Hearing aids are a big investment in both time and money. If your audiologist has told you that you need hearing aids, one of the first questions you probably wondered was how long the devices will last you. The straightforward answer is hearing aids should last about five years, but this isn’t always the case. There are many factors that affect their lifespan, which are listed below.
Hearing aids contain intricate technology that is very delicate. The materials used to make hearing aids include plastic, metal, silicon, polymers and protective nanocoating to keep the technology safe from dust and moisture, but that doesn’t mean they’re protected from accidents like being submerged in water or dropped on concrete.
As stated above, your hearing aid is designed to withstand some level of moisture and dust, but over-exposure can affect the devices’ lifespan. If you live or work in an environment that is humid or dusty, you may need to take extra measures to take care of your hearing aids. Such measures include using protective sleeves, purchasing a dehumidifier and visiting the audiologist for more frequent professional cleanings.
Cleaning & Maintenance Schedule
Your hearing aid is exposed to the same conditions as your face, and you wouldn’t go weeks or months between showering, right? The same goes for your hearing aids. While some people clean their hearing aids only on an as-needed basis, this can drastically shorten their lifespan. Hearing aids should be wiped off every single day to remove moisture, dust, skin oils and sweat.
In addition, there are parts on hearing aids that can wear down over time, like the wax guards, earmold tubing, earmolds, battery doors and microphone covers. Visit an audiologist every four to six months for a clean and check so these parts can be replaced as needed.
Hearing ability is dynamic, meaning it changes over time. A hearing device that works for you now may not work for you in three years if you have drastic changes to your hearing ability. Annual hearing tests can detect such changes, and your audiologist can adjust the programming of your devices accordingly. Be sure to practice healthy hearing habits, like listening to music at low volumes and wearing hearing protection during noisy activities, to minimize hearing damage and changes.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Arizona Desert ENT Specialists today!