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Best Waterproof Hearing Aids (2025) - Brands, IP Ratings and More

September 15, 2025
Blake Cadwell
Written by
Blake Cadwell

Blake Cadwell is a hearing aid wearer and co-founder at Soundly. He regularly tests and reviews hearing technology to share his experience with Soundly’s readers. Blake's research and perspectives have been featured in the The New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, AARP and FastCompany.

Soundly Staff
Reviewed by
Soundly Staff

Are hearing aids waterproof? Not exactly, but most modern hearing aids are highly water-resistant.

With IP68 protection, today’s top devices can withstand everyday exposure like sweat, rain, or the occasional splash.

What they can’t do is stay underwater for long stretches, so swimming or showering with them is still off the table.

In this guide, we’ll explain how waterproof ratings work, highlight hearing aids with the strongest protection, and share what to do if your devices ever get wet.

That way, you’ll know exactly how much protection your hearing aids offer, and how to keep them safe.

Key Takeaways
+
  • No hearing aids are fully waterproof. Most premium devices are IP68-rated, meaning they resist dust and short-term water exposure.
  • Everyday protection is strong. Rain, sweat, and accidental splashes usually aren’t a problem β€” but avoid swimming or showering with your devices.
  • IP ratings explain durability. The first digit measures dust protection, and the second measures resistance to moisture.
  • Top brands now offer IP68 devices. Phonak, Sennheiser, Sony, ReSound, and Signia all include water-resistant models.
  • If your hearing aids get wet, act fast. Dry them with a soft cloth, remove batteries if possible, and use a dehumidifier case for safe recovery.
Why Trust Soundly
+
  • 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
  • 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
  • 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
  • 100% independently owned and operated

Read more about our company, services and process here.

Featured in this article

Best Overall OTC Hearing Aids
Sennheiser All Day Clear
$999 / pair
Best In-Ear OTC Hearing Aids
Sony CRE-C20
$999
Best Overall Prescription Hearing Aids
Signia Charge&Go
$3,198 - $4,798
Best AI-Sound Processing
ReSound Vivia
$3,198 - $4,298
Phonak Flagship
Phonak Sphere Infinio
As low as $4,598

Best OTC

These OTC options pair all-day comfort and easy setup with solid water resistance, so you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat.

Best Overall OTC Hearing Aids
 

Sennheiser All Day Clear

$999 / pair
  • Our favorite OTC hearing aids for under $1,000
  • Manufactured by the largest hearing aid maker in the world
  • Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
9.6
Excellent
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

Here’s why we picked the Sennheiser All-Day Clear:

  • Trusted Manufacturer: Developed by Sennheiser, a leader in audio, and backed by Sonova, the world's #1 hearing aid maker, ensuring high-quality sound and technology.
  • Comfortable Design: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, available in both Slim and standard models to suit different preferences.
  • Affordable Price: Offers premium sound quality and features typically found in prescription hearing aids, all for under $1,000.
  • Easy App Control: The intuitive smartphone app allows for quick, user-friendly setup and self-programming, ideal for even mildly tech-savvy users.
What Users Say
+

Sennheiser All Day Clear reviews are about as glowing as you'll find among self-fit devices. Users comment on Sennheiser's lightweight comfort, clear sound and easy to use app. Some users wished that the battery life was longer for 16+ hours of wear. Here are some sample reviews:

  • "One of the best over-the-counter hearing aids you'll find.They're extremely lightweight which I really appreciate because usually whenever I use any sort of earbuds I like it to wear I don't even feel like they're on my ear.The clarity of the audio that comes out of these small little hearing aids is very impressive." - Jay
  • "The instructions are not complicated and the all day clear app for the phone is easy to use and works well for personal customization. You can use the hearing aids itself to control the volume and connect to other devices. The all day clear hearing aids are comfortable to wear all day. I feel more confident because I feel like I am apart of conversations and not alienated in life. The battery life is good but you will need to recharge if you are wearing them all day." - Kamille
  • "I got my 72-year-old dad the Sennheiser hearing aid, and oh boy, it's a total game-changer! Dad's been dealing with some hearing trouble for a while, but this device has turned things around big time.Being far away from him, I sent the aid his way, and he managed to set it up all by himself using YouTube. Easy peasy! Now, he's raving about how it's like night and day. In group chats, he used to miss out on voices, but not anymore. He's hearing everyone loud and clear, even when Mom calls him from another room." - Britto
Pros & Cons
+
Pros πŸ‘
  • Premium Sonova-built technology for less than prescription channels
  • Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls (Android and iPhone)
  • Comfortable all-day form factor

