Last Updated on August 21, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
Working Out with Hearing Aids: Sweat Protection Tips for Your Devices
Exercising with hearing aids is absolutely possible. With a few smart habits, you can protect your devices from sweat and keep hearing clearly while you move.
Why Sweat Can Be a Problem for Hearing Aids
Sweat isn’t just water—it’s a mix of moisture, salts, and oils that can work its way into microphone ports, receivers, and battery contacts. Over time, this may lead to:
- Distortion or intermittency from residue on microphones
- Receiver blockage and sound drop-outs
- Corrosion in battery or charging contacts
- Shortened life for rechargeable batteries after repeated moisture exposure
Most modern hearing aids are built for daily life—light rain, humidity, and incidental splashes—but prolonged perspiration during workouts deserves extra protection.
Which Hearing Aid Styles Handle Sweat Better?
Design affects how much sweat reaches critical components:
| Style | Relative Sweat Exposure | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTE / RIC (behind-the-ear) | Higher | Great connectivity and comfort | Microphones sit where sweat runs; consider sleeves and headbands |
| ITE / ITC (in-the-ear / in-the-canal) | Moderate | Less sweat reaching behind-ear microphones | Canal moisture still affects receivers; dry promptly after workouts |
| CIC (completely-in-canal) | Lower | Minimal behind-ear exposure | Often fewer wireless features; still clean and dry after exercise |
How to Protect Hearing Aids During Workouts
1) Add a Moisture Barrier
Slip on moisture-wicking sleeves over BTE/RIC devices to keep sweat away from microphones and seams. These covers act like performance fabric for your hearing aids.
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2) Use a Headband or Sweatband
A wide, absorbent headband diverts perspiration before it reaches the ear region. Runners, cyclists, and athletes doing high-intensity intervals benefit most.
3) Keep Devices Secure
During dynamic movement, retention cords or clips prevent accidental loss if a device slips while you’re sweating. Choose a low-profile clip that won’t interfere with helmets or straps.
4) Dry Immediately After Exercise
- Gently wipe the shells and microphones with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Place devices in a hearing aid dehumidifier (“dry box”) for a full cycle.
- Clean domes, wax guards, and vents so moisture and debris don’t linger.
5) When It’s Okay to Leave Them Out
If communication isn’t essential and conditions are extreme—swimming, sauna, or hot yoga—store your aids safely in a case and follow a written plan or visual timer for your workout. For more on choosing when to wear devices, see When to Wear Hearing Aids.
Are There Sweat-Proof Hearing Aids?
Yes. Some newer models are designed with enhanced resistance to sweat and water exposure. Learn what “waterproof” really means, the limits of protection, and models to consider in our guide: Waterproof & Sweat-Proof Hearing Aids.
Warranties & Repairs: What to Expect
Good news: Manufacturer warranties do cover moisture damage. If your devices need service after heavy exercise use, get familiar with typical service timelines and fees so you know what’s covered and what isn’t. See our breakdown here: Cost of Hearing Aid Repair.
Post-Workout Troubleshooting
- Sound is cutting in and out: Dry fully in a dehumidifier, replace wax guards, and verify domes are clear. If issues persist, see Hearing Aids Cutting In and Out.
- Devices won’t power on: Confirm charge level (rechargeables) or replace zinc-air batteries after they’ve had time to activate.
- Irritated ear canal: Try different dome sizes, ensure edges aren’t pressing after sweat-induced swelling, and allow ears to dry before reinsertion.
Quick Sweat-Protection Checklist
Before: sleeves + headband; pack a microfiber cloth and dry box.
During: wipe away sweat during rest intervals; keep devices clipped if movements are explosive.
After: wipe, dehumidify, clean domes/vents; check for any residue on microphones.