Waterproof hearing aids for active lifestyles

IP68 Rating in Hearing Aids: What It Means and Why It Matters

When you start looking at hearing aids today, you will notice a small code printed in the product specifications — something like “IP68.” It looks technical, but it tells you something very important about how tough and durable a hearing aid really is. If you live in Aurangabad or anywhere in the Marathwada region, where summers are intensely hot, monsoon rains arrive suddenly, and dust is a daily reality, understanding the IP68 rating can make a real difference in which hearing aid you choose.

This guide from Earmart explains exactly what IP68 means, how it works in real life, and which popular hearing aid brands available in Aurangabad carry this protection.

What Is an IP Rating?

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a global standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that measures how well an electronic device is sealed against solid particles and liquids. You will find IP ratings on everything from smartphones to industrial equipment — and increasingly on modern hearing aids.

The rating always has two digits after the letters “IP.” Each digit carries a specific meaning.

The first digit goes from 0 to 6 and tells you how well the device resists solid particles — things like dust, sand, and fine debris. A rating of 0 means no protection at all. A rating of 6 means the device is completely dust-tight; not even the finest particles can enter, even after hours of exposure.

The second digit goes from 0 to 9 and measures protection against liquids, primarily water. A rating of 0 means no protection. A rating of 8 — the highest standard for immersion protection — means the device can be submerged in water up to one metre deep for a minimum of thirty minutes under manufacturer-specified conditions.

So when you see IP68 on a hearing aid, both digits are at their highest practical levels. The device is fully dust-tight and protected against continuous immersion in water.

Why IP Ratings Matter More in India

India’s climate creates challenges for hearing aids that people in milder countries simply do not face. Aurangabad and the broader Marathwada region experience temperatures that regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius in summer. The monsoon season brings sudden, heavy rainfall. Dusty roads, construction sites, farms, and open markets are all part of daily life here.

Sweat is another major threat to hearing aids. When worn all day in hot conditions, hearing aids are exposed to significant moisture from perspiration — especially behind the ear where most devices sit. Older hearing aid models without proper moisture protection could develop internal corrosion, crackling audio, or complete failure simply because of sweat.

Hearing aids are expensive investments. Replacing or repairing them due to moisture or dust damage adds costs that are entirely avoidable if you choose the right protection level from the beginning. This is exactly why IP68 has become one of the most important features to look for when buying hearing aids in India.

What the “6” in IP68 Means for Dust Protection

The first digit — 6 — represents the highest level of dust protection in the IP rating scale. A hearing aid rated at 6 for dust is completely sealed against particulate ingress. This is called “dust-tight.”

In practical terms, this means you can wear your hearing aids while working in a garden, walking on unpaved roads, or spending time in environments where fine particles are present, without worrying that dust will work its way into the microphone ports or speaker vents. The internal electronics remain protected even after prolonged exposure.

For anyone who spends time outdoors in Aurangabad — whether farming in the surrounding region, commuting on dusty roads, or simply going about daily life during the dry season — dust-tight protection is not a luxury. It is a genuine safeguard for your investment.

What the “8” in IP68 Means for Water Protection

The second digit — 8 — means the hearing aid has been tested and certified to survive continuous immersion in water at one metre depth for at least thirty minutes under the conditions defined by the manufacturer. This is the highest immersion protection level in the standard IP scale.

For everyday use, this translates to a hearing aid that can safely handle sweat during exercise or outdoor work, getting caught in a monsoon shower, accidental splashes from sinks or taps, and humidity from steam in kitchens or bathrooms.

It is important to note that IP68 water protection is tested in fresh water under controlled laboratory conditions. Saltwater, chlorinated pool water, soapy water, and shampoo can degrade seals over time even on IP68-rated devices. The rating does not make a hearing aid completely waterproof for swimming unless the manufacturer explicitly states that it is safe for that use.

Still, for the realities of daily life in India — monsoon rain, sweat, and high humidity — IP68 provides a level of protection that makes a meaningful difference in how long a hearing aid lasts and how reliably it performs.

How IP68 Compares to Lower Ratings

To appreciate why IP68 matters, it helps to look at what lower ratings actually offer.

IP54 was a common standard in older hearing aids and some budget models. The “5” for dust means the device is dust-resistant but not dust-tight — fine particles can still enter over time. The “4” for water means protection only from splashing. It offers no protection against rain or sustained water exposure.

IP57 improves the water protection to brief immersion — the device can survive being submerged to one metre for up to thirty minutes — but the dust protection remains at the resistant level rather than truly dust-tight.

IP68 eliminates both weaknesses. Dust is completely blocked, and water immersion protection is at the highest practical standard. For the price of a premium hearing aid, choosing IP68 over IP54 is simply good sense.

Which Hearing Aid Brands Offer IP68 in India?

Several leading hearing aid brands sold in India and available through Earmart in Aurangabad now incorporate IP68 ratings into their flagship and mid-range models.

Phonak’s Audeo range, particularly models in the Lumity and Infinio families, carries IP68 certification. Phonak is known for rigorous internal testing that goes well beyond the standard IP68 requirements. Their rechargeable hearing aids include sealed charging contacts designed to maintain waterproofing even through regular daily charging.

Signia offers IP68 protection across several models in their Silk and Pure families. Signia has a strong presence in the Indian market and is a popular choice at Earmart for people who want reliable protection combined with natural sound quality.

