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How to

Can you swim with hearing aids?

Your guide to staying protected, informed, and confident near the water.

Tips & precautions

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable outdoor and indoor activities, but for people who wear hearing aids, it comes with extra considerations. While most modern hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant, meaning they can handle sweat, rain, or an accidental splash, they are not built for full submersion. Prolonged exposure to water can cause serious damage to the delicate technology inside the device. However, that doesn’t mean individuals with hearing loss have to miss out on time in the water. With the right precautions, accessories, and planning, it is possible to enjoy swimming while keeping hearing aids safe.

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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.

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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.

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How do you protect hearing aids while swimming?

You cannot swim while wearing standard hearing aids, but you can take steps to protect them while enjoying water activities:

Always take out your hearing aids before entering a pool, lake, or the ocean to prevent direct water exposure.

Store your hearing aids in a waterproof or moisture-resistant case and keep them in a safe, dry place.

Before reinserting your hearing aids, make sure your ears are completely dry to avoid trapping moisture.

Place the devices in a drying kit after swimming to remove any humidity they may have absorbed from the environment.

Some waterproof hearing solutions (not standard aids) are available for people who need hearing support in the water.

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Waterproof hearing aids for swimming: what are they?

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.

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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.

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With our custom hearing protection for swimmers, the water will get out, thanks to a fit that conforms to the unique shape of your ear canals. Meet our experts in store and find out how they can help you.

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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.

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Protecting hearing aids around water: Covers and accessories

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:

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.

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.

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 your hearing care professional before relying on protective accessories, especially when planning to use them in chlorinated or saltwater environments.

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Are hearing aids water resistant?

Most hearing aids today are water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. Many models, including Miracle-EarBLISS™ hearing aids, carry an IP68 rating, which means they can withstand dust and brief exposure to water, such as light rain, sweat, or accidental splashes. This makes them suitable for everyday activities where incidental contact with moisture is likely. However, IP68 does not mean the devices are safe for swimming, showering, or prolonged immersion in water.

For added protection, some devices offer waterproof sleeves, pouches, or specialized accessory kits. These create an additional barrier against moisture, providing extra peace of mind during water-based activities. Even so, most hearing care professionals recommend removing hearing aids before swimming or showering unless using a certified waterproof accessory.

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How to keep hearing aids dry around water?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kids who wear hearing aids can enjoy swimming and water-based activities safely by following the same steps outlined above for keeping hearing aids dry. Be sure to store them with a trusted adult so they don’t get lost or damaged.

Retention cords and kid-friendly accessories, including hearing aid sleeves, can also help add peace of mind during play. For children who love water activities, ask your hearing care professional about waterproof options.

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Why hearing aids aren’t recommended for water sports

While modern hearing devices are more resistant to water than ever, they aren’t built for prolonged underwater use. Certain water sports and activities carry risks that protective covers alone can’t address.

High-impact activities such as wakeboarding, kite surfing, or water skiing can easily dislodge hearing aids. Even if your device is water-resistant or you use protective covers, participating in water sports makes it difficult to guarantee the safety of your hearing aids.

Scuba diving presents even greater challenges. Hearing aids cannot withstand prolonged submersion, and beyond the technical limits of the devices, diving itself poses risks for individuals with hearing loss. Physicians often discourage scuba diving in these cases, as divers with hearing difficulties are more vulnerable to ear injuries and further, sometimes permanent, damage. Research shows that around half of all divers experience Middle Ear Barotrauma (MEBT) at some point in their lives. For those already managing hearing loss, the risk is even higher. MEBT occurs when the pressure in the middle ear fails to equalize with the surrounding environment, leading to pain, blocked sensations, and, if left unchecked, possible eardrum rupture.

Communication is another concern. Divers rely on auditory signals and radios for safety and coordination, but hearing aids do not function reliably underwater. Depending on them in these situations could increase the risk of missing or misinterpreting instructions, becoming separated from diving partners, or missing important warnings about underwater hazards.

Despite these limitations, ongoing advancements in water-resistant and waterproof hearing technology offer hope. While standard hearing aids are not yet designed for safe use in high-impact or underwater sports, future solutions may make it safer to enjoy these activities without compromising ear health or safety.

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What should I do if I dropped my hearing aid in water?

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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Protect your hearing with Miracle-Ear

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.