Hearing aids are intricate electronic devices that easily malfunction if exposed to moisture or humidity. This is why using a hearing aid dehumidifier or dryer is essential for keeping your hearing aids working their best. The inner workings of hearing aids contain very small electronic components. Moisture causes corrosion and damage to the minute wires, microphones, and receivers. Humidity and dampness are therefore the natural enemy of hearing aids. Moisture can accumulate in hearing aids in a few different ways.
- Sweat – If you wear your hearing aids while exercising or on a hot day, sweat seeps into the ear canal and hearing aid. The moisture and salt from sweat can erode internal parts.
- Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and humidity are obvious sources of external moisture that wet hearing aids if you are outdoors. Even cold weather introduces damaging moisture from condensation when you return to a warm indoor setting.
- Ear Wax – While ear wax (cerumen) has benefits, it unfortunately absorbs moisture like a sponge. As you insert your hearing aid into an ear canal with wet wax, that moisture gets transferred to the device.
- Bathrooms – Steam and dampness from showers quickly saturate hearing aids left on bathroom sinks or countertops.
- Hair Care – Many people remove their hearing aids when washing, drying, or styling wet hair. Moisture from hair easily affects hearing aids even if not in direct contact.
Benefits of hearing aid drying products
Hearing aid drying products are specialty devices designed to actively remove moisture and humidity from your hearing aids after exposure. They bring two main benefits.
- They dry out and dehumidify hearing aids to prevent moisture damage.
- They disinfect hearing aids to stop the growth of microbes.
There are a few main types of hearing aid drying products to consider.
- Small drying cases – Compact plastic cases often contain desiccant bags or beads to dry aids overnight.
- Electronic dry & store devices – Larger programmable units actively dry with fans, heat, and dehumidifying cycles.
- Dry aid kits – These combine portable cases with desiccant, cleaning tools, and drying beads specifically for aids.
- Dehumidifier boxes – Wall-mounted boxes with desiccant collect moisture and humidity within a room or closet space.
- Microwaveable dryers – Some products allow moist aids to dry in short microwave cycles inside a protective container.
Tips for using hearing aid drying products
- Read all instructions – Follow usage directions closely to understand proper drying times and how to reactivate desiccants.
- Routine drying – Dry hearing aids every night, even if they don’t seem wet. This will prevent gradual moisture buildup inside aids.
- Monitor desiccants – Check the color and moisture levels of desiccant bags or beads. Replace them regularly as directed.
- Consider humidity – Use drying products consistently during humid weather or seasons.
- Dry storage – Store hearing aids in the drying case or unit when not in use. Don’t let them sit out collecting moisture.
We rely on hearing aids to help us interact with the world. But, they only work properly when kept scrupulously moisture-free through diligent daily drying. So, take control of the hearing aid enemy – humidity. With a consistent routine using the best hearing aid dehumidifier and dryers, you ensure your valuable aids last for years while delivering the best sound quality and performance possible.
