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Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting Guide


Click here for Troubleshooting Guide


General Questions
Why do you call it a conditioning system?
How does Dry & Store work?
What if I have to use my hearing aids before the 8-hour cycle is finished?
How warm does it get? Is it safe for ear molds and wax guards? What about the batteries?
I can leave the batteries in?
Does it work on other devices such as cochlear implant equipment, noise maskers, ear monitors, etc.?
How does Dry & Store relieve itching or irritated ears?
I have a cochlear implant. Since I don't have an earmold, do I still need to use the lamp?
Does the UV lamp heat the appliance?
Does the UV lamp hasten hardening of BTE tubes? Can it cause damage or discoloration?
My hearing aids get clogged with earwax. Can Dry & Store help?
What is a "desiccant" and what does it do?
Do the two models use the same desiccant?
How long does a Dry-Brik last?
Will my Dry-Brik last longer if I store it in a zip-lock baggie during the day?
Is there a different lifespan for the new Dry-Brik II between summer and winter months?
Can the Dry-Brik be recharged?
Can I use a metal can desiccant?
What's the difference between the Professional model and the Global model?
Can I use my Dry & Store overseas? Do I need a transformer?
What's so special about Dry & Store?
Where can I buy Dry & Store?
What does it cost?

Troubleshooting Guide
I don't see a red line on the Timestrip of my new Dry-Brik.
The red light won't go out (Professional model only).
There's a little ball rolling around inside the germicidal lamp (Global model). Is it broken?
The blue light doesn't come on; I need a new lamp.
Lights flash then go off (Global model only.
What if my Dry & Store unit needs service?.
I have other questions.


General Questions



Why do you call it a conditioning system?


Because Dry & Store is not simply a dryer, and moisture removal is just one of its many benefits. Dry & Store also dries cerumen for easier removal from hearing aids, and it deodorizes the hearing aids. A germicidal lamp kills 99.9% of bacteria and other organisms that if not removed can cause itching, irritation, or recurring infections. You can expect improved clarity and dependability, longer-lasting batteries, fresh and clean hearing aids, and for many people, an end to itching and irritated ears.
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How does it work?


Dry & Store units are low-power, electrical appliances, recommended for in-home use every night. Place your hearing aids inside, press the start button, and Dry & Store does the rest. For the first few minutes, an ultraviolet lamp sanitizes the hearing aids by killing resident bacteria. Then for the next eight hours, Dry & Store gently circulates warm, dry air. Throughout the cycle, the desiccant captures the moisture molecules as they are released from the hearing aids. Dry & Store has a built-in timer and will turn itself off after approximately eight hours. Click here for more details on the technology behind Dry & Store.
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What if I have to use my hearing aids before the 8-hour cycle is finished?


Just open the drawer (or on the Global model, lift the lid) to interrupt the cycle. While the best results will be achieved with the full 8 hours of conditioning, some of the benefit of Dry & Store conditioning can be gained by shorter cycles. When you interrupt the process by opening the drawer (or lifting the lid), the unit’s timer re-sets itself, ready for the next full cycle. Just press the Start button when you're ready to start a new cycle.
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How warm does it get? Is it safe for ear molds and wax guards? What about the batteries?


The temperature inside the unit is close to your body temperature. It is controlled by a sophisticated electronic thermal control system, so you can safely place everything in the drawer - hearing aids, earmolds, tubing, even the batteries.
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I can leave the batteries in?


Yes, you can leave the batteries in the hearing aids during conditioning, with the battery door open. As noted above, the temperature is a controlled warmth – it's not "cooking" anything.

In fact, Dry & Store conditioning can actually prolong the life of zinc air batteries. Independent testing by Energizer revealed that in high humidity conditions, Dry & Store increased the life of their zinc air batteries by 10 - 20%. Another reason for batteries lasting longer is that Dry & Store can improve a hearing aid’s efficiency. Simply put, it takes less energy to power a hearing aid that is completely dry.
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Does it work on other devices such as cochlear implant equipment, noise maskers, ear monitors, etc.?


Yes. Since moisture dampens the responsiveness of microphones and speakers, corrodes battery contacts, and interferes with conductivity of delicate electronics, any device that includes one or more of those components can benefit greatly from Dry & Store. Dry & Store also helps prevent corrosion of other components such as switches and hinges.
Behind-the ear and in-the-ear devices such as monitors and maskers, as well as ear-level speech processors, can be conditioned in either the Professional model or the Global model. Body-worn processors require more room; the Global meets that need.
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Click here for
more information
about the
germicidal lamp
including dosage
requirements for specific
bacteria and mold spores.
 

