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Beach, Pool, and Vacation Care Tips for Hearing Aid Wearers
A practical guide to protecting your hearing aids from water, heat, sand, and travel-related moisture during summer plans.
A beach day and time at the pool can be loads of fun, but summer vacation activities can be tough on hearing aids. Humidity, sunscreen, sand, salt residue, and direct sun can all affect how your devices perform.
Knowing what your devices can handle, having the right accessories with you, and keeping a sensible routine for hearing aid moisture protection can keep your devices safe while you enjoy the warmer weather.
At Hearwell Services, we help patients throughout New York and Connecticut with practical hearing care, including device fittings, maintenance, troubleshooting, and travel preparation. A quick consultation before your trip can help you feel more confident about protecting your hearing aids while still enjoying the plans you have made.
Can You Wear Hearing Aids at the Beach or Pool?
Yes, you can usually wear hearing aids at the beach or pool if you’re not heading into the water and you take a few precautions. Keep them away from salt water, avoid handling them with sandy hands, and remove them before applying sunscreen or insect repellent.
Swimming with hearing aids is a different situation. Most hearing aids should be removed before getting into a pool, shower, ocean, hot tub, or any other body of water. Some models have stronger water-resistance ratings than others, but that does not make every device safe for regular submersion. This should be checked with your audiologist.
What to Do If Hearing Aids Get Wet or Need Drying
Knowing how to dry hearing aids properly can prevent a small accident from becoming a bigger issue. If your hearing aids get wet:
- Remove them and switch them off as soon as possible.
- Gently wipe the outside with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
- For devices with disposable batteries, remove the batteries and leave the battery door open so air can circulate.
- Place the hearing aids in an airy, dry place or use a manufacturer-approved hearing aid dryer or drying kit.
- Let the devices dry completely before turning them back on or returning them to their charger.
What Not to Do If Hearing Aids Get Wet
- Do not use a hair dryer, microwave, radiator, oven, or direct sunlight. Heat can damage the outer shell and sensitive internal components.
- Avoid rinsing hearing aids under a tap, even after salt water exposure.
Instead, dry the exterior carefully and contact your hearing professional for advice if the sound becomes weak, distorted, intermittent, or stops altogether.
Beach, Pool, and Travel Care Tips to Protect Your Devices
Good travel hearing aid care starts before you leave home. A little preparation makes it much easier to protect your hearing aids once you are out and about.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Cool
Do not leave hearing aids in a parked car, on a sunny windowsill, or wrapped in a towel beside the pool. Keep them somewhere cool and dry when they are not in use, ideally in their protective case.Pack a Small Hearing Aid Care Kit
Your travel kit should include your hard case, cleaning cloth, charger or spare batteries, charging cable, and any manufacturer-approved drying product. These small accessories can make a big difference when you are away from home.Be Careful With Sunscreen, Sand, and Spray Products
Apply sunscreen, insect repellent, hair products, or facial sprays before putting your hearing aids in. Give products a moment to dry, then wash or wipe your hands before handling the devices.Use Covers and Wind Protection Properly
Some wearers choose to use hearing aid covers for added protection from sweat, light moisture, or wind-blown grit. Make sure the cover is designed for your hearing aid style, and remember that it is not a substitute for removing devices before water activities.Give Your Devices Extra Attention After a Humid Day
Summer humidity can build up over time, especially if you wear hearing aids for long periods outdoors. Dry your devices properly at the end of the day, check for wax or debris, and continue your normal aid maintenance routine while you travel.
If you have any hearing aid complaints, schedule an appointment with a HearWell Services specialist. We’ll make sure your devices are fitted, set up, and tailored to your needs. If it’s not working for you, we’ll help you find a comfortable and functional alternative—because you deserve nothing less!
Did you know that 50% to 90% of users report positive experiences? We’re thrilled you’re one of them! If you encounter any issues or discomfort with your devices, don’t hesitate to reach out to the HearWell team. We’re here to help you on your journey to better hearing!
Quick Quiz: Is Your Travel Hearing Kit Ready?
Tick the option most applicable to you.
How Hearwell Services Can Help
Before you travel, Hearwell Services can help you build a realistic travel hearing plan around your specific devices and routine. That may include:
- Reviewing your hearing aid model and its moisture limits
- Showing you the safest way to clean and dry your devices
- Assessing whether your charger, batteries, and storage case are ready for travel
- Recommending suitable care products for your hearing aid style
- Inspecting devices that have been affected by moisture, heat, or inconsistent sound
A consultation is also a good chance to ask about comfort, fit, and the accessories that will be worth bringing with you.
Hearing Aid Vacation Care FAQs
How should I protect hearing aids at the beach or pool?
Keep hearing aids away from water, salt, sand, direct sun, and sunscreen residue. Store them in a protective case when not in use, handle them only with clean hands, and remove them before going into the water.
What should I do before wearing hearing aids near water?
Check your model’s user guide, pack a dry case and cleaning cloth, and know where you will store the devices while you swim or shower. Apply sunscreen and other products before putting your hearing aids in.
Are hearing aids safe to wear near the beach or pool?
They can be worn near the beach or pool when you are careful, but most hearing aids should not be worn while swimming or submerged in water. Your exact model and its care instructions matter.
What are the biggest beach and pool risks for hearing aids?
The main risks are water exposure, humidity, salt residue, sand, sunscreen, and excessive heat. Each can affect sound quality or damage components when devices are not properly protected.
How do beach and pool conditions affect hearing aids?
Salt can leave residue on the device, sand can block microphone ports, moisture can affect internal electronics, and high heat can damage the shell or battery system. Regular drying and careful storage help reduce those risks.
Dr. Jessica M. Frankel
Co-Founder | Doctor of Audiology
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Jessica M. Frankel is the co-founder of Hearwell Services. A fellow of both the American Academy of Audiology and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, she specializes in hearing care, rehabilitation, and innovative devices, with a passion for helping people hear clearly and confidently.
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