Moisture in hearing-aids

Symptoms of a Moisture Problem
Intermittent stopping and starting.

• Hearing aid stops working, but then starts working again later on or the next day
• Loss of clarity or distortion
• Cutting out on loud noises
• Sound fading, coming and going

If the hearing aid stops, but works again after a while, check that the batteries are not the cause. Batteries recover some charge when rested. They may go flat, then work again for a short while after a rest. Buzzing and distortion are commonly experienced just before the battery goes completely flat. To eliminate batteries as a cause of the problem, replace the battery as soon as the aid stops and keep the new and used batteries separated.

Solving moisture problems
In BTE (behind the ear) models the moisture droplets can often be seen in the earmould tubing. This can be cleared by separating the mould from the aid where the earmould tubing connects to the hook and blowing through the tubing with an earmould puffer. Earmoulds can be fitted with a special moisture dispersing tubing (Dri-Tube).

In ITE (in-the-ear) models the moisture can only be removed by drying it out. We recommend "Dry-Aid" Kits for use with overnight storage of all hearing aids. The aid may also be kept in the hot water cupboard, but this is not a good long term solution.
Do not attempt to dry hearing aids in conventional or microwave ovens or leave them in direct sunlight. Excessive heat may melt the plastic components and microwaves cause almost immediate destruction of all the electronic components.

In ITE models it helps to keep the sound outlet clear of wax using the cleaning tool provided. Care must be taken to not damage the tubing or receiver, by using excessive force or pushing the tool too far into the aperture.

Increasing the vent size for better ventilation of the ear canal will help reduce moisture problems, but this is not always possible as it also affects the acoustic performance of the aid.

If possible, avoid wearing the hearing aid in wet, humid or steamy conditions or during strenuous exercise. When not in use, the hearing aid should always be kept in a dry place.