a maximum depth of 1 meter. The number 8 indicates that your Hearing aid can be under water for not more than 60 minutes up to a maximum depth of 1 meter.
IP67 = Dust protection 100%.
Water protection: 30 minutes at 1 meter depth.
IP68 = Dust protection 100%.
Water protection: 60 minutes at 1 meter depth.
Please note that the above rating is for the damage to the Hearing aid. It does not mean that your Hearing aid will keep working under water for 30 minutes or 60 minutes. The irony is that the Zinc Air Hearing aid batteries we use require continuous air to produce power. Since air will not be available under water, the Hearing aid stops working. However, they start working once the batteries are exposed to air.
It has to be noted that the standard manufacturer warranty is not applicable if the Hearing aids have been damaged due to water or humidity. Regular home maintenance will add a few years to the life of your Hearing aids.
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