It’s getting hot in Katy, and that means people are running through the sprinklers in their yards, laying out slip-n-slides and heading to their local pool. If you’re in that group of people cooling off in the water, take a minute to read our advice on caring for your hearing aids on pool days.
Preventing Heat Damage
High temperatures can warp the casing of your hearing aids or damage their internal circuitry. When you go to the pool, place your hearing aids in their case, ideally out of direct sunlight. Under a towel or in a bag is a great spot, as long as it’s not at risk of being sat on or dropped in the pool.
Preventing Water Damage
Many newer hearing aids have a high waterproof rating of IP68—meaning they’re dustproof and protected from submersion. With that high rating, you can feel more comfortable bringing your devices to the pool; a splash or an accidental drop isn’t likely to cause permanent damage, so long as you dry them off afterward. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t wear your devices while you’re swimming. The waterproofing is designed to protect against accidents; it’s not meant to let you wear your hearing aids underwater for extended periods.
If you’re unsure what the waterproofing rating of your hearing aids is, check your device manual or ask one of our specialists.
A few ways you can minimize the risk of water damage during and after your pool time include:
- Bring a soft, dry towel to the pool to wipe your devices in the event that they get wet
- Put your hands to your ears before jumping in to verify that you aren’t still wearing them; it’s easier to forget to remove them than you’d think
- Only put your hearing aids back in when your ears and hair are dry
- Place your devices in a specialty hearing aid dehumidifier at the end of the day to remove moisture
Hearing aids could benefit an estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults,[1] and proper device care is key to receiving those benefits.
We’re here to help with any of your hearing aid concerns. If you notice sound issues or low battery life following your pool day, contact Today’s Hearing to schedule a service and repair appointment with one of our specialists.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing