FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Answer: When hearing aids are worn “behind the ear” (BTE) or “in the ear” (ITE) on a daily basis, they are exposed to moisture from the outside as well as sweat and cerumen. These secretions accumulate in the smallest openings of the microphone, receiver and housing gaps and lead to “whistling” or hearing aid failure. The electronics inside are also affected. Hearing aid failures and expensive repairs are the result.

Answer: The flow-med drying stations dry your hearing aids gently with 50°C (122°F) warm air using the convection principle. An electronically controlled circuit board assembly heats the interior of the unit. Cooler room air flows in through the floor openings, is heated in the process, and flows into the drying room past the hearing aids. The warm air can absorb the moisture. This moist air flows through the lid openings into the drying chamber. In this way, the hearing aids can be dried very efficiently with little energy input.

Answer: Compared to thermal drying with 50°C (122°F) warm air, fan drying works similar to a hair dryer but without heat. The room-warm air is blown by a high-performance fan onto the hearing aids to be dried and dries them intensively, energetically efficiently in a shorter time. The powerful airflow removes moisture and delivers the best drying results. Since no additional heat is generated, this drying process is ideally suited for all battery-operated hearing aids.

Answer: Daily overnight is best. This keeps your hearing aids safe and automatically maintained. Daily use reduces breakdowns, repairs and significantly extends the life of your hearing aids. Comfort drying preserves the enjoyment of your hearing aids and maintains its value.

Answer: Drying tablets and drying stations both perform hearing aid drying. The chemical tabs are not environmentally friendly and are disadvantageous in handling (replacement when worn, visibility) and hygiene is lacking. In the long run, tabs are very expensive to operate. 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.

Answer: Wipe the hearing aid with special cleaning damp cloth, 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. Processor-controlled, all further program steps run automatically.

Answer: Insert the round plug of the supplied USB cable into the round socket on the back of the dryer with an audible “click”. Then plug the USB-A connector into the supplied USB power supply unit or into a USB source of equivalent power and conforming to the standards.

Answer: The comfort drying takes 4 hours, after that the flow-med drying stations for hearing aids switch off automatically and go into stand-by. You can leave the hearing aids in the drying box until the morning.

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

Answer: To ensure complete hygiene (4 min at the beginning and end of the drying time), this cannot be interrupted by touching the sensor button for 3 seconds. Lift the flap and then touch the mind sensor button. 3 seconds or simply unplug the power cord.

Answer: It is helpful to remove the batteries before drying and to leave the battery door open, as this allows the warm air to flow into the hearing aid more easily, thus further improving the internal drying of the hearing aid. A small tip: The runtime of the batteries is longer if they are stored in a cool place and are not exposed to heat. If you have problems with the small hearing aid batteries, they can be left in the hearing aid, but the hearing aid must be turned off. Ask your hearing care professional about this.

Answer: Germs, bacteria and fungi are everywhere. The earpiece or hearing aid in the ear poses special risks for ear infection. The flow-med drying stations with UV-C light carry out a hygienic cleaning in addition to the drying. With ultraviolet light (UV-C with 253.7 nm wavelength) all germs, bacteria and fungi are effectively eliminated by 99.9%. This protects your health at the same time.

Answer: 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 microorganisms. You can find more information here: Article about UV-C light

Answer: UV-C rays in high doses and incorrect use can cause health risks. For example, in the case of direct and intensive irradiation of eyes or skin. Therefore UV-C light may only be applied to technical products for hygiene. You can find more information about UV-C light and the possible risks here.
The flow-med products are far below the permissible limit values, have protective devices and the operating instructions point out the correct use.
In summary, there are no risks to the user if used correctly.

Answer: The measurements showed on average a max. irradiance of 0.33 mW/cm² and a max. Irradiation dose of the equivalent of 732 J/m² directly under the device with 2×2 minutes UV-C phase daily. (equivalent to one hearing instrument cleaning per day). The UV-C radiation of the dry-cap uv 3® covers the base 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, no UV-C radiation can be measured 4 cm in front of the device, so that there is no danger for the user.
You can find more details about the measurement here…

Answer: Blue light is also part of the natural sunlight spectrum. In the wavelength range from 380 to 495nm (nanometers) it has an antimicrobial effect. In medicine it is successfully used for neurodermatitis, acne and other skin disorders. Hearing aids also come into contact with these pathogens. Some flow-med drying stations use blue light for signalling. As an added value, the antimicrobial effect is also beneficial to health.

Answer: Yes, they are accessories according to Medical Device Directive MDR 2017/745 and meet all its quality and safety requirements.

Answer: The hearing aid dry boxes dry-star uv 2 and dry-sun uv 2 differ in design, covered or transparent flap, and touch operation. All differences of the flow-med drying stations can be found in the product comparison.

Answer: Both keys are electronic keys for the program start in the flow-med products. The entire program sequence is controlled with just one touch or touch pressure. Sensor keys work capacitively by simply touching them with your finger. Tactile buttons emit a clicking sound when pressed. An illumination additionally signals the start of the program.

Answer: In order to always achieve a constant and optimal drying temperature even in different environments (e.g. cool bedroom or warm living room), flow-med drying stations for hearing aids 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. A little tip: Used in warm rooms, the drying station saves electricity.

Answer: Yes, all flow-med products automatically switch to stand-by after the appropriate drying or cleaning time.

