FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

As described in the operating instructions, start by filling the cover with water then pouring the water into the stainless steel tub. Place the parts to be cleaned into the water. Replace the cover, plug in the device, and touch the sensor button. The device will clean for 6 minutes, then shut itself off automatically. Open the cover and remove the parts, rinse them thoroughly under running water, then dry. After each cleaning, the dirty water in the u-sonic 2 must be removed and the stainless steel tub wiped with a damp cloth. The u-sonic 2 is designed to operate for short periods of time only. If you use it several times in succession and the device heats up excessively, then it will briefly switch off to cool down.

In order to guarantee the highest possible level of hygiene, the drying station cannot be turned off at any time while drying. Lift the cover then touch the sensor button for at least 3 seconds, or simply unplug the power cord.

Always pay attention to any warnings on the packaging. At the same time, rest assured that lithium batteries (LiPos) are the standard for many technical devices (such as phones). All lithium batteries are tested and approved in accordance with UN regulations 3480 and 3481, and are generally harmless for normal uses. However, they should be handled carefully (not dropped, etc.) and never be disposed of in fires.

No. Ultrasound can only be used for parts that are compatible with ultrasonic cleaning. Earpieces, ear protectors, ear tubes, ear tips, hearing aid domes, coins, medals, emblems, razor blade heads, drawing pens, earrings, necklaces, rings – no problem. Never put hearing aids of any kind in water. For authentic jewelry or gems, be sure to consult a professional jeweler!

Yes. In fact, UV-C cleaning and gentle drying processes should always be used for cochlear implant (CI) systems. The DRY-SPACE UV has been specially designed for this purpose. Since CI devices with magnets and transmitter coils are much larger than regular hearing aids, special devices exist that can hold up to 2 CI systems, providing for optimal cleaning with UV-C and gently drying. By the way, the same goes for bone conduction implants.

If you use rechargeable hearing aids on a daily basis, then cleaning and drying is an absolute must. Charging a built-in battery with a charger takes several hours, and is usually done overnight. We have worked with hearing aid charging specialists to develop various drying boxes for rechargeable hearing aids that allow for the cleaning and drying of both the systems and the charging stations to take place at the same time as the charging.

Yes, touch the sensor button for at least 3 seconds (once the UV-C radiation has stopped); the drying station will switch off and you can remove the hearing aid.

No – never. Electrical devices should never be operated in sinks, bathtubs, or near running water, regardless of whether they are plugged in or not. Electrical codes prohibit such uses for reasons of safety.

flow-med USB-C devices are sold with a high-quality 5V USB power supply or a built-in lithium battery. You can charge your device using any USB port (e.g., in hotels, in cars, on PCs, or on audio or TV devices), as long as it complies (at the least) with the international USB standard 2.0. Always use the USB cable that is supplied.

It's a good idea to remove the batteries before drying and to leave the battery latch open, as this allows for the warm air to flow more easily into the hearing aids, thereby providing for more thorough drying of the inside of the hearing aid. Tip: The batteries will last longer if they are stored in a cool place, away from heat. If you have trouble removing the small batteries, you can also leave them in the hearing aid, as long as the system is switched off. For more information, consult your hearing care professional.

Yes, all flow-med devices automatically switch to stand-by mode after the respective cleaning or drying time. In stand-by mode, they consume less than 0.001 W of power. They therefore only need to be unplugged during prolonged absences.

The safety and effectiveness of our products have been certified by the respective labels. All flow-med products are 100% safe and tested by national and international institutes according to applicable EU standards. All functions are monitored by a processor, and each device comes with an automatic safety system.

Regular tap water is usually enough. If the hearing aids are extremely dirty, then additional cleaning products can help. Make sure the product is safe for the hearing aids and always consult with a professional before using it. You should also pay close attention to the dosage.

The 10,000 mAh power bank is a powerful supplier of mobile energy. The two aluminum heating surfaces can quickly warm up to 45°C (113°F), which is especially nice in the winter. The power bank can also be used to charge all rechargeable hearing aids multiple times, or to use all flow-med medical devices while on the go. It can even charge a phone or other mobile devices several times, which can be extremely helpful while camping (for example) or faced with power outages.

Both tablets and stations are effective at drying hearing aids. Chemical capsules are bad for the environment, can affect the appearance and longevity of hearing aids, and are not entirely hygienic. In the long run, they can also be quite expensive. Modern flow-med drying stations are easy to use, environmentally friendly, and more effective and hygienic. Cleaning is made easier and costs less in the long run.

When hearing aids are worn "behind the ear" (BTE) or "in the ear" (ITE) on a daily basis, they are exposed to external moisture as well as sweat and earwax. These secretions accumulate in the tiny openings of the microphone, receiver, and gaps on the casing, causing the hearing aids to "whistle" or lose their effectiveness. The electronic fittings on the inside can also become damaged. This often results in malfunctioning hearing aids and the need for costly repairs.

Both buttons are used to start flow-med devices. All the functions of the devices are controlled by touching or pressing these buttons. Sensor buttons activate the device upon a simple touch with your finger. Press buttons emit a clicking sound when pressed. In addition, a light turns on when the device has been started.

Ultrasonic cleaning is based on cavitation. With cavitation, vapor bubbles form and dissolve in liquids due to fluctuations in pressure. If an ultrasonic field is introduced into liquids, this generates waves with varying levels of pressure. If a low-pressure wave comes into contact with an object to be cleaned (e.g., an earpiece), cavities filled with vapor form on small air bubbles acting as nuclei. When a high-pressure wave subsequently hits one of these cavities, the cavity's static pressure rises above the liquid's vapor pressure due to its compression. This causes the vapor bubbles to abruptly condense at the speed of sound. When this happens, the pressure can peak at up to 100,000 bar. The cavities, which continue to form and condense, provide for extremely effective cleaning, allowing for dirt and earwax to be removed automatically.

flow-med products meet the requirements of the EU Ecodesign Directive in terms of design, manufacturing, and distribution. All our products are characterized by simple operation, high utility, low energy consumption, long-term usability, recyclability (WEEE), and pollutant (RoHS, REACH) and plastic-free production.

Ultraviolet rays are part of the natural spectrum of sunlight. At a wavelength of 253.7 nm (nanometers), these rays can eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold, and yeast. UV-C light helps clean the air and remove bacteria from surfaces. More information can be found here: Article on UV-C light

If your device is defective, unplug it immediately and take it to a professional. Never open the inside of the device (warranty exclusion) or try to repair it yourself (risk of electric shock).

Wipe the hearing aid with a damp cloth (made especially for cleaning), remove the batteries, then place the system in the drying chamber with its battery compartment open. Close the lid and touch the sensor button or press the press button – that's it! All the steps in the process are done automatically by the processor in the device. With fan-drying, you can dry first then easily remove caked-on dirt with the vac-clean brush.

Many people long for wellbeing and healthy, restful sleep. An aromatherapy humidifier creates a healthy room environment. Therapeutic oils can be used as room fragrances to help you relax and improve your sleep. A dark room, a quiet environment, and a soft, adjustable yellow sleep light will help your body produce more melatonin. We sleep better when we feel good and relaxed.

If the ultrasonic vibrations cannot be absorbed by water, then the device will break. Before starting your device, always remember to fill it with water!

High and/or incorrect levels of UV-C light can be harmful to your health. For example, direct and intensive radiation can damage your eyes and your skin. UV-C light should therefore only be used to clean technical products. More information on UV-C light and its potential risks can be found here. flow-med products use far less UV-C light than the permissible limits, and come with safeguards and operating instructions to ensure their proper use. When used correctly, our devices pose absolutely no risks to consumers.

The new u-sonic 3 cleaner uses powerful ultrasound to clean earpieces, ear protectors, domes, and ear tips. Its basic square shape has been optimized with a larger stainless steel tub to also clean dental prostheses and bridges. The device also comes with a basket for cleaning small household items and jewelry. The u-sonic 3 offers 2 cycles (4 and 8 minutes) and even more effective cleaning, and is the best in its class in terms of cleanliness. In fact, its powerful 46 kHz ultrasound provides for hospital-grade hygiene and cleanliness. The device removes germs, bacteria, and fungi, and keeps health risks to a minimum. With its built-in 5,000 mAh lithium battery, the u-sonic 3 can be used up to 10 times without a cable. The u-sonic 3 is classified as a medical device.