How does Dry & Store relieve itching or irritated ears?


Dry & Store utilizes a highly specialized ultraviolet (UV-C) germicidal lamp that operates at the beginning of the conditioning cycle. During this brief period, the lamp generates enough germicidal energy to kill 99.9% of the bacteria that are a common cause of itching ears. (Note that the only function of the UV lamp is to kill germs; it does not heat the unit. The unit is heated by other mechanisms that precisely control the heat.)
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I have a BTE processor for my cochlear implant equipment. Since I do not have an ear mold, do I need to use the UV lamp in Dry & Store?


While your Dry & Store will operate without the UV lamp, the germicidal function does benefit more than just the earmold. It eliminates micro-organisms that live on surfaces of your other components as well. Wherever the headpiece or processor is in contact with the skin is a potential source of irritation if bacteria are allowed to flourish. Many individuals have reported relief from that irritation with regular Dry & Store use.
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Does the UV lamp heat the appliance?


At 4 watts, the UV-C lamp used in Dry & Store generates very little heat. The air inside Dry & Store is warmed - and controlled - by a different mechanism. The UV lamp is on for just a few minutes at the beginning of the 8-hour conditioning cycle.
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Does the UV lamp hasten hardening of BTE tubes? Can it cause damage or discoloration?


At 4 watts, the Dry & Store lamp is a great surface sanitizer, but it has no penetrating power, and it does not generate damaging ozone. With tens of thousands of units in use, the germicidal cycle has not had a detrimental effect on tubing or molds. Tubing is often affected by climate conditions, body oils, hairsprays and similar products.
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My hearing aids get clogged with earwax. Can Dry & Store help?


Yes. Earwax contains moisture. When that moisture is removed during Dry & Store conditioning, it becomes flakey and thus easier to remove. In a nationwide survey, 100% of hearing healthcare professionals recognized Dry & Store as an effective cerumen management tool.
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What is a desiccant and what does it do?


Desiccant is a term for a substance that captures moisture, either through absorption or adsorption (a specialized term in chemistry). The desiccant is a critical part of the Dry & Store conditioning process, because it captures the moisture released during the 8-hour conditioning cycle. Without a desiccant, moisture would simply re-settle on and in the hearing aids at the end of the cycle.
The Dry-Brik II desiccant used in Dry & Store, a molecular sieve, is super efficient at capturing moisture, and it is also a highly effective deodorizing agent.
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Do the two models use the same desiccant?


Yes. The same Dry-Brik works in both the Professional model and the Global model. Alternatively, the Global model can also use a rechargeable metal can desiccant, according to personal preference. Please note, however, that a metal can does not provide the deodorizing function, and due to the amount of moisture being moved to the desiccant during Dry & Store conditioning, a can desiccant will require more frequent re-charging than is common when used with a pouch or jar.

The Dry-Brik II is a superior product based on the physical characteristics of its active ingredients. The Dry-Brik II uses a "molecular sieve," a premium sorbent which contains tiny pores of a precise and uniform size. It acts at a molecular level (hence the name) by allowing small molecules - such as water - to pass through, where they are retained within the pores. A molecular sieve can adsorb water up to 22% of its own weight, and it is especially effective when operating in a warm environment such as a Dry & Store or Zephyr. One of its important features is that once it grabs onto a moisture molecule, it holds it tightly so it's "gone for good."

The canister desiccant's ingredient, silica gel, is an inexpensive, man-made, solid substance with a high surface area but no uniform porosity. Ease of regeneration makes it suitable for users in areas where Dry-Briks are not available or for individuals who choose to not use consumables. Silica gel is most effective at room temperature, and its capacity declines as it is heated. It will not adsorb the same amount of water as molecular sieve, but since it can be easily regenerated in a conventional oven (no microwaves!), this is typically not an issue for most users.
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How long does a Dry-Brik last?


The new Dry-Brik II is formulated to last two months. If you have the original style Dry-Brik (in the gold foil wrapper), the longevity may vary.
For more information about the Dry-Brik desiccant, click here.
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Will the Dry-Brik last longer if I remove it from the machine every morning and store it in a zip-lock baggie during the day?


