FAQ — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The flow-med products serve their purpose for many years to your satisfaction. If necessary, you can dispose of the products at municipal collection points for electronic waste, never in household waste. As a manufacturer, we pay the WEEE disposal fees on a monthly basis.

Now the 10,000 mAh power bank is a powerful mobile energy supplier. If necessary, the two aluminum heating surfaces can quickly warm your hands at 45°C, practical in winter. With the power bank, you can charge all hearing systems with a charger several times or even operate all flow-med care products on the go. Cell phones and other mobile devices can also be recharged multiple times. A valuable energy reserve in nature and in the event of an energy failure.

The microprocessor is the core; it controls and monitors all functions in every flow-med product. Sensors record all internal and external measurement values. Drying time and temperature were coordinated so that perfect drying and cleaning results are achieved. They also monitor all systems relevant to product safety. The microprocessor makes maintenance much easier for you.

When using rechargeable hearing aids on a daily basis, drying and maintenance is essential. Charging the built-in batteries with a charger takes several hours, mostly overnight. In collaboration with hearing aid charging specialists, we have developed various dry boxes for rechargeable hearing systems, which specifically organise the charging, drying and hygiene of the hearing systems as well as the charging station at the same time.

The even more powerful vac-clean uv 2® vacuum cleaner uses the sonic brush and 65 kPa suction power to remove dirt and cerumen from all hearing systems, RIC outdoor earphones, earpieces, hearing protection and ears. The vac-clean uv 2® has 3 power levels, 2,500mAh lithium battery for a long period of use. Dirt collection container and various silicone nozzles for all cleaning purposes. Also ideal for EarPods and laser stations, smartphones, smartwatches, remote controls and keyboards. The highly absorbent vacuum cleaner uses blue light to reduce germs and is perfectly tailored to the cleanliness of hearing systems. The vac-clean uv 2® is classified as a medical device.

The operating principle of ultrasonic cleaning is based on cavitation. Cavitation is the formation and dissolution of vapor bubbles in liquids due to pressure fluctuations. When an ultrasonic field is introduced into liquids, it creates waves with positive and negative pressure in the liquid. If such a vacuum wave hits an object to be cleaned (e.g. earpiece), small air bubbles that function as germs form cavities filled with steam. If the subsequent high-pressure wave hits the cavity, the static pressure in the cavity rises above the saturation vapor pressure as a result of its compression. In the process, the vapor bubbles condense suddenly at the speed of sound. This can result in pressure peaks of up to 100,000 bar. These cyclically formed and disappearing cavities virtually process the surface and clean it effectively. As a result, dirt and cerumen are mechanically dissolved.

USB-C devices are delivered by flow-med with a high-quality 5V USB power supply or a built-in lithium battery. If you want to use other USB sources (e.g. USB ports in hotels, cars, PC, audio or TV devices on the go, this is possible at all sources that comply with at least the international USB 2.0 standard. Always use the included USB cable.

All flow-med products meet a high quality standard and have a 2-year warranty. For a warranty replacement, please contact the retailer where you purchased the products.

The dry-cap uv 1.1® is suitable for rechargeable hearing aids with a smaller charging station, such as Z-Power, Styletto, Signia, Starkey Mini Turbo charging station, Phonak mini charging station...

Ultraviolet rays form part of the natural sunlight spectrum. In the wavelength range of 253.7 nm (nanometers), they have a germicidal effect on bacteria, viruses, yeasts and mold. The UV-C hygiene of the air and surfaces effectively inactivates the microorganisms. You can find more information here: Article about UV-C light

As described in the user manual: Pour the lid with water into the stainless steel pot, insert the parts to be cleaned, close the lid, plug into a power outlet and touch the sensor button. The ultrasonic cleaning runs automatically for 6 minutes and switches off. You can then open the lid, remove the parts and rinse well under running water and dry them. The dirty water in the u-sonic 2 must be poured out after each cleaning, please wipe the pot with a damp cloth. The u-sonic 2 works in short-term mode, i.e. when it is operated several times in a row and heats up strongly, it switches off briefly.

