By Jonathan Javid, AuD — Clinical Audiologist
🗂 Waterproof Hearing Aid Hub
Bottom line: In 2025, the most water-resistant hearing aids are the
Starkey Edge AI and the
Phonak Audéo Infinio. Both manufacturers go beyond the standard IP68 rating by subjecting their devices to stress tests in sweat, salt water, oils, and extreme humidity.
My Top Recommendations
1) Starkey Edge AI
- Water & Sweat Protection: Starkey uses its Surface™ Nanoshield and HydraShield® coatings, validated with salt-fog chambers and oil/wax resistance testing.
- Beyond IP68: Starkey’s reliability papers describe rigorous testing that simulates real-world hazards—like body oils, sweat chemistry, and salt spray—conditions that IP68 doesn’t cover.
- Where to Buy: Shop Starkey Edge AI at ZipHearing.
2) Phonak Audéo Infinio
- Stress Tested: Phonak reports 10,000+ hours across 135 stress tests, including seawater and pool water immersion cycling with performance checks before and after.
- Reliability: Newer rechargeable platforms have shown fewer moisture-related repairs when subjected to synthetic sweat and heat/humidity stress conditions.
- Where to Buy: Shop Phonak Audéo Infinio at ZipHearing.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Starkey Edge AI | Phonak Infinio |
|---|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP68 + Nanoshield/HydraShield | IP68 + 10,000h / 135 tests |
| Sweat Resistance | Salt-fog & wax/oil tests | Synthetic sweat / humidity cycles |
| Salt & Pool Water | Salt-fog simulation | Seawater & pool immersion cycles |
| Lab Immersion | 1m for 60 min (fresh water) | 1m for 60 min (fresh water) |
| Reliability | Fewer moisture-related claims | Improved service rates |
What IP68 Really Means
IP68 indicates dust-tight protection and the ability to survive immersion in 1 m of fresh water for 60 minutes. But IP68 does not account for salt water, sweat, sunscreen, or dynamic water pressure. That’s why “beyond IP68” testing is so important for hearing aids used in real-world conditions.
Beyond IP68: Sweat, Salt & Oils
- Starkey: Exposes devices to salt-fog chambers and oil/wax resistance testing.
- Phonak: Validated seawater and pool immersion cycles, with consistent acoustic checks throughout.
- Reliability Data: Both brands report fewer moisture-related repairs in modern lines designed around these tests.
My Audiologist Experience
At a training, I once saw a manufacturer demonstration where a hearing aid was submerged in a large vase of water for three days. Each day, it was pulled out, turned on, and continued to function normally. This kind of durability is impressive, but…
I still don’t recommend swimming with hearing aids. Even waterproof models can fall out and get lost in a pool or ocean. Plus, devices must be completely dry before charging to prevent corrosion.
Real-World Guidance
If you’re near water (beach, pool, baptism, or cruise):
- Use retention tools (sport locks, clips, or cords).
- Wipe devices with a soft, dry cloth after any exposure.
- Keep sunscreen, lotions, and sprays away from microphones.
- Store in a dry box or dehumidifier overnight.
Explore More: Waterproof Hearing Aid Challenges
This article is the cornerstone of our Waterproof Hearing Aid Hub. Dive deeper into practical situations: