Many factors can affect the electrical circuit in hearing aids. Accordingly, your hearing aid is designed like any other electric gadget that will self-destruct when it comes into contact with moisture. As much as most people know this and tend to remove their hearing aids when going into the shower, swimming pool or any other place with moisture, it is still common to spoil your hearing aids due to humidity.

When moisture gets into the hearing aid in the form of humidity, the chances are that they will experience irreversible damage. This factor makes humidity a real cause of hearing aid malfunction. Therefore, it is essential to know a thing or two about how humidity affects hearing aids.

What You Need to Know About Humidity and Hearing Aids

Humid air is likely to get into hearing aids in the form of sweat. When this happens, the air condenses to form moisture. Accumulation of moisture insider your hearing aid can be detrimental to its functionality. And, since humidity prevents efficient evaporation of sweat, the chances of damaging your hearing aid are always high. That’s why you need to be extra cautious with your device.

How Does Humidity Affect Your Hearing Aid?

A build-up of moisture insider your hearing aid clogs the device’s ports and openings. Additionally, moisture can block the tubing, affecting the frequency response of the device.

In some rare cases, humidity is found to corrode various hearing aid components, causing a short-circuit to essential parts, such as the receiver. Generally, moisture is harmful to your hearing aid. However, the extent of exposure will determine the degree of the effect.

Signs of a moisture-damaged hearing aid:

  • Static or crackling sound
  • Distorted sounds
  • Intermittent functioning
  • Fading sound

How to manage Humidity Issues with Your Hearing Aid

Hearing aids with high water-resistance ratings are currently available. However, having a water-resistant hearing aid does not mean you can have them in the shower or the swimming pool. This feature is only designed to offer protection to some extent. For instance, you may not have to worry when caught in the rain or when working out and sweating.

It is advisable to invest in a humidifier if you live in a highly humid location. This device helps reduce the amount of water vapor in your house. Dehumidifiers are beneficial to your overall health and not just your hearing aids. For instance, dehumidifiers reduce the chances of mold growing in your home and improve the quality of the air you breathe. It is worth noting that these devices alone are not enough to keep your hearing aid highly functional and safe. You need other proactive measures in place.

Consider opening the battery compartment frequently to check for signs of moisture accumulation. Accordingly, exposing the inner parts to outdoor dry air can increase evaporation to remove condensed air. This should be a regular practice and not just in the summer. However, you should take caution not to expose inner components to moisture.

Invest in a humidifier specifically designed for hearing aids. You can use this to dry your hearing aids overnight as you sleep. Lastly, it is essential to keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place away from any form of moisture. Avoid places with other objects, such as a tabletop with mugs. In addition, do not remove your hearing aids and place them on the table when eating. Any accident leading to spillage can be detrimental to these valuable pieces.

How Can You Prevent Your Hearing Aid from Humidity Damage?

Humidity and other types of moisture can damage your hearing aid in many ways. Therefore, it is essential to take care of your valuable device. Here are preventive measures to keep your hearing aids safe from humidity:

  • Buy a water-resistant hearing aid.
  • Invest in a sweatband to keep moisture out.
  • Dry your hands after touching moist surfaces or your body lotion before touching your hearing aids.
  • Keep your hearing aids in a dry place when not using them.
  • Remember to remove your hearing aids and keep them safe when going into the shower or swimming pool.
  • Always dry any surface before placing your hearing aid.

Your hearing aids are a crucial part of your lifestyle, and you should treat them as such. Now that you know how humidity affects your hearing aids, it is important to protect them from moisture. If your hearing aids show signs of damage from moisture, ensure you make an appointment with your audiologist. If you have other questions, feel free to contact us and make an appointment with Davis Audiology at (864) 810-6238.