Temperatures in Wilmington are dropping fast; winter is almost here. Moisture damage can pose a significant threat to your hearing aids, and winter presents unique challenges in regards to moisture. If you’re one of the 28.8 million Americans who could benefit from hearing aids, read on to learn more about how you can combat moisture buildup in your precious devices.
Winter and Moisture Buildup
Air can only hold so much water, and its carrying capacity for water is influenced by temperature. Hot air can hold a lot of moisture, which is why humidity levels are higher in the summer than in the winter. Cold air cannot hold a lot of moisture, which is why every window and surface has so much condensation on it. In fact, condensation is a significant contributor to moisture damage in hearing aids. Additionally, wet weather conditions are far more common in the winter. Rain and snow can expose your hearing aids to moisture.
Moisture damages electrical components, corrodes the battery, breaks the microphone and shorts out the delicate circuitry in your hearing aids. Significant exposure to moisture can even shut your hearing aids down entirely. Prevent this by keeping your hearing aids clean and dry.
Drying Kits and Hearing Aid Dryers
There are two main methods for drying hearing aids that have gotten wet: drying kits and hearing aid dryers. A drying kit is a small jar or box that contains a moisture-absorbing agent, such as silica gel beads or small crystals. Place your hearing aids in the jar and shut the lid, and the moisture-absorbing agent will soak up the water. This process is somewhat slow and passive, taking a few hours to complete.
Hearing aid dryers, or electric dryers, work more actively to dry your hearing aids. These contraptions use a gentle heater, fan or UV light to evaporate moisture from the hearing aid. These work much faster than drying kits.
Which One Works Better?
Whether a drying kit or a dryer is more appropriate depends on the level of moisture exposure. For everyday use and combating gradual moisture buildup from condensation or light rain, a drying kit will work well. You can set your hearing aids in the drying kit overnight and dry them thoroughly every day.
If your hearing aids have gotten very wet—either by getting submerged in water or drenched in a snowstorm—a dryer is a better choice, as it will remove the excess water quickly and efficiently. However, avoid using a dryer every day; heat exposure comes with its own hazards.
If your hearing aids are showing signs of moisture damage and you’re in need of a repair appointment, contact Wilmington Audiology Services. We can determine the extent of the moisture damage and perform repairs here in-house or send them to the manufacturer for extensive repairs, if necessary.