My hearing aids got wet. What do I do? (Hint: NOT the microwave!)

Moisture is one of the most common problems that can cause hearing aids to stop working.  Whether you forgot to take them out when you stepped in the shower, or perhaps you got caught in the rain, or maybe you fell in some water, or even if you just sweat a lot … when the moisture gets in, the sound can’t get out.

So how to you fix a hearing aid that got wet?  For starters, don’t ever use the microwave.  The lovely pair of hearing aids pictured here took a trip through the microwave to try and dry them out, and it didn’t end well.  Your hearing aids are a significant investment, so you do not want to make this mistake!

When your hearing aids have had a good soaking, the best thing to do is to see your hearing care professional for a thorough cleaning and drying.  It is possible that the aids can be fixed up right here in the office, or it is possible they will need to go to the lab for a more thorough repair.  Moisture damage is covered under your hearing aid warranty, so if your aids are still under the warranty, there would be no charge for the lab repair if it is needed.  If your hearing aid is out of warranty, standard repair charges apply.

It’s not always convenient to go straight to the office when the hearing aids get wet, so there are a few things you can try at home to minimize the damage and get the moisture out.

First thing, remove the batteries and discard them.  A wet battery is no longer good to use in the hearing aid and will corrode.  Leaving a wet battery inside the aid can damage the battery contacts or the electronics on the inside. 

Once you’ve removed the batteries, the next thing to do is dry them.  Best way to dry the hearing aids is with a hearing aid dryer.  Hearing aid dryers are especially recommended for those who have trouble with moisture due to living in humid environments or for people who perspire heavily.  A good quality hearing aid dryer will extend the life of your hearing aids, reduce the frequency they need repairs, and are especially handy if your hearing aids have had an accidental soaking.  Put your moist hearing aids in the dryer and allow to dry out according to the dryer directions overnight.  Many times, this can bring your hearing aids back to life.  A professional grade hearing aid dryer can cost anywhere from $60-$150 depending on the features you would like on it.

Second best thing to use would be a hearing aid dessicant.  Hearing aid dessicants are inexpensive jars of dehumidifying agents made specifically for use with hearing aids.  Simply store your wet hearing aids in dessicant overnight, following the instructions on your specific product.  They are not as thorough as a true hearing aid dryer, however, they are the next best option.  These are small jars with a lid on them and they often have beads that change color to show you when it is time to replace or recharge the beads.  Many dessicants can be placed in the microwave to revitalize the drying power (make sure no aids are in the jar when you do so), and will revert to their normal color to show they are ready to use again.  Hearing aid dessicants are generally inexpensive, costing in the $5-$20 range. 

If you do not have a hearing aid dryer, there are still a couple of things you can try.  In a pinch, a cup of uncooked rice can be used as a dehumidifier.  Put a cup of uncooked rice in a container that has a lid.  Place a piece of tissue over the top of the rice, and place the hearing aids on top of the tissue.  Close the lid and allow to dry overnight.  See how things sound in the morning.

Another possibility is to place the hearing aids near an air vent, such as from your furnace or air conditioner.  Do not use a hair dryer, space heater or other intense heat source, as high heat can damage the electronics.  The gentle air flow coming out of the registers from your furnace or air conditioner can help evaporate out the moisture that has gotten in to the hearing aids.  This method is not advised if you have pets or small children that can access the place where you are attempting to dry the hearing aids.  Also, be sure that the hearing aids are not small enough to slip down in to your vents if you are going to attempt this method.   

As soon as possible after the soaking, be sure to visit your hearing specialist for a thorough cleaning, drying and inspection of your hearing aids.  Audibel’s hearing aids are more resistant to moisture than ever before, however, when the moisture gets in to the aids, damage is still possible, so it is important to have a professional cleaning in the event of a moisture incident.  Your hearing specialist will ensure that the aids are properly functioning, or send them in to the lab for repair if necessary. 

 

Troubleshooting Common Hearing Aid Problems

One of the most frustrating things about wearing hearing aids is when they stop working correctly. Every hearing aid wearer will, in time, experience a sound quality issue that reduces their ability to hear with their aids. Before you take those hearing aids in for repair, there are a few things you can try in the comfort of your own home to fix your hearing aid yourself.

Step 1: Check the obvious. The first thing you should do is check the basics. Is your hearing aid inserted properly? Is your hearing aid is turned on and is the volume is turned up? Next, check your batteries. Are they the right size? Are they inserted properly? Do they need to be replaced? Does your hearing aid have a mute function? Is the mute function engaged? Check your hearing aid settings, are you on the correct one? If all of these parameters check out, move to step 2.

Step 2: Inspect your hearing aid for wax and dirt. When is the last time you changed your wax filter? Is there any dirt around your buttons or microphone? Use your hearing aid cleaning tools to brush the face plate and remove any visible debris, and make sure you have a fresh wax filter installed (if your hearing aid has one). If you have misplaced your hearing aid cleaning tools or need more wax filters, please come in to our office and we will be happy to provide you with complimentary replacements.

If you wear a hearing aid with an earmold and tubing, when is the last time they were cleaned? Do you see any wax in the end of the earmold or in the tube? When was the last time your tubing was changed? Is your tubing still soft and supple or is it hard? Inspect your tubing for cracks or moisture inside the tube. If the tube shows defects or has hardened, contact us for an appointment to get your tubing changed – but if it looks good, go on to step 3.

Step 3: Dry your hearing aids. Moisture is one of the biggest causes of hearing aid repairs. When you wear hearing aids, they are just like tiny computers inside your ears and these electronic components are sensitive to moisture, including humidity and perspiration. In order to keep your instrument dry, open the battery door at night and wipe everything gently and thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

One of the best investments you can make for your hearing aid is a dehumidifier, or hearing aid dryer. If you don’t already have one but suspect moisture in your hearing aid, a jar of rice can act as a dehumidifier in a pinch. Fill the jar with about 1 cup of uncooked rice and place a tissue over the top of the rice. Put your hearing aid on the tissue and close the lid. Leave the hearing aid in the jar of rice overnight and check the function in the morning.  This is a temporary solution that can help while you are working on getting a real hearing aid dryer, and should not be used long term.  Also, do not eat the rice after it has been used this way.

Hearing aid dryers are available here in our office for purchase, or you can find them online. It is especially important to purchase a hearing aid dryer if you live in an environment with high humidity, perspire heavily, or have problems with excessive wax production. Storing your hearing aid in a quality hearing aid dryer can help you reduce repair issues over the life of the aid.

Step 4: Contact our office. If you have checked the obvious, cleaned and dried your hearing aids but still continue to experience sound quality issues, it is time to make an appointment. Give our office a call and we will arrange a convenient time to come in. We will inspect your aid thoroughly, as well as inspect your ear. Many times, a blockage of earwax is the culprit in reducing sound quality or causing feedback issues. We will make every effort to fix your hearing aid in our office during your visit, and will send the aid in to the lab for repair if necessary.  Call 800-605-9608 to make an appointment at any of our nine offices in Central Illinois – Champaign, Danville, Monticello, Gibson City, Tuscola, Mattoon, Paris, Sullivan or Robinson.  Please specify your preferred office when calling.

It is average that most hearing aid users can expect to have a once yearly hearing aid repair. For those who work in environments with a lot of moisture or dirt, for those who perspire a lot or produce a large amount of wax, repair issues can occur more often. For those who have very clean ears and lifestyle, they may not experience repairs as frequently. Everyone is individual, but a once yearly lab repair is average for any given hearing aid. Routine home maintenance, and attending a few yearly checkups for professional cleaning will help keep your hearing aids functioning properly so you can depend on them for years.