According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2019, 7.1% of adults aged 45 and over used a hearing aid”. If you’re one of this population, you’re probably wondering how you can make your hearing aids last. One of the best ways to do this is to invest in a dry box, also known as a dehumidifier, to store your devices in at night. We review everything you need to know about dry boxes below.
What Does a Dry Box Do?
Hearing aid dry boxes are containers that extract moisture from your hearing aids. This ensures the delicate technology isn’t damaged after wet activities or if you live in a humid environment.
There are two types of dry boxes:
- A regular dry box or dehumidifier has only one job: to extract moisture. It is able to do this because it contains something called a desiccant, which are beads or capsules that can pull moisture. It does this the same way rice does if you submerge your phone in it after it gets dropped in a puddle or pool.
- A UV dry box has two jobs: to both dry and sanitize your hearing aids. Rather than using a desiccant, it uses gentle heat to dry and UV-C light to sanitize against germs, bacteria and viruses. This type of dry box is ideal for people who work in unsanitary conditions as well as those who produce a lot of sweat and earwax.
Can a Dry Box Clean My Hearing Aids?
Unfortunately, even a UV dry box doesn’t clean your hearing aids for you, so you still need to keep up with daily cleanings even if you have one. It’s important to know that dry boxes are a supplement to cleaning, not a replacement.
To clean your hearing aids, first wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth. Then use a wax pick or wire loop to remove any stubborn debris. Next, open the battery compartment and brush it out. Finally, if your hearing aids have tubing, detach it and wash it in warm, soapy water once a week. Do not reattach until it’s completely dry.
Once you’ve finished these steps, put your hearing aids in the dry box overnight to eliminate any residual moisture.
Where Can I Get a Dry Box?
You can visit a department store and talk to a sales representative about the dry box options they offer and which is right for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.