Are Hearing Aids Waterproof? Showering, Swimming, and Water Resistance

Are Hearing Aids Waterproof?

Most hearing aids are water-resistant, not waterproof. This distinction matters in practice. Water resistance means a device can handle light moisture — sweat, humidity, brief splashes — without immediate damage. Waterproof means a device can be submerged to a specific depth for a specific duration. Very few consumer hearing aids meet a true waterproof standard, and none are designed for swimming or showering.

The short answer: remove your hearing aid before any intentional water contact, including showers, baths, and swimming.

Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof

These terms are often used loosely in marketing. In practice, the difference is significant. A water-resistant hearing aid can survive accidental splashes and everyday humidity. It is not designed to withstand sustained water exposure, direct water pressure, steam, or submersion.

If a product is described as waterproof, check the specific IP rating and what conditions it was tested under. Even high-rated devices have limits.

Understanding IP Ratings

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are an international standard for how well a device resists dust and water. For hearing aids, the water digit is what matters most:

• IPX4: Splash-resistant from any direction. Handles sweat and light rain.
• IPX5: Resistant to low-pressure water jets.
• IPX6: Resistant to powerful water jets. Suitable for heavy rain.
• IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• IPX8: Can be submerged beyond 1 meter under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Most OTC hearing aids fall in the IP54–IP67 range. Always check the specification sheet for your specific model before exposing it to water. Do not assume a device meets a particular IP rating without confirming it in the product documentation.

Can You Shower With Hearing Aids?

No. Showering is not recommended even for devices with higher IP ratings. Real showers involve hot steam, which penetrates seals more easily than cold water, as well as shampoo and soap that can damage microphone membranes, and direct water pressure on microphone ports. The risk is not always immediate failure — it is cumulative moisture damage that shortens device lifespan over repeated exposure.

Remove your hearing aid before every shower and store it in its case.

Can You Swim With Hearing Aids?

No. Swimming exposes devices to prolonged submersion, chlorine or saltwater (both corrosive to electronics), and pressure changes. Standard hearing aids are not designed for swimming, regardless of IP rating. If hearing assistance while swimming is important for safety or communication, look specifically for devices marketed and rated for aquatic use — this is a separate product category.

What About Rain, Humidity, and Sweat?

For most water-resistant hearing aids, the following are generally manageable:

• Light rain or being briefly caught in a drizzle
• Sweating during everyday activity or light exercise
• High-humidity environments
• Accidental light splashes from washing hands

Heavy sweating during intense exercise is more of a concern. Wipe the device down afterward and consider removing it during high-intensity workouts. For more on sweat and hearing aids, see our sweat guide and our exercise guide.

What to Do If a Hearing Aid Gets Wet

If your hearing aid is exposed to water accidentally:

1. Remove it immediately and turn it off if possible.
2. Do not attempt to use it while wet.
3. Gently pat the exterior dry with a soft cloth. Do not insert anything into the microphone or speaker ports.
4. Do not use a hair dryer, microwave, oven, or any heat source to dry it. Heat damages internal components and can be dangerous with lithium batteries.
5. Do not attempt to open or disassemble the device, particularly if it has a built-in rechargeable battery.
6. Place it in a dry, well-ventilated area or a hearing aid dehumidifier for at least 8–12 hours.
7. After thorough drying, test the device. If it does not function normally, contact the manufacturer’s support team before assuming it is permanently damaged.

Water damage may not be immediately apparent. Even if the device seems to work after getting wet, contact customer support if you notice any change in sound quality, volume, or battery behavior in the days following the incident.

There is no guarantee that a device will recover after water exposure. Acting quickly and drying thoroughly gives the best chance of recovery.

How to Protect Hearing Aids From Moisture

• Remove before water activities: Showers, baths, swimming, and washing your face. Keep the charging case near the bathroom sink as a visual reminder.
• Store in the charging case overnight: This protects the device from ambient humidity and accidental contact with liquids.
• Wipe down after exercise: Pay attention to microphone ports and speaker openings where moisture accumulates.
• Avoid bathrooms for storage: Steam from daily showers raises ambient humidity even when you are not wearing the device.
• Consider a dehumidifier: In high-humidity climates or for users who sweat heavily, a hearing aid dehumidifier draws moisture out overnight and is available for under $30.
• Replace ear tips regularly: Earwax and moisture accumulate in ear tips. Clean weekly and replace every 2–3 months. See our maintenance guide for a full routine.

CIC vs. BTE: Moisture Considerations

CIC (completely-in-canal) devices sit inside the ear canal, where they are more exposed to earwax and the natural moisture of the canal environment. They require more frequent cleaning to prevent moisture-related issues.

BTE (behind-the-ear) devices keep the main electronics behind the ear, away from the canal. This gives them a practical advantage in humid conditions. The ear tip and tube can be detached and cleaned separately.

For users in humid climates or those who sweat heavily, BTE devices are generally the more durable long-term choice. For users who prioritize discretion and are diligent about daily cleaning, a well-maintained CIC device performs reliably in normal humidity conditions. See our hearing aid buying guide for more on choosing between styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear my hearing aid in the shower?

No. Even water-resistant hearing aids should not be worn in the shower. Sustained exposure to water pressure and steam exceeds what most IP ratings are designed to handle. Remove your hearing aid before showering every time.

Can I swim with a hearing aid?

Standard hearing aids are not designed for swimming. If swimming with hearing assistance is important to you, look specifically for devices with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating that are explicitly marketed as swim-safe.

My hearing aid got wet and stopped working. Is it ruined?

Not necessarily. Dry it thoroughly using the steps above and wait at least 12 hours before testing. Many moisture-related malfunctions resolve after proper drying. If it still does not work, contact the manufacturer’s support team before assuming it is permanently damaged.

Does sweat damage hearing aids?

Light sweat during normal daily activity is generally manageable for water-resistant devices. Heavy sweating during intense exercise is more of a concern. Wipe the device down afterward and consider removing it during high-intensity workouts.

Can I wear my hearing aid in a sauna or steam room?

No. Heat and steam in combination are particularly damaging to hearing aid electronics and seals. Remove your hearing aid before entering any sauna, steam room, or hot tub.

The Bottom Line

Water resistance is a safety net for accidents, not a license for water exposure. Most hearing aids can handle everyday moisture — sweat, humidity, light rain — but are not designed for showers, swimming, or sustained water contact. Remove your hearing aid before any intentional water activity, dry it properly if it gets wet, and store it in its case overnight.

For more on caring for your hearing aid, see our maintenance guide. If you are considering a new device, our hearing aid buying guide covers what to look for.