Answer: All flow-med products are designed to save energy. For example, the drying stations cost less than € 1,- electricity per year for daily use and permanent stand-by. (calculated at € 0.25 per kWh) The USB power supplies have latest low energy level Class VI.

Answer: The microprocessor is the heart, it controls and monitors all functions in every flow-med product. Sensors record all internal and external measured values. Drying time and temperature have been adjusted to achieve perfect drying and cleaning results. They also monitor all systems relevant to product safety. The microprocessor makes maintenance much easier.

Answer: USB devices are delivered by flow-med with a high-quality 5V USB power supply, which you should use primarily to operate the devices. If you want to use other USB sources (e.g. USB ports in the hotel, in the car, on PC, audio or TV devices) on the move, this is possible on all sources that comply at least with the international USB 2.0 standard. Always use the supplied USB cable, as the round plug on the device side is easy to plug in without getting confused.

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

Answer: With daily use of rechargeable hearing aids, power supply (battery) and maintenance is an absolute necessity. Since charging with a charger takes many hours and is only possible outside of use, the hearing aids must be charged continuously overnight. In cooperation with hearing aid charging specialists, we have newly developed the dry-cap uv® dry box for rech argeable hearing aids, which is specially designed for the needs of rechargeable hearing aids.

Answer: Commercially available ultrasonic cleaners are not suitable for cleaning earpieces, especially in the case of cerumen adhesions. The ultrasonic device for hearing aids u-sonic with a 7-fold higher cleaning effect delivers the best results in terms of cleanliness. Power ultrasound at 46 kHz provides clinical cleanliness and hygiene at the same time. Germs, bacteria and fungi are eliminated and health risks are minimized.

Answer: The working principle of US cleaning is based on cavitation. Cavitation is the formation and dissolution of vapour bubbles in liquids due to pressure fluctuations. If an ultrasonic field is introduced into liquids, it generates waves with excess and negative pressure in the liquid. If such a negative pressure wave hits an object to be cleaned (e.g. ear moulds), small air bubbles acting 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 due to its compression. In the process, the vapor bubbles condense abruptly at the speed of sound. Pressure peaks of up to 100,000 bar can occur. These cavities, which appear and disappear cyclically, virtually process the surface and clean it effectively. Dirt and cerumen are thereby mechanically loosened.

Answer: You can’t say that across the board. Ultrasonic frequencies of 25 kHz, for example, are for large machine parts, 40 kHz for eyeglasses, 46 kHz for earpieces and 100 kHz for contact lenses. Frequency, power and container volume (100ml) of the u-sonic are tuned for optimal cleaning success for earpieces (ear moulds).

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

Answer: No – never. Electrical appliances must not be operated in sinks, bathtubs or near water, regardless of whether the plug is inserted in the socket. This is prohibited by electrical regulations for safety reasons.

Answer: If the ultrasonic vibrations cannot be absorbed by the water, the ultrasonic unit would break down. So always fill with water first!

Answer: The cleaning already works very well with normal tap water. Cleaning additives can improve the result even more with intensive cleansing. But they must be matched to the part to be cleaned and recommended by the appropriate professional, as well as the dosage.

Answer: No – Only ultrasonic cleanable parts can be cleansed with ultrasound. Ear pieces, hearing protection, mini tubes, ear olives, umbrellas, coins, medals, badges, razor shaver heads, drawing nibs, ear jewelery, necklaces, rings yes – Never put hearing aids of any kind in the water. For real jewelery or stones, please consult a jeweler!

Answer: As described in the operating instructions: Pour lid with water into the stainless steel pot, insert parts to be cleaned, close lid, plug into mains socket and touch sensor button. The ultrasonic cleaning runs automatically for 6 minutes and switches off. Then you can open the lid, remove the parts and rinse well under running water and dry. The dirty water in the u-sonic must be poured out after each cleaning, please wipe out the pot with a damp cloth. The u-sonic operates in short-time mode, i.e. if it is operated several times in succession and heats up strongly, it switches off briefly.

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

Answer: The effect is confirmed by test institutes with certificates. All flow-med products are absolutely safe and have been tested by national and international testing institutes according to the applicable EU standards. A processor monitors all functions and the products have an automatic safety system.

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

Answer: As an end user: We as a manufacturer sell exclusively to hearing care professionals, accessory suppliers, intermediaries and hearing aid manufacturers. As an end customer, please ask your trusted acoustician about our flow-med products. As an industrial customer: Are you an audiologist, accessory supplier, distributor or hearing aid manufacturer? Please simply contact us.

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

Answer: In the case of defective devices, always pull out the mains plug and take the devices to the specialist dealer. Never open by yourself (loss of warranty) or repair by yourself (electric shock).

Answer: The dry-cap uv® 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 ….

Answer: The dry-cap uv® 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 ….

Answer: The new dry-cap uv 3® is universally suitable for all rechargeable hearing aids with a charging station, including normal hearing aids in a case. Due to the mains independence with LiPo battery and the many other application possibilities, it is the best choice.

Answer: The built-in lithium battery (LiPo) in the dry-cap uv 3® ensures that you can operate drying and hygiene 5 days without mains power, in hygiene mode even 60 times. Afterwards, you can recharge the care station with the mains adapter of the hearing aid charging station in about 2.5 hours. The mains-independent use is advantageous and you save an additional power supply unit (according to EU regulation).

Answer: The warnings on the packaging are mandatory. However, lithium batteries (LiPo) are already standard in many technical devices, such as mobile phones. These have been tested, approved and are completely safe in normal use, however they should not be thrown into a fire.