‍

Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • Charger must be plugged in while charging
  • Requires a smartphone for programming
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Moderate
  • All-Day Clear is an OTC product appropriate for mild-moderate hearing loss levels
  • If you have more significant hearing loss you might consider local or Telehealth care. Read more about prescription Vs. OTC hearing aids here
Care Type πŸ₯
Over-The-Counter
  • Available for purchase online via Soundly
  • Does not require a prescription from a doctor
  • Customize your hearing aids with the Sennheiser All-Day Clear app
  • Soundly customers get a complimentary guided setup session
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • Sennheiser offers impressive underlying background noise management technology
  • We found this product performed at a similar level to top prescription brands
Comfort 🦻
Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Comfortable receiver-in-canal style is great for all day wear
Style  πŸ’«
Behind The Ear
  • Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
  • The form factor of Sennheiser All-Day Clear is comparable to leading prescription hearing aids like Phonak Lumity
  • Available in a dual-tone black and silver
  • Choose between slim and non-slim versions (we recommend the non-slim option for most people)
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable
  • Sennheiser All-Day Clear comes with rechargeable batteries
  • 16 hours of wear on a single charge
  • Recharge case must be plugged into the wall while in use
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Available
  • All-Day Clear streams to all devices including iPhone and Android
  • All Day Clear allows hands free phone calls on both iPhone and Android
  • Streaming quality is similar to the top prescription products on the market
Dexterity Level 🀏
Average
  • All-Day Clear is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
  • The All-Day Clear recharge case has ports that must be in contact for charging. This type of charger is more difficult than premium conduction chargers which do not require ports to be touching
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP68
  • Sennheiser All-Day Clear hearing aids have an IP68 rating
  • These devices can be submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage
App features πŸ“±
Has An App
  • The Sennheiser All-Day Clear app enables setup and customization of your hearing aids
  • The smartphone app allows on-the-go volume and sound quality adjustments
  • The All-Day Clear app has a music and automatic program but does not offer Tinnitus masking, program creation or other advanced features
Best In-Ear OTC Hearing Aids
 

Sony CRE-C20

$999
  • Soundly's top-selling in-ear OTC hearing aid
  • Nearly invisible in most ears
  • 28-hour battery life per charge
  • Self-fits through Sony's smartphone app
9.0
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

Sony’s CRE-C20 is a big step up for in-ear OTC hearing aids, packing new features that make it our top pick. Here’s why we chose it:

  1. Sound Quality Boost: Sony borrowed tech from in-clinic product Signia Silk for sound processing, and the difference is clear. The CRE-C20 delivers noticeably better sound than past models.
  2. Long-Lasting Battery: With 28 hours on a single charge, you can count on the CRE-C20 to get you through a full day.
  3. Invisible, Comfortable Fit: Designed to be invisible in most ears, the CRE-C20 fits comfortably and stays discreetβ€”even more so than many other IIC models we’ve reviewed. We especially like the slightly curved design that improves in-ear comfort.

If you’re looking for an in-ear OTC hearing aid, the CRE-C20 wins on sound, battery, and comfort.

What Users Say
+

Sony CRE-C20 is Soundly's top-performing in-ear OTC hearing aid. Our customers love the discretion and sound quality and often comment on how comfortable CRE-C20 is compared to other in-ear options. Some customers do report that the app setup is more involved than simpler products like Lexie or Sennheiser. Some sample review:

  • "Over the past few years, I have tried a half-dozen or more OTC hearing aids and none of them were better than the Sony CRE-C20  aids that I have had the opportunity to evaluate. I have tried less costly and more expensive OTC's - doesn't matter - these were the answer to my inability to hear in many situations." - Ern
  • "In terms of function, I was very impressed with the overall sound quality once it was dialed in.  Initially they sounded a bit tinny, but that was easily adjusted with the Sound Balance control.  It took a couple of days of use and adjusting before I really felt they were dialed in.  At that point I wore them all day in different environments to put them through their paces.  One of my main concerns is the ability to hear clearly and understand what the person I’m speaking with is saying in a louder environment.  The CRE-20Es did a fantastic job with toning out the background noise and producing a clear and easy to understand conversation experience.  I tend to have to listen and read lips at the same time but quickly realized I could hear the conversation very well, even in a loud restaurant environment." - Stanley
  • "These are IP68 Sweat and water resistant - I was able to wear these biking multiple times without any fear of them falling out or being damaged." - James
  • "I shut down and restarted the app, turned off my phone, uninstalled and reinstalled the app, and nothing seemed to work.  I tried the next day, and then it worked." - Trobadaur
Pros & Cons
+
Pros πŸ‘
  • C20 is Nearly invisible in most ear canals
  • High quality sound for a lower price
  • Self-fit at home
  • Rechargeable with 28 hours of battery life
Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • Does not allow Bluetooth streaming
  • Requires some tech-savvy for setup
  • Only for mild-moderate hearing loss
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Moderate
  • Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids are sold over the counter and are appropriate for those with mild-moderate hearing loss
  • If you have more significant hearing loss it is recommended that you access professional care through Telehealth or local care
Care Type πŸ₯
Over-The-Counter
  • Available for purchase here Soundly.com with a complimentary guide setup service
  • Does not require a prescription from a doctor
  • Customize your hearing aids with an onboard hearing test and app-controls
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • Sony CRE-C20 is made in collaboration with hearing leader WSA audiology
  • Sony CRE-C20 offers good background noise management algorithms and newly re-designed processing chip
Comfort 🦻
Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Sony CRE-C20 sits discreetly in the ear and comes with various ear tip sizes
  • Sony CRE-C20 is not custom-molded to your ear shape
  • Our team finds all in-the-ear models slightly less comfortable for all-day wear than RIC hearing aids
Style  πŸ’«
In The Ear - Non Molded
  • Sits inside the ear
  • Only available in one completely-in-canal size (invisible in many ears)
  • Only available in black
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable Only
  • Sony CRE-C20 has rechargeable batteries
  • Sony CRE-C20 batteries last 28 hours on a single charge
  • The included CRE-C20 carry-case comes with three additional on-the go charges
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Not Available
  • Sony CRE-C20 does not come with Bluetooth streaming
Dexterity Level 🀏
Average
  • Sony CRE-C20 is a small device which can pose dexterity challenges
  • Sony CRE-C20 uses rechargeable batteries and has a convenient charge case with strong magnets that pull the devices into place
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP68
  • CRE-C20 is water resistant but we recommend you avoid water activities while wearing (i.e. swimming)
App features πŸ“±
Has An App
  • Sony CRE-C20 uses a smartphone app which includes an onboard hearing test and manual controls for bass, treble and volume
  • The app is required to make changes (no buttons onboard)

Best Prescription

These prescription devices offer top-tier sound, long battery life, and strong IP68 protection to handle everyday moisture.

Best Overall Prescription Hearing Aids
 

Signia Charge&Go

$3,198 - $4,798
  • Excellent all-around sound processingβ€”one of our top picks
  • 39-hour battery life on a single charge
  • Compact design: one of the smallest receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices available
  • Custom-programmed by an audiologist at your local clinic
9.5
Excellent
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

Signia Charge&Go is a standout for those seeking a well-rounded prescription hearing aid that combines advanced features, sleek design, and extended battery life. Here’s why we love it:

  1. Long Battery Life: With up to 39 hours of power (34 hours with streaming), it’s perfect for reliable, all-day use without constant recharging.
  2. Speech Clarity: Multi-beamforming technology sharpens speech even in noisy environments, helping users focus on conversations with ease.
  3. Advanced Features: Includes Own Voice Processing (OVP) and Bluetooth LE Audio for smooth streaming from both iOS and Android devices, enhancing audio quality.
  4. Comprehensive App Support: The Signia smartphone app offers fitness tracking, remote care (after the first appointment), and Signia Assistant, adding customization and convenience.
What Users Say
+

Customer reviews for Signia Pure Charge&Go are generally positive with nearly all customers celebrating crisp and clear sound. Some customers even report improvements in tinnitus using Signia's in-app tinnitus features. Like all hearing aids, some users find that adjustment to hearing more sound is a process. See more reviews from our partners at ZipHearing.

