What should I do if my hearing aid gets water?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-08

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As an important tool to assist the hearing impaired, hearing aids will inevitably encounter various problems during their use, one of which is the problem of water ingress. Water ingress can not only cause hearing aids to be unusable for a short period of time, but can also cause permanent damage to the hearing aid's circuitry. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly dispose of hearing aids that have been flooded and take appropriate precautions to ensure the normal use and longevity of hearing aids.

### 1.Take action now.

First and foremost, when water is detected in a hearing aid, it is critical to take immediate action. Many people may think that hearing aids can be used again by drying them naturally after they have been flooded, but this is a very wrong idea. The electronic components inside hearing aids are extremely sensitive to moisture, and even a small amount of moisture can cause a short circuit or corrosion, leading to damage to the device.

Example Description:

Suppose Mr. Zhang accidentally exposed his hearing aids to rain on a rainy day. His initial reaction was to place the hearing aids in a ventilated area to dry naturally. A few days later, he discovered that not only were the hearing aids not working properly, but they were experiencing severe static noise. This was because he didn't take the right action right away, resulting in damage to the circuit board inside the hearing aid.

### 2.Correct processing steps.

#### a.Turn off the power and remove the battery.

As soon as water ingress is detected, the hearing aid should be turned off immediately and the battery should be removed quickly. Doing so minimizes the risk of damage to the board.

#### b.Remove moisture from the surface.

Use a dry, soft cloth to gently wipe the hearing aid to remove moisture from the surface. Remember not to use a heat source such as a hair dryer to dry the device directly, as this may cause damage to the tiny electronics inside the hearing aid.

#### c.Use a desiccant or drying box.

Place your hearing aids in a dedicated desiccant or drying box, which can effectively absorb moisture from the inside of the device. Typically, hearing aids need to be left in desiccant for several hours to overnight to ensure that the inside is thoroughly dry.

#### d.Inspection and testing.

After thinking the hearing aids are completely dry, reinstall the battery and try to turn it on. If the hearing aid is working properly, then the emergency treatment is successful. If the device is still not working properly, then it needs to be sent to a professional service center for inspection and repair.

### 3.Precautionary measures.

In order to avoid water ingress of hearing aids, it is necessary to take some precautions.

#### a.Waterproof protection.

There are waterproof cases or cases available that can be used during outdoor activities to reduce the chance of direct contact with moisture for hearing aids.

#### b.Daily attention.

When bathing, swimming, or going out in the rain, the hearing aid should be removed and stored in a dry and safe place.

#### c.Regular maintenance.

Regular professional cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids can identify and address potential problems in a timely manner, thus avoiding damage caused by unexpected situations such as water ingress.

Conclusion:

Water ingress into hearing aids is a very serious problem that requires users to pay enough attention to it in their daily use and maintenance. By taking the right emergency treatment measures, combined with effective preventive measures, the damage caused by water ingress to the hearing aid can be minimized, ensuring the normal use and longevity of the hearing aid. For hearing aids that have been flooded, if self-treatment fails to solve the problem, you should contact a professional for inspection and repair in time to avoid greater losses.

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