Are Hearing Aids Waterproof? What You Need to Know Before Getting Them Wet

One of the most common questions new hearing aid users ask is whether their device can handle water. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the device’s water resistance rating and what kind of “wet” you’re talking about. This guide breaks it down clearly.

Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: There’s a Big Difference

These two terms are often used interchangeably in marketing, but they mean very different things in practice.

Water-resistant means the device can handle light moisture—sweat, humidity, light rain, or the occasional splash—without immediate damage. Most modern hearing aids fall into this category.

Waterproof means the device can be submerged in water to a specific depth for a specific duration without damage. Very few consumer hearing aids are truly waterproof in this sense.

The key is to look at the device’s IP rating (Ingress Protection rating)—an internationally standardized measure of how well a device resists dust and water.

Understanding IP Ratings for Hearing Aids

An IP rating consists of two digits. The first refers to dust protection (0–6), and the second refers to water protection (0–9). For hearing aids, the water digit is what matters most:

• IPX4: Splash-resistant from any direction. Handles sweat and light rain. Most entry-level hearing aids meet this standard.
• IPX5: Resistant to low-pressure water jets. Better for active users.
• IPX6: Resistant to powerful water jets. Suitable for outdoor activities in heavy rain.
• IPX7: Can be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Genuinely waterproof for most practical purposes.
• IPX8: Can be submerged beyond 1 meter. The highest consumer standard.

Most OTC hearing aids—including the RKEPIE M802—are rated IP54 or higher, meaning they handle everyday moisture well but should not be submerged. Always check the specification sheet for your specific model before exposing it to water.

What Hearing Aids Can Typically Handle

For most water-resistant hearing aids (IP54 and above), the following situations are generally safe:

• ✅ Sweating during light exercise or a walk
• ✅ Getting caught in light rain briefly
• ✅ High-humidity environments like a bathroom after a shower
• ✅ Accidental light splashes from washing hands

The following situations are not safe for most hearing aids, regardless of IP rating:

• ❌ Swimming or water sports
• ❌ Showering or bathing while wearing the device
• ❌ Dropping the device in a sink, toilet, or pool
• ❌ Wearing during heavy rain for extended periods
• ❌ Saunas or steam rooms (heat + steam damages electronics)

What to Do If Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet

Accidents happen. If your hearing aid gets wet, act quickly:

1. Remove it immediately and turn it off if possible.
2. Do not use a hair dryer or microwave to dry it—heat damages the electronics.
3. Gently pat dry with a soft cloth or tissue.
4. Leave it open in a dry, well-ventilated area for several hours.
5. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one—these are inexpensive and highly effective at drawing out moisture.
6. Do not put it back in your ear until it’s completely dry—usually 8–12 hours minimum.

If the device still doesn’t work after thorough drying, contact the manufacturer’s support team. Many brands—including RKEPIE—offer customer support to help troubleshoot moisture-related issues.

Daily Habits to Protect Your Hearing Aid from Moisture

Prevention is far easier than repair. These simple habits significantly extend the life of your device:

Remove before water activities

Make it a non-negotiable habit: hearing aids come out before showering, swimming, or washing your face. Keep a small dish or the charging case near the bathroom sink as a visual reminder.

Store in the charging case overnight

Most rechargeable hearing aids come with a charging case that also serves as a protective storage unit. Storing your device in the case overnight—rather than on a nightstand—protects it from humidity and accidental contact with liquids.

Wipe down after exercise

If you wear your hearing aid during light exercise, wipe it down with a dry cloth afterward. Pay attention to the microphone ports and speaker openings, where moisture tends to accumulate.

Be cautious in humid climates

If you live in a high-humidity environment (coastal areas, tropical climates), consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier. These small devices use desiccant or UV light to draw moisture out of the device overnight and are available for under $30.

Check ear tips regularly

Earwax and moisture can accumulate in the ear tip and tube, affecting both sound quality and device longevity. Clean the ear tips with the included brush weekly, and replace them every 2–3 months or when they show visible wear.

CIC vs BTE: Which Handles Moisture Better?

This is a practical question worth addressing. CIC (Completely-in-Canal) devices sit inside the ear canal, which means they’re more exposed to earwax and the natural moisture of the ear 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 ear canal’s moisture. This gives them a slight practical advantage in humid conditions. The ear tip and tube can be detached and cleaned separately, making maintenance easier.

For users in humid climates or those who sweat heavily, BTE devices like the RKEPIE M802 are generally the more durable long-term choice. For users who prioritize discretion and are diligent about daily cleaning, a well-maintained CIC device like the RKEPIE M602 performs reliably in normal humidity conditions.

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. The sustained exposure to water pressure and steam exceeds what most IP ratings are designed to handle. Remove your hearing aid before showering and store it in its case.

Can I swim with a hearing aid?

Only if your device is rated IPX7 or higher and explicitly marketed as swim-safe. Most OTC 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.

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 completely after proper drying. If it still doesn’t work, contact the manufacturer’s support team before assuming it’s permanently damaged.

Does sweat damage hearing aids?

Light sweat during normal daily activity is generally fine for IP54-rated devices. Heavy sweating during intense exercise is more of a concern—wipe the device down afterward and consider removing it during high-intensity workouts.

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For more practical hearing aid care tips, visit our FAQ page or read our Hearing Aid Buying Guide.