ReSound hearing aids across their OMNIA and newer product lines include IP68 protection. ReSound devices are favoured by users who need hearing aids that pair seamlessly with smartphones, and the IP68 rating ensures those features remain reliable even in demanding weather conditions.

Widex includes IP68 protection in their Moment and Allure ranges. A distinctive feature of Widex hearing aids is that many models apply a moisture-resistant coating to every individual internal component, not just the outer casing — which provides an additional layer of security beyond the IP68 standard.

Starkey’s rechargeable models, including devices in their Edge AI range, carry IP68 ratings. Starkey has consistently prioritised durability alongside hearing performance in their product engineering.

Oticon’s Intent and other recent models in their premium lineup also carry IP68 protection. Oticon hearing aids are known for their natural sound processing, and the IP68 rating ensures their performance holds up in India’s varied climate conditions.

At Earmart Aurangabad, our team can help you compare models across these brands and identify which device is the right fit for your hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

IP68 is the best practical protection standard available in consumer hearing aids, but it has real-world limits every user should understand.

The rating is based on laboratory testing in fresh water. Exposure to soapy water, shampoo, sweat over long periods, or saltwater does not carry the same guarantee. While IP68 hearing aids handle these situations far better than devices without the rating, avoiding unnecessary prolonged exposure to non-fresh water is still advisable.

IP68 protection also depends on the physical integrity of the device. If the casing develops cracks, if the battery door seal wears out, or if the charging port gets damaged, the IP68 protection can be compromised. This is why regular professional servicing of your hearing aids matters — not just the initial rating.

Repeated exposure to extreme temperature changes can also stress the seals of any electronic device. Going between air-conditioned rooms and extreme outdoor heat — common in Aurangabad’s summer — can create condensation inside hearing aids even with IP68 protection. Allowing your hearing aids to gradually adjust to temperature changes helps extend the life of their seals.

How to Maintain IP68 Protection Over Time

Owning an IP68-rated hearing aid does not mean ignoring maintenance. Clean your hearing aids daily with a soft, dry cloth. Remove visible debris from microphone openings and speaker vents using the small brush that typically comes with the device. Do not use wet cloths or cleaning sprays unless they are specifically approved by the manufacturer for your model.

Store your hearing aids in the drying case or dehumidifier that your hearing care provider recommends. Even with IP68 protection, overnight drying removes accumulated moisture before it can cause long-term damage. This is especially important during Aurangabad’s monsoon months when ambient humidity is high for weeks at a stretch.

Bring your hearing aids to Earmart for regular professional servicing. Our team checks the condition of seals and housings, cleans hard-to-reach components, and ensures your device continues to perform as intended. If your device is rechargeable, keep the charging contacts clean and dry and follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions carefully.

Why Proper Fitting Supports IP68 Protection

One aspect of IP68 protection that is often overlooked is the role of a correct fitting. When a hearing aid is properly fitted by a qualified professional, it sits securely in and around your ear. This secure fit helps prevent gaps where moisture or fine particles could bypass the device’s outer protection and reach the microphone or receiver ports.

A poorly fitted hearing aid not only delivers worse sound quality — it can also undermine the physical sealing that makes IP68 work as intended. At Earmart, we take fitting seriously and use proper audiological measurement techniques to ensure your hearing aid sits correctly and functions at its best.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid in Aurangabad

Understanding the IP68 rating is one part of making a good hearing aid decision. The right device also depends on your degree of hearing loss, your daily lifestyle, the environments you spend the most time in, your preference for rechargeable versus battery-powered devices, and your budget.

Aurangabad’s climate — hot summers, heavy monsoon rains, and dusty dry months — makes IP68 protection a sensible requirement for almost anyone buying a hearing aid here. Whether you are a farmer, a teacher, an office worker, or a retiree, you will encounter conditions over the course of a year where IP68 protection matters.

Earmart is based in Aurangabad and serves customers across the Marathwada region. Our team includes experienced hearing care professionals who can conduct a thorough hearing evaluation, explain all available options clearly, and help you find a hearing aid that genuinely fits your life and your hearing needs. Visit Earmart in Aurangabad or contact us to book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About IP68 Hearing Aids

Can I swim with IP68 hearing aids? IP68 protection covers brief submersion in fresh water at one metre depth. Most manufacturers do not recommend swimming with IP68 hearing aids because pool water contains chlorine and saltwater contains minerals that can degrade seals over time. Always check your specific brand’s guidelines before swimming with your devices.

Does IP68 mean my hearing aid is completely waterproof? IP68 means the device is highly resistant to water ingress under standard testing conditions. It does not mean the device is completely waterproof under all circumstances. Avoid showering with your hearing aids and do not submerge them for extended periods beyond what the manufacturer specifies.

Are all rechargeable hearing aids IP68-rated? Not all rechargeable hearing aids carry IP68 ratings, though many current premium models do. Always check the full specification sheet for the model you are considering. The Earmart team can confirm the IP rating of any device before you make a purchase.

Do IP68 hearing aids cost more? IP68 protection is now included in a wide range of models, from mid-range to premium. While budget devices may still carry lower IP ratings, the price difference between an IP54 model and an IP68 model is often modest compared to the long-term protection benefit — especially given India’s climate conditions.

How often should I service my hearing aids to maintain their protection? A general guideline is to have your hearing aids professionally serviced at least once a year. If you work outdoors, exercise regularly, or live in a particularly humid or dusty environment, every six months is a better schedule. The team at Earmart Aurangabad is always available to inspect and service your device.