Can You Swim With Lyric Hearing Aids?

If you are planning to swim with your Lyric hearing aids, don’t dive in the water just yet – according to Phonak’s user guide, the Lyric cannot be worn while swimming. 

That being said, there are some workarounds to keep your Lyric hearing aids in for swimming and other water activities. 

Are Phonak Lyric Hearing Aids Waterproof?

No – Lyric hearing aids are water-resistant rather than being completely waterproof. 

As Lyric hearing aids are in the ear canal for extended periods of time (up to a few months), they are designed with a high degree of water/moisture-resistance. Lyric hearing aids have sufficient water resistance to withstand light splashing and high moisture, but should not be submerged in water. 

Prolonged water exposure can cause corrosion and internal damage to the sensitive electronic components of the Lyric hearing aid.

Water Protection Guide For Lyric Hearing Aids

Showering

Showering with Lyric is generally fine. Phonak confirms that Lyric may be worn while showering, which is one of the genuine day-to-day lifestyle benefits of the device. 

The anatomy of the ear itself provides some natural shielding for the ear canal from direct water streams. That being said, you should avoid directing the shower head forcefully into your ear, and you should not submerge your ears under water during baths. If water tends to enter your ear canal during showers, place some hydrophobic cotton wool in the bowl of your ear and at the entrance to the ear canal to minimise water exposure. 

After showering, take extra care in drying your ears. The Lyric hearing aid does not need to be removed after showering – simply dab the inside of your ear with a towel to remove excess moisture. 

Swimming

As mentioned above, swimming is where the line is drawn. Phonak explicitly states that underwater swimming is not recommended with Lyric aids. If you plan to swim laps, swim at the beach, or engage in any activity where your head goes fully under water, Lyric is at risk of water damage. 

If swimming is an important part of your life but you want to protect your Lyric devices, Phonak recommends using custom swim moulds or plugs, and a swim cap to fully cover the ear canal and prevent water ingress. 

Always check the length of any swim mould to ensure it does not physically touch the Lyric device when worn, as contact could cause discomfort or interfere with the fit.

Unsubmerged Water Sports 

Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or beach sports that have a risk of water exposure are generally up to the user’s discretion. Phonak states that Lyric can be worn during water activities in which the head is not fully submerged, but acknowledges that these activities also carry a risk of submersion. 

In other words, it’s a grey area – wear your Lyric hearing aids at your own risk. For peace of mind, we recommended taking extra precautions, such as wearing earplugs, to rule out the possibility of water exposure. 

Diving

Recreational scuba diving, snorkelling, or any form of underwater diving is firmly off-limits when wearing the Lyric hearing aids. The Phonak user guide states clearly that Lyric should not be used while diving underwater, and the reasons go beyond just water damage. Pressure changes from underwater diving can cause discomfort and may result in feedback if the Lyric device shifts position within the ear canal.

How To Dry and Care for Lyric Hearing Aids

If you accidentally dive or submerge fully while wearing the Lyric hearing aids, remove the device/s as soon as possible and leave them to dry. Do not use alcohol, solvents, or chemical cleaning agents, as these can damage the sensitive electronics. Book an appointment with your audiologist or hearing aid provider who can assess any damage to the device as well as your ear canal. 

Prevention is always better than cure: use protective swim moulds or compatible earplugs proactively in preparation for water activities. Rely on the guide above for the appropriate amount of water protection required for each level of activity. 

Changes in sound quality or sensations of discomfort in the ear after water exposure are a clear sign that the Lyric needs to be removed and possibly repaired. 

Aside from caring for your Lyric hearing aids, the simple act of keeping your ears clean and healthy can go a long way in making hearing aids more comfortable. To address earwax and moisture which accumulate naturally in the ear canal, schedule regular checkup appointments with your audiologist. Our expert audiologists at Harmony Hearing clinic in Perth can perform cleaning and maintenance on your behalf and ensure your ear canal remains in good health.