Hearing aids have gotten smaller, more effective, and more durable over the last century or so. Unfortunately, most of them are still not waterproof. As a result, you need to make sure you take them off when you go swimming. If you don't, prepare for a serious repair bill.

Swimming With A Hearing Aid Is A Big No-No

When you get a hearing aid installed, your doctor is going to run down a long list of things you cannot do. This list may be long and somewhat repetitive to listen to for extended periods, but it definitely stated that you shouldn't swim with a hearing aid. Unfortunately, it is easy to get excited on a hot summer day and jump into a pool or a lake without thinking about your hearing aid.

In some instances, you are likely to notice right away and have time to take it out before too much damage occurs. Unfortunately, there is also a chance that water could work its way into the hearing aid very quickly. When this happens, you're going to notice a serious degradation to the quality of your aid that will get worse over time.

For example, you may notice that you have a ringing in your ears caused by the hearing aid. You may also notice it takes more volume to hear people speaking. Small problems like these are likely to get worse, as the water damage spreads, and permanently affect your hearing aid. Thankfully, repairs are possible.

Repairs May Be Necessary

If you went swimming with your hearing aid in, you need to take it to a hearing aid repair expert right away. In many instances, this kind of damage can be repaired and charged to your insurance. However, some providers may not cover it if you caused the damage yourself. Thankfully, most will cover it if your hearing aids are necessary for your overall health.

A water-damaged hearing aid often requires a variety of different repair techniques. For example, the technician may have to replace individual components to ensure it runs smoothly. Other instances may require replacing the entire hearing aid. The total damage to the hearing aid is likely to vary depending on how long you went swimming with it before you noticed damage occurred.

So if you went swimming with your hearing aid and notice it's not running properly, talk to a hearing aid repair specialist, like one from Children  &  Family Hearing Associates, right away. These skilled experts will identify a way to get your hearing aid running smoothly and will ensure that you can hear again.