Skip to content
HearingTracker
Log in

Dryer too warm for rechargeable hearing aids?

This topic is closed.

11 replies1.1k viewsLast reply

Link to this topic

I’m a bit comfused why the PerfectLux Dehumidifier claims to be suitable for all hearing aids, including rechargeable ones, while the temperature seems to be slightly above what manufacturers recommend.

PerfectDry Lux Dehumidifier21

PerfectDry Lux Dehumidifier

Oticon sayss operating up to 104 deg F, storage up to 86 deg F.
PerfectDry LUX goes up to 114 deg F.

Does it matter, since it’s going to be used frequently?
Is this the better option: DryBoost UV from Dry & Store26

Anybody with experience?
Thanks tons!

10 people in this conversation4 min readJump to latest

I just purchased one of these today from Costco. I have the older version that gets too hot for the rechargeable batteries. It was $40.

In reply to @Hearing_Potential

That’s confusing. I looked at the information in many online shops, and they all speak of 114F. There might be several versions, as @Jojo94 seems to suggest, but I won’t risk that. I’ll get one of those box-style dryers where the whole charger fits into.

In another lifetime big police force had 17 communication centres. Each had more than 100 deep cycle batteries.

Heat shortened their life. Each centre hadhvacinstalled to lengthen battery life. Expensive.

Glad I didn’t pay. Did get to ride in unmarked cars. A lot.

I’ve used this very make/model every single night for several years now on both my rechargeable Phonak Lumity Life aids and the Phonak 312 battery aids. Nary a problem AT ALL.

Edited

It is confusing because there are two versions of the PerfectDry Lux that look the same. These can be identified by serial number and/or cycle time. Look at the serial number on the back. If says:

  • PDLO + serial number, 30 minute cycle at 45 deg C / 113 deg F
  • PDLC + serial number, 45 minute cycle at 35 deg C / 95 deg F

Newer units have the longer 45 minute cycle at a lower temperature and are in theory safe for rechargeable batteries. The 30 minute version may get too hot for rechargeable aids.

EarTech makes several dryers using different temperatures. DryBoost operates at 80-85 deg F, but their older products such as Global II and Zephyr are 98-104 deg F. They recommend only the lower temp DryBoost for rechargeable aids which might suggest that the 45 minute PerfectDry Lux is borderline too hot for rechargeable aids. DryBoost lets you charge, dry, and sanitize at the same time provided you have a charger that fits inside: Rechargeables Compatible with DryBoost | Dry & Store36. It’s a bit of a bulky box so you will need some space. EarTech cycles times are 6-8 hours for different models. Older models (Zephyr) use desiccant bricks that need replacement and heat.

If you want no heat at all, Redux Home is an option, but it is expensive and the cycle time very long (multiple hours) and it is noisy briefly during the cycle. Redux may dry the aids more completely. Redux uses a desiccant that is then dried out, presumably with heat, but uses a two stage process separating the drying of the aids from the drying of the desiccant so in theory heat is not being used to dry the aids.

Thanks @user490 that is really insightful. PerfectDry Lux should do some learning about product naming. Honestly, this is not ideal. How am I supposed to buy one and know the product code in advance? Likely even the seller does not know this.
Redux Home is totally out of reach financially, but a wonderful product and worth every cent I am sure. I don’t live in the tropics, so I think I can get by with a less advanced solution. Looks like it’s either going to be the DryBoost or the PerfectDome.

When I bought mine a couple of years ago I had exactly this dilemma. I contacted the manufacturer and they told me that the 40 degrees C related to the old model and the newer model which I bought was 35 degrees C (sorry I don’t know what that is in Fahrenheit). I used it with my rechargeable aids and it was fine.

@user490 said:
  • PDLO + serial number, 30 minute cycle at 45 deg C / 113 deg F
  • PDLC + serial number, 45 minute cycle at 35 deg C / 95 deg F

Thanks for this info, I just checked mine and it is PDLC. I bought it with my KS9 in 2021 but looks like ok to use with my new Philips 9050.

I love how someone can make a hearing aid dryer and tell everyone how theirs is the only one that will prevent damage because they keep their temperature very low. Or because their dryer uses silica gel and vacuum pressure to remove moisture. And charge hundreds of dollars for it. Its really all a farce. I have been using a Zephyr for the past couple of years and it is wonderful. It will not get hot enough to damage my aids ever. It uses heat and a fan to dry them and then it cools down for several hours.

Related discussions