Summer heat, sweat, and humidity can interfere with hearing aid performance. That matters year-round in South Florida and during hot, humid summers across Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. A consistent care routine can reduce moisture buildup and help you notice problems before a device stops working.
Why moisture can cause problems
Hearing aids contain microphones, receivers, battery contacts, and other small electronic components. The FDA advises keeping hearing aids away from water and excessive heat because both can damage internal electronics.
Moisture may come from humid air, perspiration, rain, condensation, or wet hair. Warning signs can include intermittent sound, distortion, reduced volume, charging problems, or a device that seems to turn on and off unexpectedly. Earwax can also hold moisture and block sound, so a quiet hearing aid is not always an electronic failure.
Daily care during humid weather
Follow the cleaning instructions for your exact model. A simple daily routine may include:
- Wash and dry your hands before handling the devices.
- Wipe the exterior with a clean, dry cloth after use.
- Check domes, earmolds, microphone openings, and wax filters for debris.
- Store the devices in their charger, case, or approved drying system overnight.
- Keep the storage area indoors and away from bathrooms, sinks, windows, and direct sunlight.
Do not clean hearing aids with water, alcohol, household solvents, or a hair dryer unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.
Activities that require extra care
Remove hearing aids before swimming, showering, or using a sauna unless the manufacturer explicitly says the devices are suitable for that activity. Water-resistance ratings are not the same as permission to submerge a device repeatedly.
If you work outside, exercise, garden, golf, boat, or spend time near the beach, carry a protective case. Dry your ears and hands before reinserting the devices. A sweatband or hat may help redirect perspiration, but make sure it does not rub against the microphones.
Never leave hearing aids in a hot vehicle. The FDA specifically warns against exposing them to excessive heat, including leaving them in the sun or using heat-producing appliances to dry them.
Should you use a hearing aid dryer?
A drying container or electronic dryer may help in humid environments, but use only a system appropriate for your hearing aids. Rechargeable devices and removable-battery devices may have different storage requirements. Ask your audiologist which option is compatible with your model and whether the devices should be powered off, placed in a charger, or stored separately.
Desiccant capsules also need replacement or reactivation according to their instructions. A saturated desiccant will not continue absorbing moisture effectively.
What to do if a hearing aid gets wet
Remove the device from the moisture source and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Do not place it in a microwave, conventional oven, or near a hair dryer. If the device uses a removable battery, the instructions may direct you to open the battery door and remove the battery. Rechargeable-device guidance can differ.
If sound remains weak or intermittent after the recommended drying period, schedule professional service. Continuing to charge or operate a visibly damaged device may make the problem worse.
Local cleaning and troubleshooting help
Merit Hearing can inspect hearing aids, check for wax or moisture-related problems, and explain a care routine for your specific devices. This is especially useful for patients managing South Florida humidity or large seasonal temperature swings in the Midwest.
Find your nearest Merit Hearing clinic or book a hearing aid consultation online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear hearing aids in the rain?
Light exposure may be tolerated by some water-resistant models, but protection varies. Use an umbrella or hat, keep a case available, and follow the manufacturer's water-resistance guidance for your exact model.
Can rice dry a wet hearing aid?
Use the drying method recommended by the manufacturer or hearing care provider. Rice can leave dust and debris and does not replace an approved care procedure.
Why does my hearing aid sound weak after being outside?
Moisture, earwax, a blocked dome or filter, battery condition, and device damage are all possible causes. If basic approved cleaning does not restore sound, have the device inspected.
Clinical oversight provided by Dr. Shelby Matthews, AuD. Approved July 21, 2026.
Sources
- FDA: How to get hearing aids and care for them
- FDA: Medical devices exposed to heat and humidity
- Merit Hearing: Hearing aid care
Follow the instructions supplied with your specific devices. Contact a hearing care professional if a hearing aid is damaged, overheats, causes discomfort, or does not return to normal operation.