  • "I can hear again!! No more asking people to repeat what they said, turn up the TV, or be staring blankly because I wasn't sure someone was addressing me. I can hear the water that I accidentally left running outside (old pipes in an old house). It's wonderful!!" - Mary
  • "I LOVE my new Signia Pure Chareg&Go 5 IX hearing aids. I'm 81 and these are my first so I wondered if I'd have trouble adjusting to the sound or the aids. The answer is neither! The sound is very natural - I'm now hearing highs I haven't heard for decades. From the first day I've been wearing them for 16 hours per day and don't even know they're there." - Jeff
  • "The sound quality is very good .Ive had chronic tinnitus for over a year and three months. I use ocean sounds for my therapy , it sounds like you are there. They are discrete and easy to wear . I have reduced my tinnitus by 65 to 70 percent In just about 3 months. Take the step , put in the time and results will follow." - Harly
  • "Sound quality is very tinny but from what I've read, that is to be expected. I know my family and friends are happy to not be repeating themselves over and over again. It's very hard to review a product when you have nothing to compare it to." - Colleen
Pros & Cons
+
Pros πŸ‘
  • Among the smallest body size on the market
  • Second longest battery with 39 hours per charge
  • Excellent in background noise
  • Fully customizable with premium sound processing
Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • Only sold through local clinics at $3,198 - $7,000 a pair
  • Does not include a Find My Hearing Aids feature
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Severe
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
  • If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
  • If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for a high-powered BTE style hearing aid
Care Type πŸ₯
Prescription
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
  • After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Signia app
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • Signia uses a unique Split Processing technique helps isolate background noise and boost speech clarity
  • Signia's Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps take the edge off of that uncomfortable sound quality of the user's own voice that many patients experience when adjusting to hearing aids
Comfort 🦻
Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go comes in in a small and comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
  • We prefer Signia's dome tips to other brands for comfort and performance

‍

Style  πŸ’«
Behind The Ear
  • Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go is one of the smallest receiver-in-canal hearing aids on the market
  • Choose between ten color schemes including: Black, Graphite, Dark Champagne, Silver, Pearl White, Fine Gold, Deep Brown, Sandy Brown, Rose Gold and Beige
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable Or Disposable
  • Choose between disposable and rechargeable batteries
  • 36+ hours on a full charge
  • Popular charger options: Portable charger with induction charging, or plugin Dry & Clean charger
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Available
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go BCT IX uses Bluetooth Classic to connect with a wide variety of phones and devices
  • Signia upgraded their connection strategy in 2025 and is now among the most connected hearing aids in the industry
Dexterity Level 🀏
Easy
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go uses a pin charger with magnets that makes daily charging fairly easy
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP68
  • Signia Pure Charge&Go is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
  • This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features πŸ“±
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids
  • Signia Assistant: Built in app feature that uses natural language to prompt changes
  • Remote care: Included in the Signia app (not a separate app)
  • Customization: Treble/bass, volume, microphone directionality, Signia Assistant
  • Tinnitus masking: Customizable options through your hearing care professional
  • Find my hearing aid: Not available
  • Health tracking: Step tracking, activity (e.g., high intensity versus low), and wear time
Best AI-Sound Processing
 

ReSound Vivia

$3,198 - $4,298
  • ReSound Vivia is a market leader in AI-powered sound processing
  • Vivia is one of the smallest RIC hearing aids available
  • Auracast-enabled for seamless Bluetooth streaming, developed in collaboration with Bluetooth SIG
  • Impressive 20-30 hour battery life on a single charge - even with AI features enabled
  • Custom prescription programming provided by a local audiologist
9.3
Great
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

