The Best Waterproof Hearing Aids of 2024

If you want your hearing aids to work without interruption, keeping them protected from moisture is the single most important thing you can do. Hearing aids are body-worn electronic devices. They are full of high-tech circuit boards and microelectronics, and are particularly prone to the corrosive effects of humidity and perspiration.

Over the years, hearing aid manufacturers have made huge advances in water-proofing their products. With the introduction of rubber seals and nano-coating, some hearing aids are even rated for shallow underwater use. Despite these improvements, moisture continues to be a serious issue for hearing aids, and knowing the basics of better care, especially how to keep them dry, can help you avoid any downtime related to moisture damage.

Reviewing the best “waterproof” hearing aids of 2024

From the Editors: While there is no such thing as a truly waterproof hearing aid, Hearing Tracker’s list of Best Hearing Aids in 2024 includes a number of models that have achieved a rating of “IP68” on the Ingress Protection rating scale. The “6” in the IP rating indicates excellent resistance to solid contaminants (“dust-tight, no ingress of dust over two-to-eight hours”), and the “8” indicates excellent water resistance (“resists periods of immersion under water,” generally up to 3 meters, or 9.8 ft).

Following are several of our picks for best hearing aids that also score at the top of the IP scale. Note that while all the models get great reviews for technical excellence and user satisfaction, we don’t rank them in order of preference:

1. Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio

Audéo Sphere Infinio from Phonak is the world's first hearing aid powered by a dedicated real-time AI chip for speech-from-noise separation, giving Sphere Infinio an outstanding 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) benefit—a level previously unattainable in real-world hearing aids without the use of an accessory like a remote microphone. Phonak says it has put Infinio through more than 135 individual “torture tests,” ensuring it is mechanically robust and resistant to water and dirt/debris. It has an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP68, the highest attainable level for hearing aids, and Phonak has essentially extended the robust build of its water-resistant Life model into Infinio. The rechargeable hearing aids are said to provide 16 hours of power under normal use. Sphere is one of the highest-ranking hearing aids on the HearAdvisor SoundGrade Leaderboard.

2. Oticon Intent

Oticon Intent, launched in February 2024, uses a new and improved Deep Neural Network (DNN 2.0) technology—a type of artificial intelligence—for better noise reduction and introduces “4D sensor technology” for adaptive sound settings based on the wearer's movement and environment, aiming for improved speech comprehension. Intent is Oticon's smallest RIC hearing aid to date. It employs Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast-ready technology, along with a built-in telecoil, ensuring you improved sound quality in equipped spaces today and in the future. A 2-hour charge allows for 20 hours of hearing aid use. At this writing, Intent ranks at the top of the Leaderboard for prescription hearing aids by HearAdvisor, an independent audio testing lab, earning it an Expert Choice Award.

3. Signia Styletto IX

Styletto IX hearing aids, introduced by Signia in March 2024, run on the Integrated Xperience (IX) chip platform that uses dual speech processors and binaural beam-forming microphones to split the sound into four separate tracks or beams. This multi-stream architecture can reportedly pinpoint multiple moving speakers in real-time conversations—identifying, enhancing, and tracking the location of multiple conversation partners, even as they move. Signia IX hearing aids come only with rechargeable batteries and have no control onboard buttons, which makes these hearing aids even more water resistant (IP68). They feature advanced Bluetooth LE audio streaming and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge.

4. Widex MOMENT SHEER mRIC

Widex MOMENT SHEER mRIC hearing aids offer automatic sound classification for 11 environments, lithium-ion rechargeability, and machine learning to optimize your listening experience across a variety of listening environments. They are also Made-for-iPhone and direct Android streaming is said to be on the way.

5. Starkey Genesis AI

Starkey Genesis AI hearing aids integrate biosensors to track activity levels, detect falls, monitor social engagement, and feature other capabilities enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning. All models of Genesis AI are IP68 rated and Starkey says it has gone beyond the standard testing, devising its own "torture chamber" water tests for this family of hearing aids.

Do your research before purchasing!

If you live in a humid environment, or are prone to heavy perspiration, be sure to carefully investigate the options, and pay special attention to the IP ratings of the hearing aids offered by your hearing care professional. Be sure to consult our list of IP-rated hearing aids, and if your product is missing from the list above, drop a comment in the discussion area below. We are here to help!

Moisture impacts all hearing aids

Recent research by Redux (a commercial hearing aid dryer company) revealed that 98%* of all hearing aids have some amount of moisture present. This isn’t surprising when considering the environment hearing aids operate in:

• Hearing aids spend hours surrounded by skin, an organ that releases moisture (sweat) to control your body temperature.
• The effects of perspiration may worsen due to exercise, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
• Humidity exists as a vapor, allowing it to pass through barriers that are traditionally water-resistant. Consider that most homes keep water out with a roof and solid foundation, but all homes have moisture in them due to a level of humidity in the air.
• Your hearing aids can get wet when it’s cold out, too. If you wear glasses, you know they sometimes fog up when you come inside from the cold. That’s condensation due to the fast temperature change, and it can also create a layer of moisture on your hearing aids.
• And, no surprise, rain is a constant threat to hearing aids. More on that below.

