How to dry out wet hearing aids

What should I do if my hearing aids get wet?

Did you get your hearing aid wet? Don't worry. After all, in everyday life, accidents can happen: you may forget your umbrella at home or get splashed at the beach for fun. Below are a few tips on how best to dry out wet hearing aids in a pinch.

Wet hearing aids: how to save it

If your hearing aids has gotten wet, first of all, don't panic! There is still time to make sure they are not ruined. Of course, keep in mind that the sooner you act, the better. In fact, timing is very important and, in some cases, even crucial. Below are some useful steps on how to dry your wet hearing aids in these circumstances.

Remove hearing aid batteries

Your hearing aid batteries are the first thing that should be removed. Unfortunately, once they are wet, batteries are no longer usable. It is important to remember to always remove them. Even if the device is no longer being used, keeping the batteries in can ruin the hearing aids, damaging their circuits permanently.

Shake it gently

To remove water from hearing aids effectively, they can be shaken gently. If you feel it is necessary, you can also blot the device dry using a dry towel. Drying the hearing aids is very important because, should any water remain in the ear canal, this could lead to the proliferation of bacteria and onset infections and otitis, such as swimmer's ear. As the name implies, this infection of the ear canal is typical among people who swim, given that the pool often promotes the proliferation of bacteria.

Leave the aid to dry out

Can I use rice to dry my hearing aids? It may sound strange, but rice can play a crucial role in dehumidifying electronic devices. Thanks to its absorbent properties, it can save cell phones as well as other types of electronic devices from water damage. However, if you are able to place your hearing aids to dry overnight using a more specific dehumidifier, perhaps one specifically for hearing aids, even better! As mentioned above, having wet ears for a long time can lead to bacterial otitis.

Consult an audiologist

If you are unsure whether you can reinsert the batteries in your hearing aids or whether your device is dry, the best thing to do is to visit a specialized center and consult an expert, who can help you verify that the device has been dried correctly.

What not to do with wet hearing aids

If your hearing aids have gotten wet, it is always best to avoid overheating them. Some people may think it is a good idea to dry them using heat from electronic devices, such as microwaves or hair dryers; however, this does not achieve the desired result. Keep in mind that just because an appliance gets wet, it does not mean it is broken. Oftentimes, as we have seen, this is not the case. Make sure to following the tips in this article to promptly and efficiently get them working as well as before.

How do I know if my hearing aid is waterproof?

Book an appointment and come and visit us at one of our Amplifon centers, our hearing care professionals will be ready to answer any of your curiosities about the world of hearing and to show you our range of Amplifon hearing aids.

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