No, for all that extra effort, you won't see any difference in the life of the Dry-Brik. That's because when the Dry & Store lid or drawer is closed and it's not turned on, there's no air movement, and air is not being actively drawn into the closed unit. DO keep the drawer closed during the daytime. DO keep the unit someplace other than extreme humid areas such as the bathroom. The manufacturer of the new Dry-Brik II guarantees that it will adsorb moisture for two (2) months.
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Is there a different lifespan for the new Dry-Brik II between summer and winter months?


There could be a slight difference, depending on where you live. If you live in a climate where you have a lot of rain, you definitely want to stick to the two-month schedule. If you live in a climate where you have the heat on in your house for several months and it tends to be dry, the Dry-Brik could last a bit longer. Of course if you're outside shoveling snow and working up a sweat, you're still accumulating moisture in your hearing instrument, and the Dry-Brik will be "on duty" to adsorb it.

Overall, the difference is not significant over the span of a year, so it's a good idea to get in the habit of changing the Dry-Brik every two months in order to ensure that you have a fresh, charged desiccant at all times. If you change your Dry-Brik II every two months, the average cost will be around $2.00 a month to keep your hearing instruments working at their peak performance.
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Can the Dry-Brik be recharged?


No. The Dry-Brik is not rechargeable. the temperature required to break the polar bond between the adsorbed moisture and the pores of the sorbent material is far too high and would melt the plastic.
You can dispose of used Dry-Briks in regular household trash. The plastics used in a single Dry-Brik II weigh about 0.1 ounces. Over a five-year period, the average user will go through only 3 oz of polypropylene. The desiccant itself is a clay-based product, so it is inert. We recommend against trying to separate the plastic from the desiccant for recycling purposes.
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Can I use a rechargeable metal can desiccant?


The Global model will work with either the Dry-Brik or a traditional metal can desiccant. (The Professional model works with the Dry-Brik only.)

Routine recharging of a metal can desiccant is required. As moisture is adsorbed by the desiccant, the crystals will change from blue to light pink, or from orange to pale, depending which desiccant you have. A light pink or pale orange color signals that the desiccant can no longer absorb moisture. Proper function can be restored by placing the metal desiccant can in an oven for 2 hours or more at a temperature of 105¡-150¡C (225¡- 300¡F). The color will change back to blue or bright orange. Repeat as necessary.

The metal canister will be hot when it is removed from the oven, so caution should be used to avoid burns. Allow the can to cool before it is placed in Dry & Store. Best results will occur if the can is covered during the cooling period; a drinking glass or pan lid works well.
WARNING: Use care when removing the metal desiccant can from the oven. Allow it to cool before handling. Never place metal in a microwave oven!

The frequency of metal can desiccant recharging will vary according to several factors, such as season, geographic location, local climate/weather conditions, and the activity/perspiration level of the user.

Check the color of the desiccant crystals before each use, and recharge as needed. Whichever model of Dry & Store you use, and whichever type of desiccant you choose, do not operate Dry & Store without a properly positioned desiccant.
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What's the difference between the Professional model and the Global model?


The Professional model and the Global model perform the same conditioning function, with a combination of heat, moving air, a charged desiccant, and a germicidal lamp. It's mostly a matter of personal preference.
  • The Global is basically designed for portability and versatility. While it’s smaller than the Professional model, a person with arthritis or limited manual dexterity would find the Global more difficult to use. That’s because the Global has a hinged lid, and the sides of the tray inside the unit are at right angles in order to accommodate body-worn processors. The Professional model, on the other hand, has a drawer, with sloped sides, so to open it and to remove hearing aids requires no grasping function. The Professional is a bit heavier and more stable.
  • The Professional model has two compartments in the tray, ideal for families with more than one person wearing hearing aids.
  • The Global model will accommodate the can-type rechargeable desiccants in addition to the custom-formulated Dry-Brik which is designed for the Professional model. (We recommend the Dry-Brik for consistency of results, and keep in mind that a can-type desiccant will not have the deodorizing function that the Dry-Brik provides.)
  • The Global model has a universal switching power supply (AC adapter) which can be used worldwide with the proper plug adapter.
  • The Professional model typically retails around $165 to $185; the Global retails at $99.95 (plus taxes or S&H, whichever is applicable.)
  • In North America, the warranty on the Professional model is two years; the warranty on the Global model is one year.
  • The Professional model is available through dispensing practices of hearing healthcare professionals. The Global can be purchased through a variety of channels including dispensing practices, catalog merchants and on-line retailers.
  • The Global model is available for export; the Professional model is not.
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Can I use my Dry & Store overseas? Do I need a transformer?