ReSound Vivia is ReSound’s most advanced prescription hearing aid yetβ€”engineered for natural sound, effortless streaming, and top-tier comfort. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  1. ‍AI-Sound Processing: Vivia features ReSound’s newest 6th-generation chip and a new AI-powered sound management system that helps in loud environments like restaurants or group conversations. Vivia also supports Auracast for future-ready audio streaming in public spaces.
  2. ‍Design Notes: Vivia is one of the smallest RICs on the market and sits comfortably behind the earβ€”comfortable even for glasses wearers. It comes in several colors to match hair or skin tone and is built to withstand sweat and water (IP68-rated).‍
  3. All-Day Battery Life: Rechargeable models offer up to 30 hours on a single charge and come with a convienient portable charging case. This length of battery life is impressive given the powerful new AI features onboard.

If you’re looking for a small, high-performance hearing aid with cutting-edge AI features, ReSound Vivia is one of the best available today.

What Users Say
+

Read more reviews via our partners at ZipHearing.

  • Noticeable Improvement Over Previous Devices
    Many customers say Vivia is a significant upgrade from earlier ReSound models like the Linx Quattro or older analog hearing aids.
  • Exceptional Sound Clarity
    Multiple reviewers highlight Vivia’s ability to deliver natural, nuanced sound and make conversations easier to understandβ€”even in noisy environments.
  • Great for First-Time or Returning Users
    Some users returned to ReSound after years away and found the Vivia to be intuitive, effective, and worth the switch.
  • Comfortable and Discreet
    Wearers appreciate the small size, subtle design, and comfortable fitβ€”even with glasses.
  • Mixed Feedback on Music and Sound Environments
    One reviewer noted that music listening and sound handling in restaurants were still challenging, though they acknowledged the technology may be better suited for different types of hearing loss.
Pros & Cons
+
Pros πŸ‘
  • Great for background noise management
  • Auracast compatible
  • Small form factor and an optional 3rd microphone in the ear
  • 30-hours of battery life
Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • More expensive compared to direct to consumer and OTC options
  • Vivia's in-ear M&RIE microphone is a bit larger and can be uncomfortable for some
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Severe
  • ReSound Vivia is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
  • If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
  • If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for ReSound high-powered BTE
Care Type πŸ₯
Prescription
  • ReSound Vivia is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
  • After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the ReSound app
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • ReSound Vivia is an excellent choice for background noise management. The new onboard AI chip is focused on increasing clarity in the toughest listening settings
  • Vivia uses a combination of beam forming microphones and noise reduction algorithms to single out speech in complex noise environments
Comfort 🦻
Somewhat Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • ReSound Vivia is a discreet and comfortable product, but some users with smaller ear canals find the M&RIE receiver uncomfortable in their ears. M&RIE can be removed by your care provider and replaced with a standard receiver.
Style  πŸ’«
Behind The Ear
  • ReSound Vivia hearing aids sit behind the ear
  • Vivia is one of the smallest behind-the-ear style devices on the market. Vivia's size is particularly impressive given the new dual-chip architecture and strong battery life.
  • Vivia comes in a wide range of colors, including new Navy Blue and Red options.
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable Or Disposable
  • Vivia comes with three battery options, including micro RIE rechargeable (30 hours), a larger disposable battery version (size 13), and a second disposable battery option (size 312).
  • A rechargeable version of Vivia is also available with a CROS (for single-sided deafness)
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Available
  • Vivia is one of the first hearing aids on the market to release Auracast-compatible hearing aids. Auracast will take a few years to roll out in public spaces. Still, once it is available, it will allow users to stream public announcements, movies, and other shared audio experiences directly to their hearing aids.
  • Of course, Vivia also allows standard Bluetooth streaming from iPhone and Android devices. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio.
  • Vivia uses Apple's MFI connection and Android's ASHA connection to stream content through Bluetooth
Dexterity Level 🀏
Average
  • Vivia is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
  • Vivia's recharging cases use conduction charging, which is easier to handle
  • Vivia has an app feature that uses your phone camera to check that the hearing aids are in the ear properly
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP68
  • ReSound Vivia is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
  • This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features πŸ“±
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids
  • Remote care: After an in-office activation, the remote care option is available on the app
  • Customization: Volume control, treble/bass, streaming treble/bass, programs
  • Tinnitus masking: Customizable programs with a hearing care professional or use the Resound Relief app to experiment with masking noise
  • Find my hearing aid: Yes, feature is included in the app
  • Check my fit: An app feature from Resound to check the hearing aids are in the ear properly

Read our full review of the ReSound App here.

Phonak Flagship
 

Phonak Sphere Infinio

As low as $4,598
  • Flagship device from the world’s top hearing aid manufacturer
  • Industry-leading onboard AI processing with advanced Spheric mode for enhanced clarity
  • Best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, compatible with both Android and iPhone
9.2
Watch a Video
Why We Picked It
+

Phonak’s Infinio and Infinio Sphere models, released in mid-2024, quickly caught industry attention with groundbreaking features:

  1. Real-Time AI Processing: Phonak leads in AI innovation with its dual-chip architecture, powering real-time adjustments that make listening easier in complex, dynamic environments. This level of AI-driven sound processing sets Infinio Sphere apart as a top choice for clarity and adaptability.
  2. Extended Bluetooth Range: Enjoy hands-free streaming and calls with 2x the Bluetooth range, making Phonak an ideal pick for both iOS and Android users who value reliable connectivity.
  3. Waterproof and Durable Design: Built with an IP68 rating, Infinio Sphere withstands water exposure and daily wear, appealing to users with active lifestyles who want durability alongside performance.

Phonak’s Infinio line combines onboard AI with practical, user-focused features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking top-of-the-line performance and versatility in hearing aids.

What Users Say
+

Phonak Infinio Sphere receives highly positive reviews, with many users noting significant improvements over previous Phonak models and competing brands. Wearers praise its sound quality and robust Bluetooth streaming. The main complaints we found relate to the larger size and occasional automatic mode switching. Some highlights from our partners at ZipHearing.

  • "Wearing these new Phonak Sphere Hearing Aids has been very comfortable and an easy adjustment for me. These are my first hearing aids and the sound with them on sounds very natural. I've been able to understand my friends in a crowded restaurant and have been able to turn off the closed captioning on my TV. The Bluetooth feature has worked well for both streaming music and phone calls. I haven't found any drawbacks yet!" - Eileen
  • "I have been wearing hearing aids for 6 years. I started my journey with ReSound which lasted nearly 5 years. I then went to Costco and discovered Costco aids are fine for people with modest hearing loss, but I needed more. I then went with Phonak Sphere and have been very happy. I am active and discovered early on the aids I had purchased were being negatively impacted by sweat. Phonak replaced them with water resistant aids for a very small charge. I am very pleased with my new aids." - David
  • "Sound quality is excellent. Definitely an improvement over previous HA. Still trying it out in noisy environments but I definitely see an improvement when in noisy situations in understanding speech." - Ken
  • "I am currently wearing the Phonak Audio Sphere 90 hearing aids. Had them about two weeks now and the sound quality is very good. I am a bit frustrated with the Automatic program selection as it does not really seem to pick the correct program for the situation. I have not noted the sphere function working as of yet, even though I have been in a few very noisy situations. They are comfortable and only took a few days to adapt to the thicker design of the body. The battery life is exceptional. After wearing them for 15 to 16 hours they still have 45 percent batter life. The only other complaint is the charger case. It is not easy to get they in and almost kink the wires to the domes. I wish they were bigger like my previous Marvels." - Brian
Pros & Cons
+
Pros πŸ‘
  • Top of the line sound processing (thanks in part to onboard AI)
  • Best-in-class Bluetooth connection
  • Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Cons πŸ‘Ž
  • Sphere is a premium product with an average price of $4,598 per pair.
  • Shorter than average battery life of 16 hours per charge
  • Phonak Sphere is larger than most hearing aids on the market (due to a larger battery and two onboard chips)
Soundly Scorecard
+
Hearing Loss Level πŸ”Š
Mild - Severe
  • Phonak Infinio is a fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
  • If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback
  • If you have profound hearing loss, you may be a better fit for Phonak's high-powered NaΓ­da Paradise
Care Type πŸ₯
Prescription
  • Phonak Infinio is a prescription device fit and programmed by a professional
  • After an initial fitting, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the myPhonak app
Sound Quality πŸ”Š
Strong in Background Noise
  • Phonak is one of our top reviewed products for background noise management
  • Phonak Sphere Infinio uses a first-to-market onboard AI processing chip which makes up to 7 million adjustments per second
Comfort 🦻
Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear
  • Phonak Infinio comes in in a comfortable receiver-in-canal style that is easy to wear all day
Style  πŸ’«
Behind The Ear
  • Sits behind the ear with a receiver (speaker) that reaches into the ear canal
  • Phonak Infinio offers a rounded, modern form factor and a comparable size to other leading devices
  • Choose from a variety of colors including: Chestnut, sandalwood, sand beige, silver gray, graphite gray, velvet black, beige, champagne
Battery πŸ”‹
Rechargeable Only
  • Phonak Infinio comes with rechargeable batteries only
  • 24 hours on a 3-hour charge (including 80 min of streaming); 30 minute quick charge provides 6 hours battery life
  • Standard charger uses inductive charging
Connection πŸ“‘
Bluetooth Available
  • Phonak Infinio is among our top choices for Bluetooth capabilities
  • Allows simultaneous connection to up to four devices
  • Allows hands-free calling for both iPhone and Android devices
  • Users can tap their hearing aid to answer calls
  • Telecoil is available
  • Infinio uses universal connectivity for all Bluetooth devices (other leaders use MFI and ASHA)
  • Infinio offers 2X the Bluetooth range (distance from your device) compared to older models
Dexterity Level 🀏
Average
  • Phonak Infinio is reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
  • Infinio devices come with an onboard toggle switch for volume and program changes
Waterproof Level πŸ’¦
IP68
  • Phonak Infinio is water resistant with an IP rating of 68
  • Infinio has even stronger waterproofing than previous models from the brand
  • This hearing aid can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
App features πŸ“±
Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Fitness Tracking
  • Remote care: Available through the Phonak app in coordination with your provider
  • Customization: Volume, treble/bass, adjustable custom programs in the app
  • Tinnitus masking: Available through your healthcare provider
  • Find my hearing aid: N/A
  • Health tracking: Tracks length of wear time and step count

