Can I Wear Hearing Aids at the Beach or Pool? Best Practices

If you spend summer weekends at Sanford Lake or swim at Midland Community Pool, it helps to think ahead about keeping your hearing aids dry.

Between boat days, pool parties and cooling off after a hot afternoon, many people end up wondering if they need to take their hearing aids out each time. The answer is not as simple as always or never.

Most hearing aids can handle some sweat or an unexpected splash, but they are not made to go underwater. Even with a strong water-resistance rating, they should come out before swimming. Getting caught in the rain is very different from jumping into a pool.

What Water Resistance Really Means for Your Hearing Aids

Michigan summers often bring heavy humidity, sudden rain and plenty of time near the water. That makes it important to understand what your hearing aids can realistically handle. Water-resistant and waterproof may sound similar, but they do not offer the same level of protection.

Most hearing aids are water-resistant. This means they can usually handle small amounts of everyday moisture, like sweat, humidity or light rain. It does not mean they should be worn while swimming, showering or taking part in activities where they may become soaked.

Many hearing aids have an IP rating that explains how well they resist dust and water. The first number refers to dust protection, while the second refers to water protection. A higher water rating means the device performed better during controlled testing, but it does not guarantee protection in every situation.

Some hearing aids may be described as waterproof, but they should still not be intentionally submerged. Water depth, exposure time, chlorine, saltwater and the condition of the device can all affect its protection.

Unless the manufacturer clearly states otherwise, hearing aids should always be removed before swimming, showering or entering a hot tub. It is best to think of water resistance as added protection against everyday accidents, not permission to expose your devices to water.

How Sand and Debris Can Damage Your Hearing Aids

Fine sand can easily settle into the microphones, speakers and vents of a hearing aid. When these small openings become blocked, sounds may seem muffled, weak or distorted. You may also notice feedback, whistling or uneven volume.

Sand can cause more than a simple blockage. The tiny granules can act like an abrasive if they work their way inside the device. As the hearing aid moves during normal wear, those particles may rub against delicate parts and gradually cause damage.

Sunscreen, dirt and other outdoor debris can make sand stick around the microphone ports and charging contacts. Use a soft brush to remove loose particles, but avoid digging into the openings. Debris lodged deeper inside should be removed by your audiologist.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids From Sunscreen and Lotions

Summer weather brings plenty of sunshine, but it also means you need to protect your skin. Applying sunblock and moisturizing creams keeps your skin healthy during outdoor activities.

However, these common products can easily build up on your hearing aids when you handle them. Aerosol sprays and greasy lotions leave a thin film that covers up the tiny microphone ports. This oily residue clogs the acoustic vents and stops sound from coming through properly.

You can easily prevent this buildup with a few quick adjustments to your daily routine.

Put your lotions or sunscreens on first before you even touch your devices. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after applying the product. Let your skin dry completely before you put your hearing aids back into your ears.

When to Remove Your Hearing Aids Around Water

Take your hearing aids out before swimming, even if you only plan to stay in shallow water. They should also come out before wading, floating or sitting on the edge of a pool with your feet in the water. A quick splash or loss of balance can soak them before you have time to react.

Remove them before activities where water may spray unexpectedly. This includes boating, kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding and playing with children near the shore. Hearing aids should also come out before walking under splash pads, fountains or misting systems.

At the beach, remove your devices before entering the water, walking through strong waves or standing where the tide can reach you. At a pool, take them out before using slides, diving boards or any area where people are likely to splash.

The safest time to remove them is before the activity begins, not once you are already wet.

Smart Storage Solutions for the Shoreline

A little planning can make it much easier to protect your hearing aids near the water. Instead of tossing them into a beach bag with towels, sunscreen and drinks, give them their own protected space.

Helpful items to pack include:

• A hard-shell waterproof case that closes securely
• Soft hearing aid sleeves or covers for extra protection while the devices are being worn
• A portable desiccant pod or small drying container to help pull moisture from the devices
• A clean, dry cloth for wiping away sweat, sunscreen or surface moisture
• A separate zippered pouch to keep the hearing aid case away from wet towels and other beach gear

When the devices come out, place them directly into their case instead of setting them on a towel, chair or table. Keep the case in a shaded part of the bag and away from direct sunlight. Cars, windowsills and other enclosed spaces can become hot enough to damage batteries and internal components.

A drying pod or dehumidifier can help remove moisture that may not be visible. Keeping all of these items together in one small hearing aid kit makes shoreline storage much easier to manage.

Your Post-Water Cleaning Checklist

Even when your hearing aids stay out of the water, sweat, sunscreen, humidity and fine debris can still collect on them. A quick cleaning at the end of the day helps prevent that buildup from affecting the sound.

• Wipe down the devices: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove surface moisture, sunscreen and sweat.
• Check and brush the openings: Look over the microphones, vents and speaker area, then gently remove loose debris with the cleaning brush.
• Let moisture escape: Open the battery doors on disposable-battery models or follow the drying instructions for rechargeable devices.
• Dry them overnight: Place the hearing aids in a drying kit or dehumidifier to help remove any moisture you cannot see.

How to Spot Moisture Damage

Moisture problems do not always cause a hearing aid to stop working right away. The first signs are often small changes, like sound becoming weak or distorted. You may also hear crackling or notice that the sound cuts in and out without warning.

Moisture can also affect the battery. You may notice disposable batteries running down faster or rechargeable devices not holding a charge. Discoloration near the battery compartment or charging contacts can be another sign.

If these problems continue after the devices have had time to dry, contact your audiologist. Repeated performance changes can mean moisture has reached an internal component that needs professional attention.

What to Do if Your Hearing Aids Get Wet or Sandy

If your hearing aids become wet or sandy, remove them right away and handle them carefully. Acting quickly can limit further damage, but rough cleaning or high heat can make the problem worse.

• Turn them off and remove the batteries: Take out disposable batteries if you can. Leave the battery doors open so moisture can escape.
• Blot away moisture: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently dry the outside. Do not shake the devices, since that can move water farther inside.
• Brush off loose sand: Use a hearing aid brush to remove visible particles from the casing and openings. Do not poke into the ports or use canned air.
• Use a proper drying system: Place the devices in a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier. Do not use a hair dryer, microwave, oven, radiator or other heat source, since high temperatures can melt or warp delicate parts.

Enjoying Your Summer With Hearing Aids

Knowing what to do with your hearing aids before you head to the beach or the pool saves you from making a bad call in the moment. Some devices can handle a splash. None of them are meant to go underwater with you.

If you are not sure what your pair can take, do not guess and find out the hard way.

Great Lakes Bay Hearing in Bay City and Midland, MI can walk you through what makes sense for your devices and your summer plans. Give us a call at (989) 941-0627 and we will help you figure it out before your next trip to the water.