With summer coming soon, and the weather warming up, you may be thinking of jumping in the pool, the ocean, the river, or the lake. Here in Central California, going swimming is a popular way to relax, unwind, exercise, and socialize. But, if you use a hearing aid, you might be wondering – are hearing aids waterproof? At Beltone’s Central California Hearing Centers, we like to remind our clients that most hearing aids are not waterproof, and swimming can have implications for your hearing and your hearing health. Want to keep your ears healthy this summer? If you are jumping in the water this summer, there are a few things to remember:

Can Hearing Aids Be Worn in the Water?

If you use a hearing aid, and you’re planning on jumping in the water, it’s important to know that hearing aids are not completely waterproof. We recommend you remove your hearing aids before swimming in the water. If you do not take off your hearing aids before swimming, they will likely suffer from moisture damage. Moisture damage can have devastating impacts on the hearing aid device. For this reason, please remember to remove them before jumping in the water this summer.

Can Swimming Damage My Hearing?

Spending long lengths of time in the water can have impacts on your ears and your hearing. The ear condition otitis externa, commonly known as “swimmer’s ear,” occurs when the tube between the outer ear and the eardrum becomes inflamed. This condition occurs when your ears are subjected to a bacteria found in lakes, oceans, rivers and swimming pools that aren’t treated properly with chemicals. In extreme circumstances, it can even happen in the shower! Most frequently, though, swimmer’s ear is experienced when an individual swims for long periods of time in swimming pools or other bodies of water.

The condition known as “swimmer’s ear” may go away on its own, untreated, without causing any damage. Other times, however, it can cause severe pain and uncomfortable itchiness. Swimmer’s ear can even lead to a degree of temporary hearing loss. If you experience swimmer’s ear, the best thing you can do is simply avoid swimming and immersing your ears in water until the condition has resolved itself. In mild cases, swimmer’s ear can clear up in about 7 – 14 days. If, however, you are in pain or are extremely uncomfortable, you may choose to seek quicker relief by trying an over-the-counter ear drop remedy. Ear drops may work to soothe the pain, and usually clear the condition in about a week. In serious cases, it may be necessary to visit your doctor, as swimmer’s ear can cause an infection which can lead to blockage in your ear. If you have persistent itching, pain that increases when you tug on the outer ear, a feeling of blockage in your ear, or drainage or pus coming from your ear, it is critical that you seek immediate professional medical attention.

What Can I Do to Prevent Damage to My Hearing From Swimming?

There are a few things you can to help protect your ears and your hearing during the summertime swim season:

  • Wear earplugs or use a swimming cap to cover your ears when swimming
  • If you get water in your ear, try to remove immediately
  • Always clean and dry your ears out properly after swimming
  • DO NOT try to remove any water with ear Q-tips as you may force wax deeper into your ear blocking the water
  • Only use swimming pools you know are properly chlorinated to avoid infection

Questions? Beltone Is Here to Help You Keep Your Ears Healthy This Summer!

At Beltone, we truly care about our clients and helping you keep your ears healthy. Our team of hearing health professionals is here to help you navigate the challenges of protecting your ears and your hearing health, through the summer, and all year-round. Beltone Central California, with five offices to serve you in our Central Valley region, Fresno, Hanford, Modesto, Sonora, and Visalia, is here to help you find the right hearing aid device for your lifestyle and your budget. Call or come into your local Beltone Central California office today to find out how we can help you maintain your hearing health all summer long!