Yes, all flow-med products automatically switch to standby after a corresponding drying or cleaning time. Here, they require only a small amount of standby power with less than 0.001 W. This is why you only need to remove the plug from the socket if you are away for a long time.

flow-med meets the requirements of the EU Eco-Design Directive, from design, production, distribution to the customer. All our products are characterized by high utility, simple operation, low energy consumption, long-term usability, free of harmful substances (RoHS, REACH), recyclability (WEEE) and no plastic packaging.

Yes, all flow-med products can be used worldwide. 5V USB devices are compatible according to international standards. You can also use standard travel adapters.

Plug the USB-C plug of the included USB cable into the back USB-C socket of the dryer. Then plug the USB-A plug into the power outlet with the included USB power supply or plug it into a standard-compliant USB source of equivalent performance. flow-med devices with a lithium battery can be operated several times without a cable connection. This is followed by recharging.

To ensure complete hygiene (at the beginning and end of the drying period), it cannot be interrupted by touching the sensor button for 3 seconds. Lift the flap and then touch the sensor button for at least 3 seconds or simply unplug it.

The new dry-cap uv 3.1® is universally suitable for all rechargeable hearing systems with a charging station, including normal hearing systems in a case. Because it is network-independent with a LiPo battery and the many other possible applications, it is the best choice.

The drying times are optimized depending on the size and can be found in the user manual. The flow-med drying stations for hearing systems then automatically switch off and go into standby. You can leave your hearing aids in the dry box until morning.

When wearing the “Behind the Ear” (BTE) or “In the Ear” (ITE) hearing systems on a daily basis, they are exposed to moisture from outside as well as sweat and cerumen. These secretions accumulate in the smallest openings of the microphone, receiver and housing and cause the hearing aids to “whistle” or fail. Internal electronics are also affected. Hearing aid failures and expensive repairs are the result.

The warnings on the packaging are mandatory. However, lithium batteries (LiPo) are already standard in many technical devices, such as cell phones. These are tested and approved in accordance with UN 3480/UN3481 and are completely harmless in normal use, but you should avoid severe shocks and not throw them into fire.

As an end user: As a manufacturer, we sell exclusively to hearing care professionals, accessory suppliers and hearing system manufacturers. As an end customer, please ask your trusted acoustician about our flow-med products. As an industrial customer: Are you an acoustician, accessory supplier, hearing aid manufacturer or importer? Please feel free to contact us.

The flow-med drying stations gently dry your hearing systems with 50°C warm air using the convection principle. An electronically controlled circuit board assembly heats the interior of the device. Cooler room air flows in through the floor openings, is heated and flows into the drying room past the hearing systems. The warm air can absorb the moisture. This moist air flows through the lid openings into the drying room. This allows the hearing systems to be dried efficiently. Not suitable for battery-powered hearing systems, as the temperature must not exceed 40°C.

Yes Gentle drying and UV-C hygiene are particularly important with these CI systems. The DRY-SPACE UV was specially developed for this purpose. Since CI devices with transmitter coil and magnet are significantly larger than normal hearing systems, there are special care devices that accept 2 CI systems, dry gently and have specially dosed UV-C hygiene. By the way, this also applies to bone conduction implants.

It is helpful to remove the batteries before drying and leave the battery charge open, as this allows the warm air to flow into the hearing system better and further improves the internal drying of the hearing aid. A little tip: The running time of the batteries is longer if they are stored in a cool place and exposed to as little heating as possible. If you have problems with the small hearing aid batteries, they may also remain in the hearing system, but the hearing aid must be switched off. Ask your acoustician about this.

No — Only parts that can be ultrasonically cleaned can be cleaned with ultrasound. Earpieces, ear protection, mini tubes, ear olives, umbrellas, coins, medals, badges, razor shaving heads, sign feathers, earrings, chains, rings yes — never put all types of hearing aids in water. For real jewelry or stones, please consult a jeweler!

