When you first get a hearing aid, you’re excited. Everything sounds clearer, richer, fuller—like switching from an old radio to surround sound. But here’s the kicker: even the best devices can fall victim to some very ordinary, sneaky villains. No, we’re not talking about dropping them in a pool (though, please don’t do that). We’re talking about daily habits, environments, and even your own body playing the long game against your gear.
Here are some of the ways moisture can enter your hearing aids and cause them to malfunction.
Steam Is Not Your Friend
Your morning shower may be your favourite part of the day. Warm water, fogged-up mirrors, maybe a podcast playing while you mentally prepare to deal with life. But that steam? This is not a great environment for your hearing aids.
Even if you’re not wearing them in the shower (which you definitely shouldn’t), storing them in the bathroom exposes them to regular humidity spikes. Steam gets into the little crevices, and over time, it builds up. It’s like a slow ambush—moisture begins to affect the internal mechanics, and before you know it, sound quality starts dropping. Try storing your devices in a dry location, such as your nightstand or a drawer in your bedroom.
Sweat Happens
Let’s be honest—whether you’re running a 10K or just trying to survive summer without aircon, sweat is part of the deal. Unfortunately, that salty moisture doesn’t just evaporate into nothing. It clings to skin, hair, and yes—your hearing aids.
Tiny droplets seep into microphone ports and battery compartments, and suddenly your hearing aid sounds fuzzy, staticky, or worse, totally silent. That’s not a tech malfunction—it’s your sweat doing the sabotage.
So what can you do? A few things. Consider moisture-resistant sleeves or clips. Use a soft cloth to wipe them down after a workout. And maybe rethink that hardcore hot yoga class unless you’re going unplugged.
The Weather Forecast: Moist
You’d think rain would be the most obvious threat, but it’s not just the downpour that gets you. Humid environments—think tropical holidays or rainy seasons—create a wet blanket of air that your hearing aids have to live in. And even when you’re indoors, moisture doesn’t clock out. It lingers in the air, settles into electronics, and invites corrosion over time.
One of the simplest and smartest things you can do to protect aids from moisture is to use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight. It’s a small investment that pays off massively in performance and longevity. No drama. Just good care.
Accidental Spritzes and Splashes
Sometimes it’s not the obvious water events—it’s the tiny ones. That mist of hairspray. A splash from the sink while brushing your teeth. Even cooking with steam-heavy dishes like pasta can cause trouble. You might not even notice it happening, but your devices do.
Get into the habit of taking out your hearing aids before you get ready in the morning or whip up dinner. Not only are you sparing your tech from potential damage, but you’re also giving your ears a brief, well-earned break.
Skin Oils, Creams, and the Sneaky Build-Up
We all love a good skincare routine, and moisturizing is a must—but your hearing aids might disagree. The oils and creams you apply to your face and neck can easily transfer onto your hands, hair, and ears. Over time, that gunk builds up on and in your device, causing muffled sounds or complete blockage.
Wipe down your hearing aids with a microfiber cloth at the end of the day. Not aggressively—just enough to keep things clean and functioning. It’s like brushing your teeth: small action, big impact.
Sound Advice for Clearer Days
Caring for your hearing aids doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance chore. It’s just about being a little more mindful of the everyday stuff. A little less moisture here. A little less heat there. A quick wipe, a dry place to store them, and the occasional tech check-up.
Your hearing aids work hard to bring the world to your ears. The least you can do is shield them from the excess moisture. You’re not just protecting your device—you’re protecting your peace, your connection, and your confidence.
Tip – Visit your audiologist every 6 months and make sure they are doing a deep cleaning to remove extra debris and moisture from inside the hearing aids. They should be taking them apart and vacuuming the inside components to remove earwax, dust, moisture, etc., to help them work better and last longer. Ask them if they have a Redux machine that dries the hearing aids.