Will a hearing aid dryer damage my soft earmolds?

Jeffrey Cline, BC-HIS

Audiologist

17 September 2019 - 531 Views

Soft molds are fine in the dryer but over a long period of time year or more possibly the material shrinks or hardens. We advise our patients that soft molds need to be changed every two years anyway to make sure the fit is proper. More importantly the tubs need to be changed more often in the dryer every 2 to 3 months come into the office to have the tubes changed. 

Thank you

Jeffrey C. Cline

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Nikki Degeorge Weaver, AuD

Doctor of Audiology

16 September 2019 - 538 Views

Over an extended time, the dryer (and UV light) could cause a soft earmold to dry out and become brittle more quickly.  However, the dryer is reducing the potential moisture damage that could occur to the much more expensive hearing aids. Most of my patients, because we live in Georgia, use a dryer and rarely do they have to replace their earmolds more than once every 2-3 years.  The vast majority of my patients also have soft earmolds.  Again, I feel the potential trade off of the cost of an earmold every 2-3 years versus a hearing aid repair or new hearing aid is well worth using the dryer on a regular basis.  Nikki DeGeorge Weaver, Au.D. 

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Sheri Gostomelsky, AuD

Doctor of Audiology

16 September 2019 - 540 Views

Any soft earmold will change in texture over time.  Because there are a multitude of soft materials,  I suggest that you ask your provider to call the lab who made your earmolds.  The lab will have information to answer your question. 

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Duane Smelser

Hearing Healthcare Provider

16 September 2019 - 558 Views

Yes over time the silicone will deteriorate when exposed to UV. But, if you use a typical dryer without UV, they will be fine.

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