Are your hearing aids wet? What you need to know.

Are your hearing aids wet? What you need to know and what you can do.

Ryan Kabel • January 3, 2023

Are your hearing aids wet?

If you wear hearing aids, it is important to keep them dry. While most people are aware of this fact, they may not know how easy it is to damage their device or how much moisture can build up over time without realizing it. In fact, hearing aids are so susceptible to damage that even if you have a custom-fit device (which is not waterproof), getting your hearing aids wet can still cause significant damage that requires repairs and replacements over time.

If you're worried about getting water inside your hearing aid during activities like swimming or bathing, here are some tips for keeping your devices safe.

Avoid getting water inside of your hearing aids at all costs.

If you get your hearing aids wet, it can cause damage that is costly and time-consuming to repair. In addition, even if the hearing aid doesn't fail completely, it will likely need to be thoroughly cleaned and checked before you can use it again.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of water damage:

Keep your hearing aids out of direct contact with water or liquids—this includes rain and swimming pools.

Never leave your hearing aid in areas where there may be excessive moisture such as bathrooms with high humidity levels or laundry areas where there are steamers, dryers, and washers nearby.

Avoid using steamers or dryers as they can damage the delicate components inside of your hearing aid.

Do not wear your hearing aids if you know you will be working out or playing a sport that could cause them to get wet.

Never keep them in your pocket when you are swimming or showering. If you have water on them for too long, it can cause damage to the internal components of the device and make it unusable until it is repaired by an expert at a hearing clinic.

To limit moisture in your custom hearing aids, try avoiding jumping straight into the pool when you're wearing them or standing under running water with them on. You may want to consider removing them before showering or bathing.

Remove your hearing aids during activities where they might get wet.

Remove your hearing aids before swimming or bathing.

Remove your hearing aids before showering.

Remove your hearing aids before washing your hair.

Remove your hearing aids before washing your face.

Remove them during activities that generate a lot of moisture, like gardening or housework, as these can cause damage to the devices over time if you don't take them out first.

What about custom-fit hearing aids?

If you have a custom-fit hearing aid, you should avoid getting it wet as much as possible. Even if your device is waterproof, which many custom devices are not, the plastic casing can still collect moisture which will eventually cause damage.

Custom-fit hearing aids are more fragile and expensive than standard models. While this makes them better at fitting into the ear canal, it also means that any accidental damage will cost more to repair or replace. Custom-fit hearing aids have instruments that are so delicate and require precise measurements for optimal performance, even the smallest amount of moisture can cause major problems. Repairing them can be costly and time-consuming.

To help prevent this from happening in the first place, keep your custom hearing aids clean and dry by removing them when showering or swimming.

How should you care for wet hearing aids?

If your hearing aids get wet, remove them and dry them as soon as possible. If you can't remove the battery from your (custom-made) hearing aid, put it in an airtight container like a plastic bag for 24 hours so that any excess moisture can evaporate into the air. If there's no place for excess moisture to escape from inside of your device (like in the case of an open mold), call our office immediately so we can help you figure out how best to proceed.

If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, you can remove the battery compartment and let it air dry. This will help dry out the moisture.

You can also use a hairdryer to dry out your hearing aids by running it for about five minutes at medium heat. Be careful with this method though: if you set the temperature too high or leave them under the hairdryer for too long, they could be damaged!

How to prevent moisture damage?

Hearing aids get moisture over time without you knowing, it's important to have the moisture checked with your yearly hearing aid check-up. Moisture can damage your hearing aids, make them less accurate and reduce their lifespan. It's important that you take steps to protect your hearing aids from moisture.

In order to prevent moisture from damaging your hearing aids, it is recommended that you:

Store them in a dry place when not in use.

Clean the ear mold regularly with water and mild detergent (avoid cleaning fluids containing alcohol) or any other recommended method by your hearing professional.

Ensure that you are using proper care for the battery of the device (rechargeable batteries should be charged every 2-4 weeks). All rechargeable batteries have a limited life span. When they no longer hold sufficient charge to power the unit, replace them with new ones from an authorized dealer or service center.

Important reminder!

If your hearing aids get wet, turn them off immediately and take the battery out. Then let them dry in a safe place. It’s important that you act quickly. Remember to get your hearing aids checked yearly to help with moisture prevention and unnoticeable moisture damage.

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I Have Hearing Aids, How Come I Cannot Hear Soft Sounds?

By KabelSYnc • August 2, 2023

I Have Hearing Aids, How Come I Can't Hear Soft Sounds?