The new u-sonic 3 ultrasonic cleaner uses powerful ultrasound to clean earpieces, hearing protection, domes and ear olives. The square base shape with a larger stainless steel container is also optimized for dental cleaning of prostheses and bridges. An insert basket is added when cleaning jewelry and small household items. The u-sonic 3 ultrasonic device has 2 cleaning programs (4 and 8 minutes), is even stronger in its cleaning effect and is best in class when it comes to cleanliness. The powerful ultrasound with 42 kHz offers clinical cleanliness and hygiene at the same time. Germs, bacteria and fungi are eliminated and health risks are minimized. With the built-in 5,000mAh lithium battery, the device works up to 10 times without a cable. The u-sonic 3 is classified as a medical device.

The measurements showed an average maximum irradiance of 0.33 mW/cm² and a maximum irradiation dose of the equivalent of 732 J/m² directly under the device with a UV-C phase of 2×2 minutes per day. (equivalent to cleaning a hearing aid daily). The UV-C radiation of the dry-cap uv 3® covers the area of the hood of 9.4 cm² over 0.066 hours (4 minutes) .While the irradiation dose directly under the device is designed to eliminate 99.9% of all germs, viruses and bacteria, UV-C radiation can no longer be measured 4 cm before the device, so that there is no risk for the user.Further measurement details can be found here...

Wipe the hearing system with a special cleaning wipe, remove the batteries and place them in the recess (drying chamber) with the battery compartment open. Close the lid and touch the sensor button or press the button — that's all. All other program steps are controlled by the processor and run automatically. When drying the fan, it can even be dried first and then the dust-dry dirt can be vacuumed off with the vac-clean brush.

The effect has been confirmed by testing institutes with certificates. All flow-med products are absolutely safe and tested by national and international testing institutes in accordance with the applicable EU standards. A processor monitors all functions and the products have automatic safety.

No, electronic medical devices must not be opened and repaired. All flow-med medical devices are designed for a long period of use thanks to the highest level of quality. Potential wear parts, such as cables and power supplies, are offered as spare parts.

UV-C rays can result in health risks in high doses and when used incorrectly. For example, with direct and intensive irradiation of eyes or skin. For this reason, UV-C light may only be used on technical hygiene products. Further information on UV-C light and the potential risks can be found here. The flow-med products are well below the permitted limits, have protective devices and the operating instructions indicate the correct use. In summary, there are no risks for the user when used correctly.

In case of defective devices, always unplug them and bring the devices to a specialist retailer. Never open it yourself (loss of warranty) or repair it yourself (electric shock).

Cleaning works very well even with normal tap water. Cleaning additives can further improve the result of intensive cleaning. But they must be tailored to the part to be cleaned and recommended by the appropriate specialist, as must the dosage.

You can't say that in general terms. Ultrasound frequencies of 25 kHz are, for example, for large machine parts, 40 kHz for glasses, 46 kHz for earpieces and 100 kHz for contact lenses. The u-sonic's frequency, output and container volume (100 ml) are coordinated for optimal cleaning success for earpieces (otoplastics).

There are numerous applications for cleaning, care and hygiene on the body (face, ears, nose), and all electronic devices (smartphones, EarPods, glasses, watches, remote controls, keyboards).

If the ultrasonic vibrations cannot be absorbed by the water, the ultrasonic unit would break. So always fill in water first!

Many people desperately want well-being and healthy, restful sleep. The aroma humidifier creates a healthy indoor climate. Therapeutic oils can be used as room scents to relax and promote sleep. A darkened room, quiet surroundings and discreetly adjustable yellow sleep light promote melatonin output. Well-being in a relaxed atmosphere promotes healthy sleep.

No — never. Electrical devices must not be used in sinks, bathtubs or near water, regardless of whether the plug is plugged into a power outlet. Electrical regulations prohibit this for safety reasons.

Preferably every day, overnight. In this way, your hearing systems are safely stored and maintained automatically. Daily use significantly reduces failures, repairs and extends the lifespan of your hearing systems. Comfort drying gives you the pleasure of using the hearing system and maintains its value.

In flow-med products, both buttons are electronic buttons for starting the program. The entire program flow is controlled with just one touch or touch of a button. Sensor button work capacitively simply by touching them with your finger. Tactile button make a cracking sound when pressed. Lighting also signals the start of the program.

