What Impacts the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aid?

Just like any device, hearing aids have a limited lifespan. But as the user of a hearing aid, you may not be aware of some of the things that can affect how long a hearing aid lasts.

The average hearing aid lasts for between five and seven years. Some hearing aids do not last as long because of how they are used while others if looked after, can last up to a decade or more.

In this article, we’re going to delve into the factors that could increase the longevity of your device, helping you to get value for money and a hearing aid that will be reliable for years to come.

How long your hearing aid lasts depends on the following factors:

• How often you clean your hearing aid. Hearing aids are susceptible to dust, bacteria, mold and other particles in the environment like any other electronic device. However, they are also heavily exposed to earwax which can cause issues. Most hearing aids come with an earwax filter over the speaker, but this can become clogged and overwhelmed if not cleaned regularly. Periodically cleaning your hearing aid wax filter should, theoretically, extend its life.
• Your physiology. The physiology of the wearer can affect how long a hearing aid lasts. The less earwax you produce, for instance, the longer your hearing aid could continue to operate. Likewise, the shape of your ears could help protect your assistive hearing devices from external damage.
• Technology. Hearing aid technology has come on leaps and bounds over the last five years. Technologies used for mobile devices are finding their way into hearing aids, including those which help to prolong the lifespan of devices. Some of today’s hearing aids come with water-resistant coatings, superior materials which do not fatigue, and batteries that can be charged many more times before degrading.
• Where you wear your hearing aids. Hearing aids are likely to last a long time when worn indoors while doing something passive, like watching TV. But they won’t last as long when doing something more active, such as playing sports. Sports and other physical activity can lead to a buildup of sweat, increased wear and tear, and damage to the device in the event of an impact.
• Your hearing needs. Your device might be operating perfectly well, but if your hearing needs change, then your hearing aids may have to change too. It’s not unusual for the severity of your hearing loss to alter over the course of many years. When it does, you may need a new hearing aid that is more suited to your particular condition. Likewise, new hearing aid models may have features which help you to hear better in specific contexts.
• The quality of construction. Just like in any other market, the quality of materials used in the construction of hearing aids vary. At the entry-level, manufacturers use cheap materials to keep costs down, while at the high-end, no expense is spared. Better quality materials for the casing and housing may help the hearing aid to last longer.