What are the benefits of the New Resound Omnia Hearing Aids

By Ryan Kabel • May 17, 2023

If you are looking for a hearing aid that can help you hear better in noisy environments, you might want to consider the ReSound OMNIA. This hearing aid offers some unique features that make it stand out from other devices on the market. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of ReSound OMNIA and why it might be a good choice for you. What is ReSound OMNIA? ReSound OMNIA is a family of hearing aids that includes different styles and models to suit various preferences and needs. You can choose from behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RIE), or custom-made in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, depending on your level of hearing loss and comfort. Some models are also rechargeable, which means you don't have to worry about changing batteries. ReSound OMNIA is powered by Organic Hearing, a technology that aims to deliver natural and personalized sound quality. Organic Hearing uses advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze your environment and adjust your hearing aid settings accordingly. It also preserves the natural sound of your own voice, so you don't sound loud or artificial to yourself. One of the most impressive features of ReSound OMNIA is its beamforming technology, which improves your hearing in noise without making you feel cut off from your surroundings. Beamforming is a technique that uses multiple microphones to focus on the sounds you want to hear, such as speech, and reduce the background noise. ReSound OMNIA is the only hearing aid that can simultaneously combine narrow beamforming for hearing in noise and omni-directional listening for hearing all around you. This results in an incredible 150% improvement in speech understanding in noise, according to ReSound. ReSound OMNIA also offers wireless connectivity and compatibility with various accessories and apps. You can stream audio from your smartphone, TV, or other devices directly to your hearing aids via Bluetooth. You can also use the ReSound Smart 3D app to personalize and control your hearing aids from your phone. The app allows you to adjust the volume, bass, treble, noise reduction, and more. You can also access remote assistance from your hearing care professional if you need any help or adjustments. What are the benefits of ReSound OMNIA? ReSound OMNIA can provide many benefits for people with hearing loss who want to enjoy life to the fullest. Some of these benefits are: Better hearing in noise: With ReSound OMNIA, you can hear speech clearly and comfortably in noisy situations, such as restaurants, parties, or meetings. You don't have to strain to follow conversations or miss out on important information. Natural sound quality: With Organic Hearing, you can experience sound that is natural and balanced, without distortion or feedback. You can also hear your own voice as it sounds to others, without feeling like you are talking into a barrel. More convenience and comfort: With ReSound OMNIA, you can choose from different styles and models that fit your lifestyle and preferences. You can also enjoy the convenience of rechargeable batteries or wireless streaming. You can wear your hearing aids with confidence and ease. More control and personalization: With ReSound OMNIA, you can customize your hearing experience with the ReSound Smart 3D app. You can fine-tune your settings according to your preferences and needs. You can also access remote support from your hearing care professional if you need any guidance or adjustments. t How can I get ReSound OMNIA? If you are interested in trying out ReSound OMNIA, you can contact your local hearing care professional and book a consultation. They will evaluate your hearing loss and recommend the best model and style for you. They will also fit and program your hearing aids according to your specific needs. ReSound OMNIA is a hearing aid that can help you hear better in noise without feeling cut off from your surroundings. It offers natural and personalized sound quality, as well as convenience, comfort, control, and personalization. If you want to learn more about ReSound OMNIA, visit https://www.kabelhearing.com/resound

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You

By Ryan Kabel • April 12, 2023

Hearing aids are devices that help individuals with hearing loss to communicate and interact with the world around them. They work by amplifying sound and making it easier for the individual to hear and understand speech and other sounds. However, not all hearing aids are created equal, and choosing the right type of hearing aid is essential in getting the most benefit from the device. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid. They consist of a small device that sits behind the ear and a tube that connects to a custom earmold that fits inside the ear. BTE hearing aids are suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss and can amplify sound across a broad frequency range. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice among hearing aid users. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the ear. They are less visible than BTE hearing aids and come in different sizes, making them suitable for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids provide good sound quality, but their small size may limit their battery life and features. They may also be more challenging to handle for individuals with dexterity issues. In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller than ITE hearing aids and fit partially in the ear canal. They are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and offer better sound quality than ITE hearing aids. ITC hearing aids are also less visible than BTE hearing aids, making them a popular choice for individuals who want a discreet hearing aid. Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aid and are custom-made to fit entirely in the ear canal. They are invisible and suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC hearing aids have limited features, such as directional microphones and volume control. They may also be more challenging to insert and remove for individuals with dexterity issues. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is located inside the ear canal. They are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss and offer excellent sound quality and features. RIC hearing aids are also less visible than BTE hearing aids, making them a popular choice for individuals who want a discreet hearing aid. In conclusion, understanding the different types of hearing aids is crucial in selecting the right device for your hearing needs. Each type of hearing aid has its advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, budget, and hearing needs. Consult with an audiologist to determine the most suitable hearing aid for you. Remember, hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and hearing needs, and enjoy a better quality of life with improved hearing.