If your hearing aid gets wet, you probably already know that you need to remove it from your ear immediately. But what should you do next, and are there any special precautions that you need to take? The tips below will help you dry out your hearing aid as quickly and safely as possible, whether your hearing aid fell into the pool or you simply forgot to remove it before taking a shower.
Remove the Battery
A wet battery poses a safety risk, as it has the potential to shock or burn your skin. Eliminate this risk by removing the battery as soon as you take the listening device out of your ear. A hearing aid's battery is generally located on the bottom of the device, behind a closed area with a slightly raised door.
Once the battery is removed, gently wipe it dry with a towel and set it on another clean, dry towel or washcloth. Keep an eye on the battery and watch for a powdery white substance to appear. If it does, throw out the battery right away, then thoroughly wash your hands with soap. The powdered substance is dangerous and can irritate your skin and eyes.
Shake it Out
Hold your hearing aid between your thumb and index finger and gently shake it from side to side. Continue carefully shaking the hearing aid until you do not see any large droplets of water. Shake the hearing aid outside or hold it above a towel so that you do not end up with a wet mess.
Lay it Flat
After removing excess water, it's time to allow your hearing aid to dry naturally. You can do this by placing it on a towel, washcloth, or pile of newspaper. The battery door needs to remain open during this time so that the interior and exterior of the listening device can both dry completely.
If you want to speed up the process, you can place the cloth and hearing aid on top of a warm surface, such as a television set. You can also place the device in a room with a dehumidifier. Just make sure that you do not attempt to dry the hearing aid with a hair dryer or set it on top of a heater, as high temperatures may damage your listening device. Avoid the microwave and oven, too.
Did you know that several companies now offer waterproof hearing aids? If you enjoy actively participating in water sports or tend to jump in the tub when you're still half asleep in the morning, it might be a good idea to purchase hearing aids that can safely be submerged in water. A reputable hearing aid provider like The Hearing Clinic can help you choose a model that's right for your lifestyle.
Share6 April 2015
