Can you swim with hearing aids?

You should not swim while wearing hearing aids. Most devices today are designed to resist small amounts of moisture, such as sweat or rain, but they are not built to withstand full immersion in water. Water can enter the device causing permanent damage to the delicate electronic components. Swimming in pools, lakes, and the ocean can present additional risks because saltwater and chlorinated water can leave mineral deposits, leading to corrosion and malfunction. Even hearing aids with high water-resistance ratings are not intended for swimming.

If you want to enjoy water activities, it is best to remove your devices beforehand and store them safely in a protective case. After swimming, ensure your ears are dry before reinserting the aids. Protecting your aids from water helps maintain their performance and longevity.

For those who want to hear while swimming, waterproof accessories or specialized devices may be available, but they are different from standard hearing aids.

A small number of waterproof hearing aids are now available, designed to tolerate short periods of submersion in shallow water. These models offer greater durability for active lifestyles and can withstand exposure to fresh water, pool water, or seawater to a limited depth and duration. However, they are not intended for extended swimming sessions or deep-water activities, and their use still comes with restrictions.

Most hearing aids currently on the market are water-resistant rather than waterproof. This means they can cope with everyday moisture such as sweat, rain, or humidity, but they are not built for full immersion. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and the sea expose devices to water pressure and chemicals that can cause lasting damage.

For individuals who want added protection around water, accessories such as hearing aid sleeves or covers can provide a barrier against splashes and humidity. While these do not make devices safe to wear while swimming, they help reduce incidental moisture exposure. The safest approach remains to remove hearing aids before entering the water and store them in a waterproof case. In addition, custom swim plugs can protect the ears themselves, while drying kits or dehumidifiers are valuable tools for maintaining devices if moisture exposure occurs.

Standard hearing aids are not fully waterproof. Even models with water-resistant ratings are designed for short-term or incidental exposure, not for short-term or incidental exposure, not for extended exposure or swimming. Pool chemicals and saltwater can still damage sensitive components, so additional protection is recommended.

Some options to help safeguard your  hearing aids include:

• Hearing aid sleeves - Breathable nylon–spandex sleeves , create a barrier against sweat, dirt, wind, and light splashes. While they do not make hearing aids waterproof, they reduce the risk of moisture damage during everyday activities.
• Custom molded swim earplugs - For more direct protection in the ear, floatable custom-molded earplugs, made from soft silicone and shaped to the wearer’s ear canal, provide an effective seal that keeps water out. This reduces the likelihood of moisture reaching hearing aid receivers or other delicate parts of the device.  
• Hearing aid covers for swimming - Durable, water-resistant covers or pouches offer extra protection for short submersion or splashes. These protective shells, sleeves, or pouches are made from durable, water-sealed materials and can allow users to swim or shower with added peace of mind. Some are reusable and suitable for shallow submersion, while others are mainly intended for splash resistance.

Together, these solutions provide different levels of protection, ranging from simple splash resistance to limited submersion. To ensure safety and optimal performance, always check your device specifications and consult their hearing care professional before relying on protective accessories, especially when planning to use them in chlorinated or saltwater environments.

Moisture damage is a leading cause of why hearing aid repair, so it’s important to take steps to protect your devices during swimming or water-based activities.

• Remove and store your devices safely - Always take out your hearing aids before entering water and store them in a protective case or a sealed bag, away from water and direct heat.
• Use protective accessories - Water-resistant sleeves made of spandex or nylon help shield devices from splashes, sweat, and dirt. Retention cords can secure your devices to clothing to prevent them from being lost.
• Dry thoroughly if exposed to water - You’re your hearing aids accidentally get wet, use a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier to remove lingering water and prevent corrosion. Never use heat sources, like a hair dryer, to dry your hearing aids because heat can damage the device.
• Follow a daily maintenance routine – Regularly wipe your devices with a soft, dry cloth to remove sweat, earwax, or surface moisture. At night, place them in a drying box or dehumidifier, and leave the battery compartment open for airflow.
• Consider waterproof or water-resistant options - For those regularly near water, specialized, waterproof options may be worth exploring. These solutions are designed to withstand swimming and water sports, helping you enjoy an active lifestyle without worrying about moisture damage.

If your hearing aid gets wet, acting quickly can make the difference between saving it and needing costly repairs. Follow these steps:

1. Remove it from the water immediately

The less time the device spends on being submerged, the better the chances of preventing permanent damage.

2. Switch it off and, if possible, remove the battery

• Battery-operated models: open the battery door and remove the battery right away.
• Rechargeable models: turn the device off.

This prevents the electrical current from flowing through wet circuits, reducing the risk of short-circuiting.

3. Dry the device gently

• Shake out any visible water carefully.
• Pat dry with soft, absorbent cloth.
• Do not use a hair dryer, microwave, or direct heat source, as excessive heat can damage delicate components.

4. Use a drying kit or dehumidifier

Place the hearing aid in a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier overnight. If you don’t have one, a sealed container with a desiccant packet (like silica gel) can work. Rice can be used in an emergency, but it is less effective.

5. Leave the battery compartment open

Keep it open for several hours to allow airflow and evaporation.

6. Test the device

After at least 24 hours, reinsert a fresh battery or recharge and test.

7. Contact your hearing care professional if problems persist

If the device doesn’t work properly— such as producing distorted sound, weak amplification, or no power—professional servicing may be necessary.

While standard hearing aids aren’t built for swimming or high-impact water sports, you don’t have to give up an active lifestyle. Miracle-EarBLISS™ hearing aids offer advanced waterproofing* that can safeguard your devices from sweat, rain, and accidental splashes. With features like long battery life and Bluetooth streaming, BLISS™ keeps you connected at all times, even around water.