The humidity in the air and water can damage electronics. This is no surprise. But precisely what causes so much damage to electronic devices? Well, it turns out that what harms these devices is not the actual water itself. The microscopic impurities in the water create ions that connect two critical contacts in your electronic device. This results in you running out of power when your device is switched on.
An electronic device’s circuitry includes metal components. Hearing aids contain a coating that prevents bacteria from growing on the metal surfaces. However, this coating isn’t always effective. You should not expose the hearing aid repetitively to moisture or rain without drying it or cleaning it. Just as you would not expose your tablet or your watch to moisture, you should not do this with a hearing aid.
Exposure to the Elements
Hearing aids are constantly exposed to moisture, sweat, ear wax, humidity in the air, and accidental splashing, among other things, as they are worn throughout the day. Instead of leaving them exposed to humidity (and other elements) overnight after taking them out for the day, you should put them in a hearing aid dryer to ensure that they are completely dry so that your hearing aids’ circuitry won’t be damaged.
The majority of hearing aids are waterproof and humidity-resistant. Metal parts are coated, and the design is such that water cannot quickly enter the hearing aid. You should, however, take extra care to keep your hearing aids dry. When you take the time to maintain and clean your hearing aids, they will work better and last a long time.
Hearing Aid Dyers
A hearing aid dryer can be more or less complicated. Some simply act as bags that keep moisture out, while others work as dehumidifiers that dry and sanitize your hearing aids.
Hearing aid drying can be accomplished in many ways. Dehumidifiers and drying boxes are popular methods.
Drying boxes are one common method used to dry hearing aids. They’re available for all types of hearing aids, rechargeable and conventional alike, and generally easy to use. Hearing aid drying boxes are small boxes that look like a jewelry or watch box. They use air and heat to dry hearing aids.
It takes 45 minutes to 8 hours for conventional hearing aids to dry in the drying box after placing them in the box. The drying process is simple: set the hearing aids in the box, close it up again, and hit the start button.
As a bonus, some drying boxes come with UV light on the inside to disinfect your devices while drying. If you accidentally wear hearing aids in the shower or discover you’re out in the rain wearing them, it’s essential to dry them immediately.
Other Methods
There are also other methods to dry your hearing aids. Hearing aid desiccants can be found as pellets, discs, or linings. These materials can all be used to dehumidify your hearing aids. Getting a hold of desiccants online or at a local drugstore is not difficult. They’re a great solution when there are no power sockets, and you can’t plug in a drying box.
A hearing aid pouch, such as the Ear Gear pouch, can help protect your hearing aid from dirt and moisture and is a water-resistant option for preventing water from entering the hearing aid.
It can take a while for your hearing aids to fully dry out after constant exposure to humidity and moisture throughout the day. If you pop the battery doors open before you put your hearing aids on in the morning, you will be able to make sure they are completely dry before you can put them on again.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
It is important to note that drying your hearing aids does not replace the need to clean them. Clean the battery contacts with a wipe and wipe down the hearing aid every two weeks. As well as cleaning with a soft cloth nightly, replacing the wax guard regularly is vital to maintaining the hearing aid. A hearing aid dryer will simplify removing dried ear wax, which means there will be less moisture on the battery contacts that could lead to corrosion.
It is vital to make sure your hearing aids are put into the right hearing aid dehumidifier. We have hearing instrument specialists who can assist you in choosing the right dehumidifier. In addition to looking at your hearing aids, discussing your lifestyle needs, and recommending the best hearing aid dryer for you, we can also make the ordering process as easy as possible.
Come into Hearing Associates of Las Vegas today or visit us online to learn more about our services and how we can get you back on the path towards healthy hearing.
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