How do waterproof hearing aids work?

Image of hearing aids submerged in water

Manufacturers get squeamish about the label "waterproof" but the reality is that most premium hearing aids purchased in the last few years have an IP68 rating.  

If you wear a hearing aid with an IP68 rating, you probably don't want to go swimming in your hearing aids or drop them to the bottom of a lake, but they should be ok after a quick submersion in the shower or a coffee mug. IP68 devices protect against moister in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes or more.

Some popular hearing aids with an IP68 rating:

Phonak Lumity and Phonak Lumity Life = IP68
ReSound OMNIA = IP68
Oticon More = IP68
Widex Moment Sheer = IP68
Signia Silk, Styletto and Charge&Go = IP68
Starkey Evolv AI = IP68

Lower-cost hearing aids like Lexie's B1 devices have an IP57 rating, and this means they are slightly less water resistant and allow more dust to enter the device. You can still get your Bose hearing aids wet but you shouldn't let them fully submerge if you can avoid it.

What is an IP Rating?

IP is short for Ingress Protection rating. An IP rating is the international standard used to rate the degree of protection or sealing effectiveness in electrical enclosures against the intrusion of objects (like dust) and moister (like coffee).

The first digit in an IP rating shows protection against dust (on a scale of 1-6), and the second digit indicates protection against moisture (on a scale of 1-9).

The top IP rating possible is IP69. No hearing aids on the market currently have an IP69 rating.

