It is no surprise that even on our best days in Malaysia, just standing at a traffic light waiting for the cars to pass can make you perspire. When sweat collects around your hearing aids, it quickly becomes uncomfortable.
While many modern devices are marketed as sweatproof hearing aids with an IP68 rating, they still require consistent care to prevent long-term damage. This guide explains how moisture causes internal issues and provides a practical look at how you can protect your hearing aids from sweat.
The Risk: Does Sweat Affect Hearing Aids?
The short answer is yes. While a few drops of rain might roll off the shell of your device, perspiration is a different matter entirely because of its chemical composition.
Unlike pure water, perspiration contains salt and minerals. When this liquid evaporates, these minerals stay behind, clogging microphone ports and corroding delicate internal battery contacts. This chemical buildup can eventually lead to a total electronic failure if left unmanaged.
Warning signs of moisture damage in your hearing aids can happen in the form of:
- Constant static or a "crackle" in the sound quality.
- Inconsistent volume or the device cutting out during outdoor activities.
- Shorter battery life than what you usually expect.
- Distorted audio that sounds "fuzzy" or muffled.
How to Minimise Damage to Your Hearing Aids
Living with the Malaysian heat means sweat is unavoidable. Since we cannot change the weather, the next best step is learning how to protect your hearing aids from sweat.
- Hearing Aid Sweat Covers: These acoustic-transparent sleeves act like a protective "sock" for BTE models, wicking away perspiration before it reaches the microphones.
- Sports Headbands: Wearing a simple sweatband during your morning walk or gym session helps intercept moisture before it can trickle down into the ears.
- Speciality Earplugs: For custom-fit ITE models, ensuring a precise fit prevents sweat from seeping into the ear canal and reaching the delicate receiver.
Following a consistent "Workout Routine" is also effective. Once you finish any physical activity, remove your devices and wipe them down immediately with a soft, dry cloth. This prevents salt from drying and hardening on the surface.
Using Dehumidifiers to Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
In Malaysia’s average humidity of 80% or more, simple air-drying is rarely enough. Even leaving your hearing aids in an air-conditioned room can introduce small amounts of condensation into the internal circuitry.
Using dedicated drying agents or dehumidifiers is a practical way to remove trapped moisture when your devices aren't in use. Here is a look at how different systems work:
- Passive Dehumidifiers: These typically use silica gel jars or "drying bricks" that absorb moisture through desiccant properties during overnight storage.
- Active Electric Dryers: These electronic dehumidifiers use gentle, controlled heat and UV light to both sanitise the devices and thoroughly remove deep-seated moisture from the electronics.
If you use non-rechargeable models, always remember to open the battery doors before placing them in the dryer. This allows for better airflow, ensuring that any trapped humidity inside the battery compartment is fully evaporated.
Professional Care at Your Local Hearing Aid Centre
Salt buildup often requires a deeper level of care than can be achieved with home tools alone. When perspiration evaporates, the remaining crystals can migrate deep into the device. Bringing your technology to a professional hearing aid centre allows specialists to use professional vacuum pumps and specialised tools to clear these salt crystals from the microphone and receiver ports.
We also recommend scheduling a "Wellness Check" at a hearing aid centre every six months. This allows a specialist to inspect the internal seals and ensure your hearing aids remain protected against the Malaysian humidity. During these visits, our team can thoroughly clean your hearing aids to prevent performance dips caused by long-term moisture exposure.
Prevent Moisture Buildup for Longer-Lasting Hearing Aids
Consistent, daily habits—such as wiping down your devices after a walk and using a dehumidifier—remain the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of your technology. Managing sweat and moisture is simply a part of a healthy maintenance routine.
Staying active in Malaysia does not have to result in damaging your devices. If you suspect your devices have suffered from moisture damage or if you need to restock on drying kits, please visit us at The Listening Lab for hearing aid maintenance.
