Approximately 28.8 million Americans need hearing aids, and when you’re choosing which style and features you want in your hearing aids, one option you’ll be presented with is waterproof hearing aids. During Huntsville’s rainy season, these waterproof options can be an incredible option.
Moisture Hazards
Like any other electronic device, hearing aids are susceptible to damage from moisture. Exposure to water can cause malfunctions in the electrical components, such as the circuitry and microprocessors, and corrosion to the battery.
If your hearing aids have been damaged by moisture, you’ll notice signs such as shortened battery life, sudden power issues, distorted sound and increased feedback.
The Benefits of Waterproof Hearing Aids
You want to protect your investment and safeguard your hearing health, without overthinking whether you can go outside because of rainy weather. The most significant benefit to waterproof hearing aids is this peace of mind; go outside without a second thought and know your hearing aids will be okay.
Additionally, waterproof hearing aids tend to be more durable than non-waterproof hearing aids. Their designs utilize layers of protective casings; these casings primarily keep moisture locked out of the hearing aid, but they also keep dust, dirt, oil, and other hazards at bay. Not to mention the added layers of protection make them tougher for daily wear and tear.
IP Ratings Explained
Hearing aid technology is constantly improving. Because moisture damage has long been a significant hazard for hearing aid users, hearing aid manufacturers have worked diligently to enhance water resistance and develop waterproof hearing aids.
There is, however, a difference between waterproof and water-resistant, and many hearing aids will carry one of these distinctions. One way you can tell the degree to which a pair of hearing aids is waterproof is by using the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating is a standard measurement of the protection offered or the sealing effectiveness against water.
An IP rating will start with IP and then have two numbers following. The first digit shows the device’s protection against dust from a scale of one to six, and the second digit shows the protection against water from a scale of one to nine. This means the best IP rating possible is IP69.
Currently, no hearing aids are available with a rating of IP69, but there are hearing aids with a rating of IP68. Discuss these options with your audiologist, especially regarding our rainy and humid climate.
Are Waterproof Hearing Aids Right for You?
Huntsville can be a wet place to live, and you don’t want to compromise your hearing health whenever the weather takes a turn. Discuss with your audiologist how waterproof hearing aids might benefit you or your lifestyle. If you have questions about how to protect your hearing aids from moisture damage, or want to learn more about how waterproof and water-resistant hearing aids work, call North Alabama ENT Associates today!