Dry & Store Global was designed to meet the needs of our customers all over the world. International travelers will appreciate the fact that Global units manufactured since mid-2004 include an AC adapter that can be used anywhere in the world – no voltage converter necessary. It's called a "switching power supply" - automatically working with all types of electrical service (100-240 V @ 50-60 Hz).

When we ship Dry & Store Global units all over the world, we include the plug style appropriate for each region. So, when you travel to another region of the globe, all you need is a plug adapter kit, which can usually be purchased at your local electronics store. Or, you can travel "adapter-free" by ordering individual power supplies with native plugs. We offer the following native power supplies: North America - US/Japan, UK, Europe, Australia/NZ, and S. Africa, any of which may be ordered through our on-line store.

(The Professional model was designed for use in North America and is not recommended for use with other electrical systems.)

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at support@dryandstore.com or by phone at 1-800-327-8547.

*Note: If the label on your AC adapter says Model MWS2488UC, we have replaced those power supplies. Contact us to obtain your replacement by phone 1-800-327-8547 or 423-928-9060, or send an email to support@dryandstore.com
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Where can I buy Dry & Store?


Your first option would be to ask your present hearing health care provider about Dry & Store, as the Professional model is distributed exclusively through them. If you furnish your zip code, we can provide locations in your vicinity. The Global model is also available through your hearing healthcare provider, a number of internet retailers. You may also purchase one here., and on this website.Click here to find a distributor near you.
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What does it cost?


Dry & Store is available in two models. The Professional model, and the Global model.

The Professional model has been on the market for nearly eleven years and is sold exclusively through dispensing professionals. As the manufacturer, we cannot set the price, but a range of $165 to $185 is typical, depending on the part of the country in which you live. We will gladly provide a referral based on your zip code.

The other model, Dry & Store Global, is a more portable version and has an MSRP of $99.95. Prices will vary around the country according to freight costs, local taxes, etc.

Replacement Dry-Brik desiccants typically retail between $3 - $3.50 each, with each Dry-Brik lasting an average of 2 months (longer in the winter months, and shorter in the summer months.) That equates to around $20-$25 annual cost for peak performance of your hearing aids or cochlear implant instruments.
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What’s so special about Dry & Store?


With over 100,000 users around the world, Dry & Store has a proven track record and an extraordinary consumer satisfaction rating of 98%. It improves hearing aid dependability by battling the two worst enemies of hearing aid performance, moisture and earwax. It sanitizes and deodorizes. It can extend battery life. As if that weren’t enough, Dry & Store improves clarity: 8 out of 10 consumers say that their hearing aids sound better.

Dry & Store is the only appliance that combines all the technologies necessary to combat moisture and moisture-related problems.

There’s no need to put up with hearing aids that quit just when you need them the most. Now you can enjoy the benefits of Dry & Store every day!
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Troubleshooting Guide


I can't get the Timestrip to start. Will my Dry-Brik work?


Try using the eraser end of a pencil, to press the bubble on the Timestrip. It may take as long as 30 minutes for the red strip to start appearing.

The Timestrip is simply an indicator to remind you when two months have passed. If you can't get the Timestrip to start, it's OK; your Dry-Brik is still working.

Your Dry-Brik starts working as soon as you remove the foil label.
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The red light won't go out. (Professional model only)


The Professional model has a desiccant detection system which ensures that a desiccant is in place before starting the conditioning cycle. However, if the desiccant (the Dry-Brik) is slightly out of position, if the springs in the back of the drawer are crooked, or if the copper strip on the Dry-Brik is wrinkled, it can cause the red "Check Drawer" light to stay on, and the unit cannot be started.
    The first thing to check is the copper strip.
  1. Be sure that your Dry-Brik has a copper strip at the back end of the Brik.
  2. If the copper strip is missing, replace the Dry-Brik.
  3. If the copper strip is wrinkled, you may need to smooth it with a finger.
    Oftentimes the remedy is to simply re-position the Dry-Brik, as follows:
  1. Open the drawer.
  2. Remove the Dry-Brik from the drawer.
  3. Now, rest the Dry-Brik on the front edge of the open drawer and gently slide it into position with as little angle as possible.
    Check the coil springs in the back of the drawer.
  1. Remove the Dry-Brik.
  2. Gently tug on the springs in the back of the drawer, to orient them toward the center.
  3. Note: be careful to not over-stretch the springs.
  4. Re-insert the Dry-Brik.
    Another remedy is to add a shim in the drawer to create a more snug fit for the Dry-Brik.
  1. First, position the Dry-Brik in the drawer.
  2. Insert a small shim, such as a small strip of cardboard, between the front edge of the Dry-Brik and the inside front edge of the drawer.
  3. Be sure the shim goes all the way to the bottom edge of the drawer.(The shim ensures good contact between the springs and the copper strip even if the springs are splayed.)
If these steps do not correct the problem, please contact us for additional troubleshooting or repair.
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There's a little ball rolling around inside the germicidal lamp (Global model). Is it broken?


