April Showers: Moisture Protection With Ear Gear
April Showers
Moisture Protection With Ear Gear
As Spring takes hold and we start to spend more time outdoors, whether in the garden or elsewhere, one thing becomes more and more noticeable—moisture! Sometimes it takes the form of increased precipitation, or rising humidity, or even just the occasional splash from the sprinkler out on the front lawn. While all this moisture might not warrant a second thought from many people, for hearing device users moisture can be a regular frustration. In fact, moisture tends to be the number one issue faced by hearing device users!
What are the problems that can be caused by moisture?
The effects of moisture on a hearing device can be wide ranging, and they are never ideal. Regardless of if it is water that has found its way into the internal workings of your device, or something like sweat, personal care products, even wet ear wax or skin oils, moisture can pose a significant risk to your device.
Corrosion of electronic components, including batteries and circuitry, is often a result seen from long term or repeat exposure to moisture, and may be identified by a white powdery or rust coloured residue. Electrical shorts are another common outcome. The universal nature of this problem is why damage from moisture is a leading reason for hearing device repair and servicing.
How do I know if my device may have moisture damage?
While it is not always obvious that there has been damage, there are often tell tale signs of moisture in your device. Many devices users mention sound quality concerns such as a muffled or fuzzy quality, often paired with static-like crackling. Sometimes functionality may cut out entirely, in sporadic bursts.
Battery longevity can also be impacted, so even if you do not notice differences in audio quality, having a noticeable change to your device’s battery life could be an indicator that something is wrong and that you should have your devices serviced by a professional.
What can I do if my hearing devices accidentally get wet?
While hearing devices should not be exposed unnecessarily to moisture, we all know that some exposure is inevitable in the course of everyday life. What’s more, the developers of your hearing devices build them with everyday life in mind, and the technology for water-resistance is always improving. This doesn’t mean you should wear them in the shower or for a swim, but it does mean that there may be some steps you can take to minimize the damage should your devices get wet accidentally.
First, don’t panic. You are definitely not alone—this has happened to many other hearing device users before you! In order to try to preserve your devices and minimize potential damage here is what to do next:
Turn off your devices immediately.
Remove the battery if possible, or disconnect devices from their charger or power supply.
Dry* the exterior of your devices with an absorbent lint-free cloth, and leave them out in a well ventilated space to air-dry, with the battery door open if applicable. Ideally, let them dry for 48 hours. If you would like, you can place your devices in a sealed jar with some uncooked rice, as the rice will help to draw out moisture.
Once your devices have had adequate time to dry, you can test them by inserting new batteries and turning them on. If they do not function, or function inadequately, it’s time to seek the help of a professional.
*Never use a hair dryer, a microwave, or other heating devices to try to dry out your device faster. The damage this may cause can leave your hearing devices in an even worse state.
Is there a way to prevent moisture from getting into my device in the first place?
As a matter of fact, yes! Moisture is the number one reason why hearing device users seek out Ear Gear’s protection.
Ear Gear is an absorbent double-layered fabric sleeve that successfully keeps moisture of all kinds from infiltrating your devices. Sweat from exercise, rainfall, humidity, and more is absorbed by the double layer of fabric instead of permeating into the inner workings of your devices.
Once you have noticed the Ear Gear sleeve has become damp from moisture exposure, it’s as simple as removing the sleeve and replacing a new, dry Ear Gear sleeve onto your device—protection for your device and peace of mind for you!
It's not just water and sweat that Ear Gear can provide protection from. Hair products, body oils and lotions, and other personal care items are an easy overlooked form of moisture that can interfere with devices, but Ear Gear has you covered on the days you forget to put your hairspray on before your hearing device!
In addition to having help from Ear Gear, here are some other ways you can help avoid the risk that moisture poses to your devices:
Ensure you are properly storing your hearing devices in a dry place and ideally inside a protective case. Avoid any damp spots like near the bathroom sink, or high risk zones like beside your cup of water on the nightstand.
Regularly clean and maintain your devices with soft cloths and brushes, tools available from your audiologist.
Speak to a professional for advice on water-resistant hearing device models if moisture damage is a regular concern for you.
If you live in a particularly humid environment, a hearing device dryer may be a good fit. They are developed specifically with hearing devices in mind and can help maintain them for the best possible longevity.
If moisture is your main concern, and you’re ready to experience Ear Gear’s simple, reliable protection, reach out to our team today. We’ll help you find the perfect model for your needs—and as a welcome gift, enjoy 15% off* your first purchase with code FIRST15
*Discount applicable to retail standard orders.