Can You Wear Hearing Aids in the Shower? | Injoy Answers

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can wear hearing aids in the shower, the short answer is probably not. While some hearing aids are highly water-resistant, none are meant to be worn during your daily shower. Exposing them regularly to prolonged moisture, steam, and soap can lead to damage. However, some hearing aids will handle an accidental step into the shower or jog in the rain far better than others. 

Have You Ever Heard of an IP Rating?

A bunch of exacting, brilliant engineering nerds at the International Electrotechnical Commission created IP ratings, also known as Ingress Protection ratings. They determine how resistant devices are to dust and water. Just like watches and phones, hearing aids also get an IP rating.

An IP rating has two numbers. The first digit (1-6) rates protection against dust and debris. The second digit (1-8) rates water resistance. If your hearing aid has an IP68 rating, it has the highest level of protection against dust and water exposure. That deserves a big woop-woop!

But does that mean you should jump into the shower with them? Not exactly. Let’s take a closer look.

The Truth About Wearing Hearing Aids in the Shower

Your hearing aids might be water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof. IP68-rated hearing aids can withstand moisture exposure better than lower-rated models, but prolonged water exposure—like a shower—can still cause damage.

Water-resistant hearing aids are tested under controlled conditions, typically with fresh water. However, real-world exposure often includes soap, shampoo, steam, and high temperatures—none of which are ideal for electronic devices. Over time, even the most water-resistant hearing aids can experience issues due to constant exposure to humidity and moisture buildup.

Additionally, showering introduces potential risks beyond moisture. If your hearing aids slip out of your ears, they can hit hard surfaces, leading to physical damage. Water-resistant coatings may slow down damage, but they don’t make hearing aids immune to long-term exposure.

The best way to keep your hearing aids functioning properly? Take them out before stepping into the shower. If you do accidentally get them wet, dry them immediately with a clean cloth and place them in a dehumidifier overnight.

Learn more about getting used to hearing aids. 

A Deep Dive into Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

If you need hearing aids that can handle sweat, humidity, and the occasional rainstorm, IP68-rated models are your best bet. Let’s take a closer look at some top-rated hearing aids built for durability.

Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio: The Survivor

Phonak put the Audéo Sphere Infinio through 10,000 hours and 135 different “torture tests.” They ensured it could handle dirt, debris, and moisture beyond standard IP68 requirements. While Phonak doesn’t recommend showering or swimming with Infinio, its tests show it has a 70% survival rate in extreme conditions where other IP68 hearing aids failed.

Sphere Infinio also leads in noise reduction with a real-time AI chip, offering an unprecedented 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement. Plus, with a 16-hour rechargeable battery, it keeps you powered all day long.

Starkey Edge AI: Built for the Elements

Starkey’s Edge AI hearing aids go beyond standard IP68 ratings. They feature eight protective barriers that keep them waterproof up to 3.28 feet for 30 minutes. Starkey even created its own “torture chamber” water tests, exposing Edge AI to chlorinated water, saltwater, and high humidity.

Edge AI also features a Neuro Processor that improves speech clarity by up to 13 dB. The rechargeable model lasts an impressive 51 hours per charge, making it one of the longest-lasting options on the market.

ReSound OMNIA: Engineered for Harsh Environments

ReSound OMNIA offers superior durability with an IP68 rating, making it highly resistant to dust, dirt, and water exposure. Designed for speech clarity in noisy environments, OMNIA adapts to challenging soundscapes, ensuring a natural listening experience.

The Smart 3D app allows users to fine-tune their settings and track their hearing aids through the Find My Hearing Aids feature. This model is ideal for those who need a reliable device that can handle both daily moisture exposure and an active lifestyle.

Other Water-Resistant Hearing Aids

• Phonak Audéo R Infinio – This IP68 model has been put through many of the same tests as the Sphere Infinio and survived. 
• Phonak Audéo Lumity – Another IP68-rated model offering exceptional water and dust resistance.
• Starkey Genesis AI – Built with durability in mind, it meets the same high standards for moisture protection as Edge AI.

Why Moisture is a Big Deal for Hearing Aids

A Redux study revealed that 98% of hearing aids contain some moisture. That makes sense when you consider:

• Your skin releases moisture all day.
• Sweat worsens with exercise and health conditions.
• Humidity passes through traditional water barriers.
• Temperature changes cause condensation on your hearing aids.
• Rain and accidental showers happen more often than you’d think.

Even the best hearing aids can suffer from water damage over time. That’s why knowing how to protect them is essential.

Find out more about dealing with earwax and hearing aids. 

Warning Signs of Moisture Damage

If your hearing aids show these signs, moisture may be the culprit:

• Static or crackling sounds – Corrosion in electrical connections can cause static in your ears.
• Distorted sounds or volume fluctuations – Moisture damage can create uneven audio performance.
• Intermittent outages – If your hearing aid randomly turns off, moisture may be breaking internal contacts.

How to Protect Your Hearing Aids from Water Damage

Even IP68-rated hearing aids benefit from extra protection. Follow these steps to extend their lifespan:

1. Wipe Them Down Daily

After wearing them, use a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, moisture, and debris.

2. Use a Hearing Aid Dryer

A drying system evaporates moisture, even inside ear molds and tubing. Some chargers even include built-in dehumidifiers.

3. Store Them in a Dry Place

Keep your hearing aids away from humid environments like bathrooms. Use a dehumidifier or desiccant storage case overnight.

4. Minimize Direct Water Exposure

Remove hearing aids before swimming, showering, or taking a bath. If caught in the rain, dry them immediately.

The Bottom Line

Hearing aids with an IP rating of 68 will survive an accidental shower or lots of sweat better than those with a lower rating. But it’s essential to take good care of your devices after they get wet. 

If you need help finding the right water-resistant hearing aids, contact Injoy Hearing today. Our hearing care providers can help you choose the best model for your lifestyle. Don’t wait—protect your hearing aids now!