Dri and Store Global Model

Physical Properties
Weight: Two pounds (Slightly less than 1 kg)
Unit size: 7.09" wide x 3.9" deep x 3.6" high (180 mm x 99 mm x 91 mm).
Drying Compartment: (Single tray) 4" x 3.5" x 1" (102 mm x 90 mm x 25 mm) Positive-latching hinged lid with a drying compartment that will accommodate all types of hearing aids, including many body worn aids. Dry & Store Global can also be used with cochlear implant microphones, headpieces, and speech processors (both ear-level and body-worn).

Electrical Characteristics
Input Power: 24 volts DC. The unit timer resets itself each time the lid is opened, so that short-term conditioning is possible.
The standard configuration for shipments within North America is 110V / 60 Hz. When purchased from distributors outside of North America, the Global model is typically equipped with the appropriate power supply for that particular region. A switching power supply with a variety of plug adapters is available as an accessory from Ear Technology that accommodates 100 to 240 Volts AC at both 50 and 60 Hz. With this single, compact worldwide power supply kit, Dry & Store Global can be used anywhere in the world. Do not operate Dry & Store without first confirming that the appropriate power supply is being used.

Operating Features
Conditioning Cycle: Dry & Store has an operating cycle of eight hours. It conditions at an average temperature of 96.8°-104° F (36-40°C) and a relative humidity of 19-25%, based on indoor ambient temperatures from 65 to 86°F (18-30°C). The germicidal lamp (see below) illuminates for the first three minutes then turns off automatically.
Air circulating fan: Ball-bearing fan continuously circulates warm, dry air for the entire operating cycle, causing moisture to move out of the hearing instruments by diffusion.

Desiccant
Ships with either the disposable Dry-Brik® desiccant or an oven-rechargeable metal dry can, depending on location. Both types of desiccants are available as accessories, and Dry & Store Global operates well with either, though a can-type does not provide the deodorizing function that the Dry-Brik provides. The Dry-Brik may not be immediately available in some parts of the world, and the metal canister can not be used in the European Union. Alternatives are in development.

The custom-formulated Dry-Brik is a compressed, microcrystalline solid, wrapped in perforated clear plastic. Each Dry-Brik is sealed in a gold foil outer wrapper, with a shelf life of at least one year. Once the outer foil is opened and the Dry-Brik is in use, a Dry-Brik typically lasts about two months. Actual life depends on season, area of country, and lifestyle of the user. Replacement desiccants are inexpensive and are available from Dry & Store distributors. Due to activated carbon in the formula, Dry-Briks also absorb odors as they capture moisture. When depleted, the desiccant can be re-used as a deodorizer wherever you want to eliminate stale or lingering odors, such as in the refrigerator, gym locker or shoes. (Leave the clear plastic wrap intact.)

Germicidal Properties
The Dry & Store germicidal lamp is a short wave low pressure mercury vapor tube that produces ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths that are lethal to micro-organisms. During its three minute cycle, the lamp will generate enough germicidal energy to yield a 99% kill on common bacteria found in the external ear canal.
  • 4 watts UV-C @ 254nm in the Global model produces over 1,000 joules/m2 of UV energy.
  • For comparison purposes, a 90% kill on pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria requires only 55 j/m2.
Elimination of this flora from hearing aids can significantly reduce itching and the reintroduction of infection-causing bacteria into the ear canal. To the user, this means less itching and irritation, and fewer recurring infections of the external ear canal.

Note: The UV-C lamp is a surface sanitizer only, and it has little to no penetrating power. This means that it is not damaging to plastics or earmolds. (Germicidal lamps are not to be confused with sunlamps or blacklight lamps, for while those are also ultraviolet lamps, the UV produced by a sunlamp or blacklight is of longer wavelength and is not useful for germicidal applications.)

Battery Removal
Batteries do not have to be removed from hearing aids before Dry & Store use. Independent tests by Eveready Battery Co. on their Energizer/Amplifier® batteries showed a 10-20% gain in battery life under high (85% RH) humidity conditions, and no decrease in life at normal (50% RH) conditions. This was confirmed by a user survey which showed that over 50% of users experienced longer battery life.

Safety & Regulatory
Certified to UL & CSA standards. CE marked.

Warranty
One year in USA and Canada. Proof of purchase required. Outside of North America, refer to warranty terms provided by distributor.

 

 

© Ear Technology Corporation 2003
 "Better Hearing Through Better Hearing Aid Care."

HARC Mercantile Ltd. 
800-445-9968  info@harc.com
1111 West Centre Ave, Portage MI 49024