On Apr. 5, 2011, Siemens, now Sivantos, introduced Aquaris, the world’s first waterproof, dust proof, and shock-resistant digital hearing aid. The aid’s housing is made of one solid piece, so the only opening is to the battery compartment, which is fitted with a membrane designed to let air in but keep water out.

Siemens lists a whole range of activities that have until now been difficult for those wearing hearing aids that can be ruined by not just water but sweat and dust: sailing, swimming, kayaking, golfing, gardening, cycling, and jogging.

Because the device can be fully submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes (rendering it more than merely water-resistant), shallow snorkeling should be added to the list. Whether we will ever be able to scuba dive with hearing aids remains to be seen.

Aquaris also features a non-slip, textured surface that holds the Aquaris behind the ear; a “sport clip” to further secure the device during intense activities; and a water-resistant Aquapac for added protection.

The history of electrical hearing assistance instruments originated with technological advances in telephones at the end of the 19th century when Werner von Siemens integrated a horseshoe magnet in the receiver of a telephone, and succeeded in substantially improving transmission quality in the telephone.