Review: SoundLink Aid 500 Electric Dehumidifier

The SoundLink Aid 500 electric dehumidifier is a device designed to remove moisture from battery-powered hearing aids. However, electric dehumidifiers can also be useful for solving and preventing moisture-related issues in headphones. In this review of the SoundLink Aid 500, I will share my experience using it with in-ear monitor (IEM) earphones.

Why using an electric dehumidifier with earphones can be a good idea

By using an electric dehumidifier, it is no longer necessary to rely on silica gel packets to remove moisture from in-ear earphones (IEMs), although they are still recommended for over-ear headphones due to their larger structure.

Electric dehumidifiers use controlled heating, with temperatures varying by model. The SoundLink Aid 500 operates at approximately 35°C, which provides more effective moisture removal through the combined action of gentle heat and a small fan built into the device.

Warning: Some cheaper electric dehumidifier models do not include a built-in fan.

Benefits noticed when using an electric dehumidifier with earphones

When using an electric dehumidifier to remove trapped moisture from earphones, I noticed the following benefits:

• Better balance between the left and right channels.
• Improved fit in the ear, as the device removes oil from the earphone body (shell/housing).
• Improved clarity and dynamics in music playback.

Use electric dehumidifiers to prevent problems with earphones and hearing aids

According to SoundLink, the manufacturer of the Aid 500 electric dehumidifier, the device can also help to:

• Prevent distortion and playback failures.
• Ensure that hearing aids or in-ear earphones remain dry and functional.
• Reduce possible irritation and discomfort when using hearing aids or earphones.

A possible solution for clogged filters in in-ear monitors (IEMs)

Clogging of filters in in-ear monitor (IEM) earphones can occur due to excessive dirt (earwax or dust) or water condensation inside the nozzle (the sound outlet).

Manufacturers use filters both to block dust and liquid ingress and as part of the earphone’s sound tuning. Problems arise when materials prone to condensation are used, allowing water vapor in the air to accumulate.

Condensation commonly occurs when a metal mesh filter is combined with fabric or dense foam. This leads to significant moisture absorption in the nozzle or in the tubes that guide sound from the driver to the earphone’s outlet.

In some designs, filters may also be positioned inside the sound tubes before reaching the nozzle. Both filters and drivers can suffer from excessive moisture.

Precautions when using an electric dehumidifier

When using an electric dehumidifier with earphones or hearing aids, it is recommended to:

• Clean the earphone or hearing aid body with a microfiber cloth.
• Remove ear tips to prevent them from drying out.
• Remove batteries from hearing aids.
• Do not place Bluetooth TWS earphones inside, as their batteries cannot be removed.
• Remove cables, if possible, to prevent drying and material degradation.

How should I use the electric dehumidifier?

For hearing aid users, it is recommended to use the electric dehumidifier daily, especially in humid climates or after excessive sweating during the day.

For earphones, daily use is not necessary if they are only used for a few hours. It is important to assess audio playback quality to determine whether another dehumidification cycle is needed.

Step-by-step dehumidification process

Step 01: Open the lid and place the hearing aid or earphones inside.

Step 02: Tap the power icon (the first icon from left to right shown in the image below).

Step 03: Tap the clock icon to switch the timer between 3 hours and 6 hours.

Step 04: Wait until the power and clock icons turn white.

Step 05: Open the lid and remove the hearing aid or earphones.

The process can be paused by tapping the power icon.

What you need to know when plugging in the electric dehumidifier

The SoundLink Aid 500 electric dehumidifier operates via a USB-C port and requires a charger rated at 5V and at least 1A (higher current is acceptable, as the device will regulate its own power draw).
It is also important to note that this device is dual voltage, supporting both 110V (127V) and 220V power sources.

How much does the SoundLink Aid 500 cost?

The SoundLink Aid 500 dehumidifier is sold in SoundLink’s official AliExpress store for approximately US$20, but during promotions it can be found for around US$15.

The model referred to here is the non-UV version, as there is also a UV (ultraviolet) version that is more expensive.

It is recommended to choose the non-UV version, as prolonged UV exposure can cause acrylic earphone shells to yellow, crack, and degrade over time.