Ear Technology purchases UV-C lamps from three different manufacturers. Lamps made by "Ushio" or "Sanyo-Denki" have a tiny metal ball inside the glass tube. It's perfectly normal, just their way of delivering the element that gives the lamp its ultra-violet "glow". Since it's part of Ushio's proprietary manufacturing process, you won't see (or hear!) the rolling ball if your Global has a lamp made by Philips or Keosan.
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The blue light doesn't come on; I think I need a new lamp.


When you press the start button, two lights should come on: a blue light and a green light. The blue light indicates the sanitizing function is in progress, and it's on for only 3 minutes* out of the 8-hour conditioning cycle. The green light should stay on for the next 8 hours.

If you do see a green light but not the blue light, the first thing to try is re-positioning the bulb (Global model only.) Open the lid and remove the lamp completely. (It twists out just the same as a standard fluorescent lamp.) Put the bulb back in, turning it about a quarter of a turn in the socket to make sure it is installed tightly, and if that does not help try taking the bulb out once more, turning it end over end, and reinstalling it with the quarter of a turn in to the socket.

If you still don't see a blue light when you press the start button, then you likely do need a new lamp. It is a specialty lamp, available by calling 1-800-327-8547 or using our on-line order form. (If you do order a new lamp, you can continue to use your Dry & Store Global while your replacement lamp is on its way to you. You won't have the benefit of the sanitizing function, but you will continue to have the benefit of the warm, moving air and desiccant.)

Important: If you are seeing no lights at all, then it's unlikely that you need a bulb. No lights at all indicates that the unit is not working properly. Please call 1-800-327-8547 or send an email to support@dryandstore.com for further troubleshooting or repair service. Please have the serial number of your unit handy.

* The sanitizing cycle (blue light) is 3 minutes in the Global model, 8 minutes in the Professional model. Since the "dose" of germicidal energy is a function of both time and distance, both the Professional model and the Global model have the same overall sanitizing effect.
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Both lights come on very briefly, or may even flash on and off quickly, then all lights quit.


When you press the start button, two lights should come on: a blue light and a green light. If they flash on then off, the problem can be as simple as a loose bulb. Sometimes they work their way loose just from the normal opening and closing of the unit. It's easy to determine if this is the case.
  • Open the lid and remove the lamp completely. (It twists out just the same as a standard fluorescent lamp.) Press the start button. Do you see a green light? If yes, that means that the unit is functioning properly without the lamp in place.
  • Now put the bulb back in, turning it about a quarter of a turn in the socket to make sure it is installed tightly. Press the start button. Do you see both the green and blue lights?
  • If that did not help, try taking the bulb out once more, turning it end over end, and reinstalling it with the quarter of a turn in to the socket. Press the start button.
  • If the lights still flash then go off, or if no lights come on, then your unit needs to be serviced. See the service and repairs page or call 1-800-327-8547 for assistance.
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  • What if my Dry & Store unit needs service?


    If these tips do not answer your question or resolve the issue, please feel free to contact us for individual assistance. Please have the serial number of your unit handy when you call or write.

    Once we learn more about your unit, we will be able to determine whether or not it needs to come in for service, or if we may be able to simply ship a component to you. At the same time, we can estimate repair charges, if any.

    Before any unit comes in for service, we need to assign an RMA number, so please do not ship anything to us until we have spoken by phone or corresponded via email. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

    Contact info:
    Phone 1-888-327-1299 or 423-928-9060
    email: support@dryandstore.com
    Fax 423-928-0515

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    I have other questions.


    If these tips do not answer your questions, please feel free to contact us for individual assistance.
    Phone 1-888-327-1299 or 423-928-9060
    by email: support@dryandstore.com
    Fax 423-928-0515

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