Depending on the type of hearing system, application and size, drying stations are optimized. The difference between flow-med drying stations can be found in the product comparison.

All flow-med products are designed to save energy. For example, the drying stations cost less than €1.50 in electricity costs per year with daily use and permanent standby. (calculated at €0.40 per kWh). Our USB power supplies comply with the latest low-energy class VI.

Yes, according to Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745, hearing system accessories fall under Class 1 medical devices and meet all quality and safety requirements. The CE and MD marks are visible to you on the type plate. Only these medical devices offer effectiveness and safety.

In order to always achieve a consistent and optimal drying temperature even in different environments (e.g. a cool bedroom or a warm living room), flow-med drying stations for hearing systems have a temperature sensor that adjusts the optimal drying temperature several times per second. This measurement automatically takes into account the ambient temperature at the installation site.

Germs, bacteria and fungi are everywhere. The earpiece or hearing system in the ear poses particular risks of an ear infection. The flow-med drying stations with UV-C light carry out hygienic cleaning in addition to drying. With ultraviolet light (UV-C with a wavelength of 253.7 nm), all germs, bacteria and fungi are effectively removed by 99.9%. This also protects your health.

The built-in lithium battery (LiPo) in the dry-cap uv 3.1® when charged ensures that drying and hygiene can be operated independently of the grid for 5 days, and even 60 times in hygiene mode. You can then recharge the care station with the hearing aid charging station power supply in approx. 2.5 hours. Network-independent use is advantageous and you save an additional power supply (in accordance with EU regulation).

Compared to thermal drying with 50°C warm air, fan drying works in a similar way to a hair dryer but without heat. The room-warm air is blown onto the hearing systems to be dried with a high-performance fan and dries them intensively, energetically efficiently in a shorter period of time. The powerful airflow removes moisture and provides the best drying results. Since no additional heat is generated, this drying is ideal for all hearing systems, in particular for rechargeable hearing systems. Best drying results for all climates.

The powerful vac-clean uv® vacuum cleaner uses a sonic brush and 60 kPa suction power to clean dirt and cerumen from all hearing systems, RIC outdoor earphones, earpieces, hearing protection and EarPods. It is important that the devices have been dried dust-dry beforehand using ventilator drying. The vac-clean uv® has 3 power levels, 1,000 mAh lithium battery for mobile use and, in addition to the brushes, various silicone nozzles for all cleaning purposes. The vac-clean uv® is classified as a medical device.

Blue light is also part of the natural sunlight spectrum. In the wavelength range of 380 to 495 nm (nanometers), it has an anti-microbacterial effect. In medicine, it is successfully used for atopic dermatitis, acne and other skin disorders. Hearing systems also come into contact with these pathogens. Many flow-med drying stations use blue light for signaling. As an added value, the anti-microbacterial effect is also health-promoting.

Commercially available ultrasonic cleaners are overwhelmed when cleaning earpieces, especially when it comes to cerumen buildup. The u-sonic ultrasound device for hearing systems with 7x higher cleaning efficiency provides the best results when it comes to cleanliness. The power ultrasound with 46 kHz offers clinical cleanliness and hygiene at the same time. Germs, bacteria and fungi are eliminated and health risks are minimized. In addition, the u-sonic is classified as a medical device.

Fill the lid with fresh tap water up to the inner mark. Pour this amount into the u-sonic stainless steel pot. It is the optimal amount in which you place your earpieces or the parts to be cleaned.

Yes, touch the sensor button (or press the button) for at least 3 seconds (outside of UV-C radiation), the drying station switches off and you can remove the hearing aids.

Drying tablets and drying stations both perform hearing aid drying. The chemical tabs are not environmentally friendly and are disadvantageous in handling (replacement in case of wear, visibility) and lack hygiene. Tabs are very expensive in the long run. Modern drying stations from flow-med are easy to operate, drying and hygiene are more effective and environmentally friendly. Maintenance is made easier and costs less in the long run.

The dry-cap uv 2.1® is suitable for rechargeable hearing systems with a larger charging station, such as Resound charging station, Oticon OPN charging station, Phonak Caharger case...