Physical damage (dropped, cracked, wet)

Q: Dry a lightly damp, intact aid

A little surface moisture may be removable safely. Switch the hearing aid off. Remove the battery if it is disposable; leave sealed rechargeable aids intact. Wipe the outside with a soft dry cloth. Use a manufacturer-approved drying kit for 24 hours or as instructed. Test only once fully dry; do not charge while wet.

Q: Book a professional repair

Physical damage needs professional assessment. Stop wearing or charging the damaged aid. Do not glue the shell, bend wires or open the case. Contact the clinic to arrange a repair.

A dropped, cracked or wet hearing aid needs careful handling. Do not glue a broken case, bend a snapped wire or use a hairdryer to dry an aid. Water can damage both electronics and batteries. If the device is hot, swollen or badly damaged, stop using it and do not charge it. For a lightly damp, intact aid, a manufacturer-approved drying kit may help. A cracked shell, snapped wire or submerged rechargeable aid should be assessed by the clinic.

What type of hearing aid do you have?

Blue line drawings of a receiver-in-canal aid with thin wire, a behind-the-ear aid with tubing, and a custom in-the-ear aid

Possible causes and checks

Dry a lightly damp, intact aid

A little surface moisture may be removable safely.

Read these checks

Have a submerged aid checked

Water immersion may damage internal electronics or the battery.

Read these checks

Book a professional repair

Physical damage needs professional assessment.

Read these checks