New user question about routine maintenance

Cleaning depends on each individual. I don’t think there are generally valid rules for everyone. I produce a lot of wax. A lot. Before getting custom molds I HAD to change my wax guards twice a week, or have my aids rendered…stuffed up and stifled. I had to get a cleaning by my provider every two weeks. This is not typical! My point is, you’re going to have to figure this out for yourself, in part by asking questions and telling your experience here and with your provider.

I did buy a Jodi Vac suction cleaner for my moulds. this works for domes as well. Now I don’t have to go to my provider for cleanings. Highly recommended! Maybe get your provider to go over its operation with you if you get one, although it’s very straightforward.

If you’re worried about bacteria, a UV light cleaner is very good and simple to use. These are also dryers for aids. But if you own rechargeable aids, be aware that most of these units get too hot for use with them. Otherwise, a simple dessicant dryer for storage at night is adequate. Drying is very important!

Interestingly, I have never dried my HAs in 14 years of wearing them - only if I fall in the lake or dive in the pool wearing them by accident. I only learned the drying thing by reading it here.

@bob.sevcik said:

during my first nighttime pit stop

lol - yep - gotta keep that chore schedule going even during sleeping hours.

I have a plug in dryer now for my new CI from Vanderbilt and the matching Phonak Link HA. Wonder if the HA can go in the dryer with the CI processor. I’ll look into that. Again, I have it but haven’t used it. I don’t sweat much - even during my workouts. They stay pretty dry. Thanks for the reminder.

BTW - great job wearing them all day – that is a great early start to better hearing. It can take months for your brain to adjust to the new type of hearing. Hope they are helpful for you.

@bob.sevcik said:

To my knowledge Costco will clean and replace the wax guard and domes free for life if you can drop them off as needed while you’re shopping. I highly recommend purchasing the UV light cleaner/dryer ($39.95 I think) from Costco. It only warms to 85 degrees and uses a fan to vent plus the UV helps to sanitize them.

Tomorrow I am moving from 10 years of aids from Costco to Oticon More 1.

Since I live 2 hours away from any Costco I have either had them give me extra domes and filters or ship me some.

I have used that cleaner/ dryer for many years but I have a theory that the UV light shortens the life of the receivers. I get about 2 years from a set but I notice the plastic around the wires gets very yellow and brittle before cracking. I seem to remember having longer receiver life on my previous aids.

I do note recent data sheets list the expected lifespan of receivers as 2 years.

Dry and Store Global II turns on UV for only 90 seconds of the 8 hour drying cycle.

Been using dry and store for at least 20 years and have never noticed any deterioration to my molds.