Are hearing aids waterproof? Not exactly, but most modern hearing aids are highly water-resistant.
With IP68 protection, today’s top devices can withstand everyday exposure like sweat, rain, or the occasional splash.
What they can’t do is stay underwater for long stretches, so swimming or showering with them is still off the table.
In this guide, we’ll explain how waterproof ratings work, highlight hearing aids with the strongest protection, and share what to do if your devices ever get wet.
That way, you’ll know exactly how much protection your hearing aids offer, and how to keep them safe.
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- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
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How do waterproof hearing aids work?
Manufacturers get squeamish about the label "waterproof" but the reality is that most premium hearing aids purchased in the last few years have an IP68 rating.
If you wear a hearing aid with an IP68 rating, you probably don't want to go swimming in your hearing aids or drop them to the bottom of a lake, but they should be ok after a quick submersion in the shower or a coffee mug. IP68 devices protect against moister in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes or more.
Some popular hearing aids with an IP68 rating:
Phonak Lumity and Phonak Lumity Life = IP68
ReSound OMNIA = IP68
Oticon More = IP68
Widex Moment Sheer = IP68
Signia Silk, Styletto and Charge&Go = IP68
Starkey Evolv AI = IP68
Lower-cost hearing aids like Lexie's B1 devices have an IP57 rating, and this means they are slightly less water resistant and allow more dust to enter the device. You can still get your Bose hearing aids wet but you shouldn't let them fully submerge if you can avoid it.
What is an IP Rating?
IP is short for Ingress Protection rating. An IP rating is the international standard used to rate the degree of protection or sealing effectiveness in electrical enclosures against the intrusion of objects (like dust) and moister (like coffee).
The first digit in an IP rating shows protection against dust (on a scale of 1-6), and the second digit indicates protection against moisture (on a scale of 1-9).
The top IP rating possible is IP69. No hearing aids on the market currently have an IP69 rating.
Are hearing aids really waterproof?
There are hundreds of hearing aids on the market, so you'll need to search for your specific hearing brand's IP rating to know for sure.
If the rating on your device is IP68, you can reasonably assume that water isn't going to take your hearing aids out of commission.
Consider a hearing aid dehumidifier if you live or work around a lot of humidity. This special case extracts moister from your hearing aids each night while you sleep.
Care Tips for Humid or Active Lifestyles
Moisture is one of the biggest challenges for hearing aids, but a few daily habits can keep your devices safe and reliable:
- Dry them out each night — use a dehumidifier case or drying cup to remove sweat and humidity.
- Protect on the go — keep a couple of fresh silica packs in your travel case for backup drying power.
- Clean after activity — wipe microphones, domes, and charging contacts after workouts or time outdoors.
- Add extra stability — sports clips or retention sleeves help keep sweat from reaching ports during exercise.
- Avoid high-moisture environments — remove your devices before swimming, showering, or sauna use.
Final Thoughts
Think of hearing aids as water-resistant, not waterproof. They can ride out a sweaty workout or a surprise rainstorm, but they’ll thank you for keeping them out of the pool.
A nightly trip to a drying case and a quick wipe after use are small steps that make a big difference.
With the right care, your devices will stay dependable and ready for whatever your day brings.
