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Troubleshooting guide: What to do if your hearing aids get wet
First of all, don’t panic. Try these steps to help dry out your devices and keep them in good working order.
Your hearing aids are small electronic devices. And just like a phone or computer, they can get damaged by moisture. It’s important to keep them dry so they work properly.1
Sometimes accidents happen. Maybe you knock a hearing aid into the sink or a pool. Or you forget to take out your hearing aids before you step into the shower.
Hearing aids seem to malfunction most often in the summer, since perspiration and humidity can get into them, says Clare Villanueva, Au.D. She’s an audiologist at Sound Audiology in Lynbrook, New York.
You might sweat a lot when you play pickleball or go for a run, for example. Or condensation may form on your hearing aids on a really humid day. Those droplets could seep into the electronic components on some hearing aids.
Hearing aids have gotten more moisture resistant, which is good news.2 This is especially true if you wear devices with rechargeable batteries, since they don’t have a battery door. This can keep small amounts of moisture from doing damage.
But there are steps you should take if your hearing aids are damp. Here’s what to do — and some ways to keep the moisture out in the first place.
Consider getting a dry aid kit
Dry aid kits are also known as drying boxes or dehumidifiers. These containers help dry out the moisture that gathers in hearing aids. You can buy these kits online or at a big-box store. Your hearing care professional may also sell them.
Some simple dry kits are jars that contain moisture-absorbing beads. Other models are electric and must be plugged in. Your hearing care professional might recommend one if you perspire a lot.
Do you have hearing aids with rechargeable batteries? “Many hearing aid manufacturers make a hearing aid charger that doubles as a dry aid kit to keep hearing aids dry and working,” says Villanueva.
Remove your hearing aids
- If they got damp while you were wearing them, take them out right away. If one of them got submerged in a sink or pool, remove them from the water source.
Wipe them carefully with a soft, dry cloth
- Gently shake the hearing aids to get rid of excess water.
- Wipe off any moisture that you can see.
- If your hearing aids have disposable batteries, remove the battery. Leave the battery door open to let the compartment dry.
Let them dry
- Place the hearing aids in a dry aid kit or dehumidifier. Don’t have one? “I tell my patients to put the hearing aids by the windowsill and let the sun evaporate the moisture,” says Villanueva.
- Allow them to dry out overnight if possible.
Check that they’re working
- Once you’ve let them dry, pop your hearing aids in your ears to see if they’re working correctly.
- If not, schedule an appointment with your hearing care professional. They’ll be able to check your hearing aids for damage.
Tips for keeping hearing aids dry in the first place
- Take them off before you shower or swim and place them in their storage case. Are you at the pool or beach? Be sure to tuck the case into a safe spot in your beach bag so it doesn’t get lost. At home, avoid storing them in the bathroom, which is often humid.
After a swim or shower, dry your ears thoroughly with a towel before you put your hearing aids back in.
- Make finding them easier: Use the ‘Find My Hearing Aids’ feature if your devices have it. This can help you locate them quickly if you accidentally drop them in a puddle or in the snow.
- Be mindful of the weather: Just like humidity, very cold weather can also cause condensation on your hearing aids. It’s a good idea to wipe them with a cloth if this happens.
On rainy days, use an umbrella to protect your head (and your hearing aids) from moisture. But most hearing aids can withstand a little rain. On the off chance they get wet, they should be okay, says Villanueva.
Keeping your devices dry takes a bit of care and maintenance. And remember: Your hearing care professional stands ready to answer questions or lend a hand if your hearing aids aren’t working properly.
AARP® members can request a hearing exam and consultation without a referral through AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing. Find a provider.
Sources
- Hearing aids National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Accessed January 25, 2025.
- How to choose hearing aids: Types and styles National Council on Aging. Accessed January 25, 2025.
- Daily care and troubleshooting tips for hearing aids American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Accessed February 10, 2025.
Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
AARP Hearing Solutions is available to all AARP members and does not require a health insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. The AARP hearing program discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, coupons or hearing aid benefit plans unless noted herein. Products or services that are reimbursable by federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid are not available on a discounted or complimentary basis. AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. UnitedHealthcare Hearing is provided through UnitedHealthcare, offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific hearing aid discounts. This is not an insurance nor managed care product, and fees or charges for services in excess of those defined in program materials are the member's responsibility. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse nor guarantee hearing aid products/services available through the hearing program. This program may not be available in all states or for all group sizes. Components subject to change.