The vac-clean uv 2® is designed with 65 kPa of suction power and a Sonic brush for even more effective removal of dirt and earwax from ears, hearing aids, RIC hearing aids, earpieces, and ear protectors. It comes with 3 power levels and an outstanding battery life thanks to its 2,500 mAh lithium battery. It also comes with a dirt catcher and various silicone nozzles for all kinds of cleaning. The vac-clean uv 2® is ideal for EarPods, charging stations, smartphones, smartwatches, remote controls, and keyboards. This powerful vacuum cleaner uses blue light to kill germs and is perfectly suited for cleaning hearing aids. The vac-clean uv 2® is classified as a medical device.

With the fully charged built-in lithium battery (LiPo) in the dry-cap uv 3.1®, you can clean and dry for 5 days (or even 60 times in cleaning mode) without a power supply. Afterwards, the device can be recharged in around 2 1/2 hours using the power supply of the hearing aid's charging station. Its wireless use is convenient and eliminates the need for an additional power supply (as per the EU regulation).

Fill the lid with cold tap water up to the mark on the inside. Pour the water into the u-sonic's stainless steel tub. This is the perfect amount of water for accommodating your earpieces or parts.

flow-med drying stations gently dry hearing aids with hot air (50°C/122°F) in accordance with the principle of convection. An electronically controlled group of circuit boards heats the inside of the unit. Cooler air flows in through the openings on the base of the unit, is heated, and enters the drying chamber containing the hearing aid. This warm air absorbs moisture, then flows out of the unit via the openings in the lid. This process has proven effective at drying hearing aids. Convective hot air drying is not suitable for battery-powered hearing aids, as the temperature must not exceed 40°C (104°F).

It depends. 25 kHz is enough for large mechanical parts, 40 kHz for eyeglasses, 46 kHz for earpieces, and 100 kHz for contact lenses. The frequency, power, and volume (100 ml) of the u-sonic are specially designed to optimize the cleaning of earpieces (earmolds).

flow-med products are designed to last for many years. If, however, you need to dispose of a device, you can do so at a nearby collection point in your town or city. Never throw a device away in your trash. As a manufacturer, we pay WEEE disposal fees on a monthly basis.

Fan-drying works similar to a hairdryer - but without the heat. A high-performance fan blows warm air from the room onto the hearing aids, providing for quick, intensive, and energy-efficient drying. This powerful flow of air removes moisture and optimizes drying results. Since no additional heat is generated, this method is perfectly suited for all hearing aids, especially those operated by batteries. The best drying results, regardless of the climate.

All flow-med products meet the highest quality requirements and come with a 2-year warranty. To replace a defective device under warranty, please contact the store where you purchased your product.

Plug the included USB-C cable into the USB-C socket on the back of the drying device. Then plug the USB-A cable into the USB power supply or a USB port of equivalent power that complies with USB standards. flow-med devices containing a lithium battery can be used several times without a cable. Afterwards, they can be recharged.

Drying times are optimized according to the size of the parts to be dried. For examples, please see the instruction manual. Once the drying is complete, the flow-med drying station automatically switches to stand-by mode. You can leave your hearing aids in the drying box until the morning.

All flow-med products are designed to save energy. Our drying stations cost less than €1.50 in electricity costs per year when used daily and otherwise permanently in stand-by mode (calculated at €0.40 per kWh). Our USB power supplies meet the requirements of the latest energy efficiency standard (level 6).

The device was found to generate an average maximum radiation power of 0.33 mW/cm² and a maximum radiation (converted) of 732 J/m² directly under the device at 2×2 minutes of UV-C light per day (equivalent to the cleaning of one hearing aid system). The UV-C radiation of the dry-cap uv 3® covers the base area of the lid (9.4 cm²) over 0.066 hours (4 minutes). While the radiation directly under the device is designed to eliminate 99.9% of all germs, viruses, and bacteria, no UV-C radiation could be found 4 cm in front of the device, which means there is no danger for the user. More information about these measurements can be found here...

Preferably, every day at night. By doing so, you'll keep your hearing aids safely stored and clean. Daily drying reduces defects and the need for repairs, and significantly extends the life of your hearing aids. Drying also keeps your hearing aids comfortable, providing for long-lasting pleasure and preserving their value.

As a manufacturer, we sell exclusively to hearing care professionals, accessory suppliers, and hearing aid manufacturers. If you are a consumer, please contact your hearing care professional for information on where to buy flow-med products. If you are a hearing care professional, accessory supplier, importer, or hearing aid manufacturer, please contact us directly.

In order to provide a consistent and optimal drying temperature in all kinds of environments (e.g., a warm living room or a cool bedroom), flow-med drying stations come equipped with a temperature sensor that adjusts the drying temperature several times per second. This sensor automatically takes into account the ambient temperature in the respective room.

The vac-clean uv® is designed with 60 kPa of suction power and a Sonic brush to effectively remove dirt and earwax from hearing aids, RIC hearing aids, earpieces, ear protectors, and EarPods. Note: Always fan-dry your hearing aids before cleaning them with the vac-clean uv®. The vac-clean uv® has 3 power levels and comes with a 1,000 mAh lithium battery, brushes, and silicone nozzles for a variety of cleaning purposes. The vac-clean uv® is classified as a medical device.

The dry-cap uv 2.1® is designed for rechargeable hearing aids with larger charging stations (ReSound charging station, Oticon OPN charging station, Phonak Charger Case, etc.).

The new dry-cap uv 3.1® is suitable for all rechargeable hearing aids with charging stations, as well as for regular hearing aids in cases. The dry-cap uv 3.1® is a great choice thanks to its wireless use (LiPo battery) and many other applications.

The dry-cap uv 1.1® is ideal for rechargeable hearing aids with smaller charging stations, such as Z-Power, Styletto, Signia, Starkey Mini Turbo, and Phonak Mini.

Germs, bacteria, and fungi are everywhere. Dirty earpieces and hearing aids are a leading cause of ear infections. flow-med drying stations use UV-C light to both dry and clean. Their ultraviolet light (UV-C with a wavelength of 253.7 nm) effectively kills 99.9% of all germs, fungi, and bacteria. Hygienic cleaning therefore helps keep you healthy.

Drying stations differ in size and application, and are usually optimized in accordance with a type of hearing aid system. In our product comparison, you can discover the differences between flow-med drying stations.

The microprocessor is the core; it monitors and controls every function in a flow-med product. Its sensors record all internal and external measurements. Drying times and temperatures are subsequently adjusted to achieve perfect cleaning and drying results. The sensors also monitor all the systems related to product safety. In short, the microprocessor makes cleaning and drying a breeze.

Blue light is also part of the natural spectrum of sunlight. At a wavelength of 380 to 495 nm (nanometers), blue light can kill bacteria. In the field of medicine, blue light is successfully used to treat neurodermatitis, acne, and other skin conditions. Hearing aids also come into contact with germs and bacteria. Many flow-med drying stations use blue light for signalization. As a bonus, the light helps eliminate bacteria and is therefore also beneficial to your health.

The vac-clean uv 2® can be used to clean and care for your body (face, ears, nose), as well as your devices and gadgets (smartphone, EarPods, glasses, watches, remote controls, keyboards, etc.).

No, electronic medical devices must not be opened and repaired. All flow-med medical devices are of the highest quality, and therefore made to last. Certain parts, such as cables and power supplies, are offered as spare parts.

Yes, flow-med products can be used anywhere in the world. 5V USB devices are designed according to international standards. You can also use a common travel adapter.

Yes, hearing aids accessories are considered Class 1 medical devices by the EU regulation on medical devices (2017/745) and meet all quality and safety requirements. Only "CE" and "MD" medical devices provide the required safety and effectiveness. You will find these labels on our products.

Most ultrasonic cleaners are unable to clean earpieces thoroughly, especially those with stuck-on earwax. The u-sonic for hearing aids obtains the best results on the market, cleaning 7 times better than other ultrasonic cleaners. Its powerful 46 kHz ultrasound provides for hospital-grade hygiene and cleanliness. The device removes germs, bacteria, and fungi, and keeps health risks to a minimum. The u-sonic is also classified as a medical device.