Are Hearing Aids Waterproof? IP68 Truths That Actually Help

ou step into a surprise downpour after the gym. Your hearing aids keep humming. You wonder, are hearing aids waterproof or just tough enough for rain and sweat? Here is the good news. Most premium models are highly water resistant. Many carry IP68 ratings. They handle sweat, splashes, and brief oops moments. For moisture-savvy models and plain-English advice, start with waterproof hearing aids that fit your life and budget.

The Quick Answer You Can Trust

• “Waterproof” in ads usually means strong water resistance.

• IP68 is the top rating most hearing aids carry today.

• IP68 covers sweat, rain, and short exposure to clean water.

• Swimming and showers are still out.

• Daily care prevents most moisture repairs.

What IP68 Really Means

IP ratings measure dust and water protection. The first digit rates solids. A “6” means dust tight. The second digit rates liquids. An “8” means the device resists continuous immersion. Lab tests often use one meter for thirty minutes in clean water. That is clean as in not salty, soapy, or chlorinated water. Real life brings sweat, oils, and heat. So performance under a shower is not the goal. Survival after accidents is.

Want the lab view in one page? See the IP68 test requirements summary.

Waterproof Versus Water-Resistant

Marketing eases worry. Manuals set rules. Many brands hint at waterproof ability. Their care guides still say no swimming, no showers, and no saunas. The IP rating proves the shell is tough. It does not guarantee function while wet. Microphones and receivers have tiny openings for sound. Water can muffle sound until it dries. Treat IP68 as a safety net, not a swim pass.

How Top Brands Handle Moisture

Here is a clear snapshot of leading makers. Focus on what you will feel day to day

IP68 Hearing Aids And Real-World Positioning

Brand	Models You Will See	IP Rating	Protective Tech	Immersion Example In Tests	Typical Language	What To Expect Daily
Phonak	Audéo Life Lumity, Audéo Sphere Infinio	IP68 to IP68+	Sealed case, hydrophobic coatings	Often 0.5–1 m for 30 min	Sometimes “waterproof”	Great in sweat and rain; do not swim
Starkey	Genesis AI, Edge AI	IP68	Pro8 HydraShield multi-layer barriers	Often 1 m for 30 min	“Waterproof” or “sweatproof”	Built for active use; dry before charging
ReSound	OMNIA, Savi lines	IP68	Full-component nanocoating	Immersion not advised for use	“All-weatherproof”	Handles humidity and rain; avoid dunks
Signia	Pure Charge&Go IX; legacy Aquaris	IP68	Tight seals, inductive charging	Legacy Aquaris allowed shallow water	Now “water-resistant”	Balanced durability and sound quality
Oticon	Intent, Real	IP68	Robust seals and stabilizers	Often 1 m for 30 min	“Water-resistant”	Conservative guidance; strong daily safety

Comparing two fan favorites for sound and features? See Oticon Real vs ReSound Nexia before you pick a side.

Everyday Water: Rain, Sweat, And Spills

Light rain is usually fine. Use a hat in heavy rain. Wipe your devices dry once indoors. Sweat is expected with IP68 devices. Secure the fit with sport locks or sleeves. Dry the shells before charging. Then use a dryer overnight. Want a simple workout game plan? Skim Yes You Can Exercise With Hearing Aids for quick tips.

Showers, pools, and hot tubs are risky. Heat and soaps break down seals. Chlorine and salt speed corrosion. Remove your devices before the water starts.

The Sneaky Moisture Villains

Big splashes grab attention. Slow moisture causes more repairs. Sweat and body oils creep into ports. Humidity condenses after temperature swings. Corrosion starts small and grows. You will hear it as static or a fading voice.

Warning Signs To Watch

• Crackling or persistent static

• Volume dips or pulsing loud-soft cycles

• Muffled sound after workouts or rain

• Random shutoffs or reboots

• For BTE tubes, silence from a tiny trapped droplet

If you notice these, dry the devices right away. If problems linger, contact your hearing care provider for a check.

Moisture Care That Extends Lifespan

A few tiny habits boost reliability. They also protect your wallet.

The Five-Minute Daily Routine

1. Wipe And Inspect
   Use a soft, dry cloth when you remove your devices. Check mic ports and the receiver tip.

2. Refresh Wear Parts
   Replace wax guards and domes when sound dulls. Moisture rides with wax.

3. Dry Overnight
   Use a desiccant jar or an electric dryer. Make it a habit.

4. Charge Dry
   Always wipe shells before charging. Moisture and power do not mix.

5. Travel Smart
   Keep a mini dry kit in your gym bag or suitcase.

Drying Tools Compared

Pick the tool that fits your climate and routine.

