In a nutshell: It's best to remove your hearing aids when showering, swimming, in the sauna, and at the hairdresser (hair washing and cutting). The IP68 certification of modern devices is for accident protection, not a release for deliberate water contact. The underestimated enemies in everyday life are sweat and humidity; a daily drying routine helps against these.
What does IP68 really mean?
IP68 means: The casing survived 60 minutes in 1 meter of fresh water in a laboratory test. This protects you if the device accidentally gets wet, for example in the rain or when washing your hands. It does not mean that the device is intended for water contact: soap, shampoo, chlorine, and salt water attack seals and surfaces, and receivers, filters, and microphone openings remain sensitive.
Everyday recommendations
Shower and bathtub: Remove devices beforehand and store them outside the bathroom, as regular contact with steam can lead to damage over time. Swimming: without hearing aids, chlorine and salt water attack materials and electronics. Sauna: heat and steam together put the greatest strain on the technology, so devices stay outside. Hairdresser: A tip from our practice: remove hearing aids when washing and cutting hair, as water and fine hair clippings affect the microphones. Sports: expressly allowed and useful, afterwards wipe off sweat and thoroughly dry the devices.
The underestimated enemy: sweat and humidity
Most moisture damage does not occur from a single water accident, but gradually: sweat during sports, humidity in summer, condensation during temperature changes in winter. Therefore, daily drying is part of the basic equipment: battery-powered devices overnight in a drying box like the UV DRY BOX, rechargeable devices for 45 minutes in the PerfectDry Lux and then in the charging station. You can find everything else in the care category.
Frequently asked questions
I forgot my devices in the shower. What now? Stay calm and follow the 5 steps in our guide Hearing aid got wet: switch off, do not charge, dry, audiologist.
Can I wear hearing aids in the rain? Yes, a shower is not a problem for modern devices. Afterwards, dry them off and dry them as usual in the evening.
Are there waterproof hearing aids for swimming? Individual special models yes, but they are not the norm. For all common RIC devices: swimming without hearing aids.
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