IP Rating Protection Guide

Understanding IP Protection Ratings

Learn how Ingress Protection (IP) codes work to identify device durability against environmental hazards

First Digit: Solid Protection

Resistance to dust, dirt, and debris

πŸ›‘οΈ

Physical Barriers

Protection levels from large objects down to fine particles

X

No Testing

No testing performed for solid object protection

0

No Protection

No barrier against solid materials

1

Large Objects

Blocks large objects exceeding 50mm diameter (2+ inches)

2

Medium Objects

Prevents entry of objects larger than 12.5mm (β‰ˆ0.5 inches)

3

Small Tools

Resists penetration by objects over 2.5mm thickness

4

Wire Protection

Protects against particles and wires thicker than 1mm

5

Dust Limited

Limited dust ingress that won't impair device operation

6

Dust Proof

Complete dust-proof seal preventing all particle entry

Second Digit: Liquid Protection

Resistance to water and moisture

πŸ’§

Moisture Defense

From light drops to full submersion capabilities

X

No Testing

No moisture protection testing conducted

0

No Protection

No liquid protection provided

1

Dripping Water

Withstands vertical water drops (similar to condensation)

2

Tilted Drops

Handles angled water drops up to 15Β° from vertical

3

Spraying Water

Resists water spray at angles up to 60 degrees

4

Water Splashing

Protected from water splashing from all angles

5

Water Jets

Survives low-pressure water streams (hose nozzle level)

6

Powerful Jets

Withstands high-pressure water jets and heavy seas

7

Brief Immersion

Submersible up to 1 meter depth for 30-minute periods

8

Continuous Submersion

Continuous submersion beyond 1 meter (manufacturer specifies limits)

9

High-Pressure Cleaning

Resists high-pressure, high-temperature water cleaning systems

Pro Tip:

Common ratings like IP65 mean complete dust protection (6) with water jet resistance (5), while IP68 offers dust-proof sealing (6) plus submersion capability (8). Higher numbers don't always mean better - choose based on your specific environmental needs!

Are hearing aids really waterproof?

There are hundreds of hearing aids on the market, so you'll need to search for your specific hearing brand's IP rating to know for sure.

If the rating on your device is IP68, you can reasonably assume that water isn't going to take your hearing aids out of commission.

Consider a hearing aid dehumidifier if you live or work around a lot of humidity. This special case extracts moister from your hearing aids each night while you sleep.

Wet Hearing Aids Emergency Guide

What To Do If Your Hearing Aids Get Wet

1

Power Off Right Away

  • Disposable battery models: open the battery door and remove the battery
  • Rechargeable models: turn the aids off and remove them from the charger
2

Blot and Remove Excess Moisture

  • Pat the devices dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
  • Remove domes, earmolds, and sleeves if they come off easily
  • Dry these parts separately
⚠

Do not shake hard or use compressed air

3

Dry Safely

  • Place the aids in a drying cup with desiccant or electronic dehumidifier for 12–24 hours
  • Keep away from heat sources (hair dryer, radiator, oven, microwave, direct sun)
⚠

Avoid rice - fine dust can enter ports and microphones

4

Reassemble and Test

  • Reattach domes or earmolds
  • Replace wax guards if they look saturated
  • Insert a fresh battery or power on rechargeables
  • Check sound quality and charging behavior
5

If Problems Persist

  • Contact your hearing care provider or the OTC brand's support
  • Note the type of exposure (rain, shower, full submersion) for troubleshooting
⚠

Do not open the shell yourself

6

Prevent Future Issues

  • Use a nightly drying case or electronic dehumidifier
  • Wipe microphones and contacts after workouts
  • Remove devices before showering, swimming, or sauna use
βœ“

Regular maintenance prevents most water damage issues

‍

Care Tips for Humid or Active Lifestyles

Moisture is one of the biggest challenges for hearing aids, but a few daily habits can keep your devices safe and reliable:

  • Dry them out each night β€” use a dehumidifier case or drying cup to remove sweat and humidity.
  • Protect on the go β€” keep a couple of fresh silica packs in your travel case for backup drying power.
  • Clean after activity β€” wipe microphones, domes, and charging contacts after workouts or time outdoors.
  • Add extra stability β€” sports clips or retention sleeves help keep sweat from reaching ports during exercise.
  • Avoid high-moisture environments β€” remove your devices before swimming, showering, or sauna use.

Final Thoughts

Think of hearing aids as water-resistant, not waterproof. They can ride out a sweaty workout or a surprise rainstorm, but they’ll thank you for keeping them out of the pool.

A nightly trip to a drying case and a quick wipe after use are small steps that make a big difference.

With the right care, your devices will stay dependable and ready for whatever your day brings.