Drying Options For Hearing Aids

Method	What It Does	Pros	Cons	Best Use
Desiccant Jar	Absorbs moisture in a sealed cup	Cheap and silent	Slower; beads need recharging	Daily use in mild humidity
Electric Heat And Fan	Gentle heat and airflow, sometimes UV	Fast and consistent	Needs power; filters to replace	Active users and humid regions
Vacuum Chamber Service	Pro system at clinics	Deepest dry-out	Appointment and fee	Big splash events or chronic issues
Bag Of Rice	Internet legend	Cheap to try	Dust and myths; skip it	Not recommended

Pro Tips That Pay Off

• Keep hair products and sunscreen away from microphones.

• Remove devices before toweling hair or changing shirts.

• Replace drying beads on schedule.

• Store devices in a cool, dry spot, not a bathroom.

• Ask about chargers with built-in dehumidifiers.

 

Will IP68 Be Enough For You?

For most people, yes. If you sweat, commute in rain, or live with humidity, IP68 offers peace of mind. Want a fast lifestyle check before you choose? Read 10 Reasons You Need Waterproof Hearing Aids and match your week to the right protection level.

Fit, Ears, And Style Affect Moisture Too

Style impacts how moisture behaves around microphones and receivers.

• Receiver-In-Canal
  This is the common pick for clarity and size. The receiver sits in warm, moist air. Nightly drying keeps sound crisp.

• Behind-The-Ear With Tube
  Water can collect in tubes. A simple blower clears the block fast.

• In-The-Ear And Canal Styles
  Great wind performance. Sweat can pool near the receiver port. Electric dryers help.

• Rechargeable Versus Disposable
  Rechargeables need dry shells before charging. Disposables avoid charger moisture but need door seals checked.

Have smaller ear canals? Start with this friendly guide to models that actually fit: Best Hearing Aid For Small Ear Canals.

How Long Should Hearing Aids Last?

Most people replace hearing aids every three to five years. Moisture care can stretch that timeline. Simple habits work best. For easy lifespan wins, read How Long Do Hearing Aids Last and borrow the tips that fit your routine.

Picking Models Without The Hype

Specs help. Your daily life matters more. Use these filters to build a smart shortlist.

• Ear Size And Comfort
  Choose shells and receivers that match your anatomy.

• Hands And Dexterity
  Larger buttons and simple chargers reduce fiddling.

• Battery Life
  Confirm honest, full-day runtimes in the mode you use.

• Connectivity
  Stable Bluetooth helps in gyms and on busy streets.

• Warranty And Service
  Ask how water damage is handled. Misuse is often excluded.

• Budget And Value
  Unbundled pricing saves money while keeping expert care.

Want a simple overview of top performers across styles? Start with What Are The Best Hearing Aids and narrow from there. If you are choosing for a parent or you prefer set-and-forget ease, this list is a helpful shortcut: Best Hearing Aids For Seniors.

Are Hearing Aids Waterproof In Real Life?

Here are straight, practical answers you can use today.

Can I Wear Them In The Rain?
Yes for light rain. Use a hat in heavy rain. Dry them once inside.

Can I Shower Or Swim With Them?
No. Remove them before water starts. Heat and chemicals add risk.

What If They Get Soaked?
Turn them off. Remove batteries if they are disposable. Wipe them dry. Use your dryer. Skip hair dryers and ovens. If sound does not return, contact your hearing care provider.

Do Higher IP Ratings Hurt Sound Quality?
Modern seals protect parts without blocking microphones. You get durability and fidelity together.

Will AI Features Help In Wet Places?
AI cleans up noisy rooms and windy sidewalks. Water on mics still muffles sound. Dry first. Then the smarts shine.

Buying Moisture-Ready Models The Smart Way

With Injoy you get the same hearing aids, thousands less. We are the only U.S. retailer authorized to sell and service all six global leaders. That includes Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, ReSound, Widex, and Signia. About eighty percent of products are in stock. Delivery is fast. Every device includes a four-year warranty and a 45-day risk-free trial. You also get licensed, certified, expert care with remote programming that fits your schedule.

Prefer to browse by style and price before you chat with us? See current models and filter by features here: Shop Hearing Aids.

Final Checks Before You Hit Buy

Use this quick list to feel confident.

• Pick an IP68 model that fits your ear and lifestyle.

• Add a dryer to your routine. Nightly use is ideal.

• Confirm warranty terms around moisture.

• Plan service and remote follow-ups with a hearing care provider.

• Keep shells dry before charging.

Talk To A Hearing Care Provider Who Gets It

Tell us about your day, your goals, and your ears. We will match you with IP68 options, program them remotely, and keep care simple. Get friendly, personalized support now: Contact Injoy Hearing.