Humidity and hearing aids

“The two primary culprits to cause problems with hearing aids are wax and moisture,” writes Scot Frink, AuD, an audiologist based in Salem, Ore.  “Some are less vulnerable to wax issues because of their design, but because of humidity, ALL hearing aids are susceptible to the effects of moisture to some degree. Even the rechargeable instruments, while they benefit from some heat from the recharging process, can still benefit from the use of a dehumidifier—and some manufacturers have started incorporating [dehumidifiers] into the recharging case as a result. Manufacturers don't like having to repair hearing aids, so whatever they can do to reduce that they will.

“At a minimum, what generically is called a 'Dry Aid Kit' (DAK) should be used,” continues Dr. Frink. “This is a small sealable jar or cup that has desiccants in it that absorb moisture from the hearing aids and retail for around $10-$20. That small investment can save a lot when it comes to repairs. Moist hearing aid users can do just fine with DAK's.

*Based on Redux Inc. measurements of moisture removed from more than 750 hearing aids by hearing care professionals in multiple practices, states, and countries using the Redux vacuum chamber drying system,

Warning signs of water damage

Corrosion and other damage to your hearing aids can build up over time. If you have an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid, sweat can quickly accumulate between the eardrum and the sensitive receiver.

Other form factors are also prone to moisture problems. The popular open-fit receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids insert the speaker deep within your ear canal, where it’s surrounded by warm, moist air. The receiver is attached to a thin wire extending to the hearing aid processor sitting behind your ear, where there are additional opportunities for moisture buildup. And traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have an air tube extending from an ear mold in the ear, where moisture can build up quickly.

Here are a few warning signs that indicate your hearing aids may be on the way to failure:

• Static or crackling sounds—corrosion of electrical connections can create a lot of unwanted static in your ears.
• Distorted sounds or fluctuations in volume—damaged connections can create uneven performance in the audio output of your hearing aid.
• Intermittent outages—if your hearing aid suddenly turns off, then turns back on, corrosion may have damaged the contacts close to their final breaking point.

If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, sometimes a small drop of water can find its way into one of the tubes that extend from the ear mold to the processor, blocking all sound from entering your ear. Blowing out the tube is an easy temporary fix. However, the presence of that droplet is a sign that you may need to take additional steps to keep your hearing aids dry.

Can I wear my hearing aids in the rain?

No, hearing aids are not rain-proof, although many hearing aids now have IP68 ratings and extra safeguards that should make them "rain-resistant" or "splashproof.” Having said this, you should try to avoid heavy rain while wearing your hearing aids. Don’t worry—if you’re caught in a light shower as you dash from the grocery store to the car, you most likely won’t destroy your hearing aids. But make sure to take them off and dry them by hand as soon as possible afterward. Then, later, when you can afford to go without them for a few hours, you should dry your hearing aids thoroughly using an at-home or commercial drying system.

If you can’t avoid the rain, you might want to wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your hearing aids. You may also want to grow your hair out to add a little protection.

What are the most moisture-resistant hearing aids?

In the past decade, there’s been a mini revolution in moisture protection for hearing aids. Digital 3D-print manufacturing ensures that the dozens of tiny components integrated into hearing aids fit more perfectly with each other and within their case. A better fit means less room for moisture to penetrate the components.

And new nanotechnology-based materials provide further protection. Nano coatings are polymer layers, one thousand times thinner than a human hair, applied when the aid is made. They cover the hearing instrument with a compound that repels water and moisture very effectively.

The good news is that all major hearing aid brands have dramatically improved the water resistance of their products. Premium-level hearing aids feature higher levels of water resistance. Less costly hearing aids may have lower ratings for protection but are more reliable now than in the past. However, keep in mind that there are currently no completely waterproof hearing aids available on the market.

IP ratings measure water resistance

When you’re shopping for a hearing aid, it’s helpful to look at the IP ratings (Ingress Protection) published by manufacturers for their products. IP ratings classify the level of protection that the casing of a hearing instrument provides against solids and liquids entering and damaging the device.

If you live somewhere with high humidity, if you work in an outdoor job, if you naturally sweat a lot, or if you are routinely exposed to other high-moisture environments, it will be important to ask for a highly-rated product. IP ratings are usually made up of two digits, the first denoting resistance to solids and the second to liquids.

IP ratings can be a helpful guide, but it’s important to note that ratings are assigned in laboratory conditions with “clean” water rather than sweat or rain. Additionally, IP ratings are not certified and may not reflect intended use. So, while a high IP rating is desirable, it does not guarantee moisture protection in the real world.

Earbuds and OTC hearing aids need to stay dry, too

Over-the-counter hearing aid brands like Bose, Sony, HP, as well as hearables like Apple are continuing to expand their footprint into what is projected to be an $80B “hearables” (smart wireless earbuds) market by 2025. And moisture is an issue for this burgeoning product category of ear-worn devices, just like it is for hearing aids.

While Apple markets its hugely popular AirPods Pro earbuds as “sweat and water resistant,” the product footnote adds an important disclaimer: AirPods are only designed for “non-water sports and exercise…. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions, and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.”

What are the benefits of dry hearing aids?

There are some very specific benefits you’ll get when keep your hearing aids dry.

• Better sound - Because modern hearing instruments are packed full of digital circuits and components, it only takes a very small amount of moisture to negatively impact sound quality. In fact, audiometric testing by Redux Inc. found that only 0.5 microliters of moisture was enough to cause a 30-dB reduction in hearing aid volume. That’s a big difference for someone with hearing loss.
• More reliable - Manufacturers report that a large percentage of returns are due to moisture damage and other related issues. This represents thousands of hearing aids returned to manufacturers each month, with returns increasing dramatically during the hotter and more humid summer months. Dryer products mean fewer returns are required.
• Longer lasting hearing aids - What is the life expectancy of a hearing aid? A good percentage of users upgrade their hearing aids every three or four years, but often their old hearing aids still work and can be donated to people who need them. The lifespan of hearing aids seems to be getting longer all the time, and the simple act of drying them out frequently can keep them healthy for years.

Making your hearing aids last

Results from a quick poll conducted by Hearing Tracker revealed that three out of every four hearing aid users replaces their hearing aids every 3-5 years. If you want your hearing aids to last beyond the typical 2-3 year manufacturer warranty, be sure to learn best practices for keeping your hearing aids dry!

How often do you replace your hearing aids?

We asked over 175 people on our hearing aid forum how often they replace their hearing aids. Here are the results:

How do you get moisture out of a hearing aid?

Keeping your hearing aids dry can be as simple as putting them in a drying container and leaving them overnight. Or for a total dry-out, many audiologists offer more sophisticated commercial drying systems in their offices.

Drying systems typically evaporate all the moisture that’s collected in your hearing aids, including the ear molds. The systems will even dry out the irritating droplets of water that block the sound from passing through a behind-the-ear hearing aid tube.

Depending on the climate you live in and how moist your ears are, there are a range of solutions and price levels to choose from:

1. Rice: the world’s oldest drying “technology”

This 8,000-year-old drying “technology” is widely available and will cost you about $2.00. However, there is little science to prove whether this method is any more effective than leaving your hearing aid out on a sunny countertop. And unfortunately, rice exposes your valuable electronics to tiny dust and starch particles that risk greater damage than moisture may have caused alone.

2. Dry aid kits

A dry aid kit is a small sealable jar or cup that has desiccants (tiny beads similar to what you might find in packets when you buy new shoes) that absorb moisture from the hearing aids. Dry aid kits can be found in most drugstores and retail for around $10-$20. They are a small investment and worth keeping on-hand for regular use, and for minor moisture issues that can typically be resolved overnight.

The desiccants themselves, loose beads or contained in a small disc, need to be "recharged" every few months in an oven per the dry kit directions. Eventually, the entire kit should be replaced, and in most areas they last about 5 years.

A few examples of these kits include:

Stay Dri Dehumidifier – This basic rechargeable dryer is large enough for two hearing aids, earbuds, or sound processors.  It’s affordable and the color-coded desiccant package is easy to refresh in the microwave.

Audiologist’s Choice Dehumidifier – Patriotic Eagle – Similar to the Stay Dri, but in an eye-catching patriotic-themed case.

Mini Dri-Aid (Hal-Hen/Warner Tech Care) – Uses a dessicant to help eliminate moisture from hearing aids overnight.

3. Heat and fan system

Heat and fan systems can be ordered online for $80-$120. While the cost is higher, these systems are a better option than a standard dry kit for people living in high-moisture environments. They are designed to treat a hearing aid using warm air and heat, similar to a clothes dryer, and often recommended for overnight use. Some have a UV light in them designed to kill bacteria build-up, which may lessen any itchiness in your ears caused by wearing your hearing aids.

Note that the desiccant "bricks" that come with these systems need to be replaced about every two months for about $4.

The original heat and fan system is the Dry and Store.  They offer several models including a few that include uV lights.  All of their models accommodate at least two hearing devices. Dry and Store systems include desiccant bricks which last about 2-3 months.

An alternative to the Dry and Store is the PerfectDry Lux.  This dryer has a uV light, but no desiccant bricks.

4. Vacuum chamber drying

The newest technology available for drying aids comes from Redux, a system that audiologists use to dry out their patients’ hearing aids. Redux lowers the boiling point of moisture within a vacuum chamber, monitoring the humidity as it’s reduced to as close to zero as possible. The drying process takes about 12 minutes to remove all moisture from a pair of hearing aids.

Because the Redux system removes all moisture, it also enhances the effectiveness of ultrasonic processes for deep cleaning of foreign materials, such as wax, salt, and other foreign materials that cause corrosion. According to data compiled by Redux, 76% of all aids treated with the system—even some previously reported as “dead”—showed an immediate improvement.

The bottom line

Your hearing aids probably weren’t cheap, and they’re bound to face moisture issues at some point during their lifetime. Hearing aid dryers offer an excellent way to protect your investment, and to ensure that your hearing aids sound better, offer greater reliability, and last longer.