Do Hearing Aids Eventually Fail?

Like purchasing a car, you should consider the expected lifespan of your hearing aids. Today’s average life expectancy of modern hearing aids ranges from three to seven years. Hearing aids are made from a variety of materials, all of which may suffer from damage with wear and tear.

Most hearing aids now contain nanocoating to protect them from dust, moisture, and water, but they should still be treated carefully to prevent damage from shocks and impacts.

Consistent Care is Important

Your hearing aids deal with grime and dirt every day, so they must be washed and maintained consistently.

The earwax created by the process of your ear complicates matters still further. Some people only get their devices cleaned professionally around two times a year. This can significantly shorten the life of your hearing tools.

If you want to prolong the life of a hearing aid, you should clean them every day according to your hearing care provider’s instructions and make sure they are cleaned every few months at the hearing clinic.

Hearing aids that find themselves exposed to various elements often have more problems than hearing aids that are not.

Protecting Your Hearing Aids

The way you take care of your hearing aids (even when you are not using them) can significantly impact the life of said hearing aids. Having an environment that is moisture-free and outside of the elements of the usual wear-and-tear of everyday life can go a long way towards extending the life of your products.

The battery door of hearing aids should be kept open when storing them. Purchasing a case that is also a dehumidifier might also help. Ask your audiologist which will work best for you.

As with smartphones, lithium batteries will last only a few years on rechargeable hearing aids. The more time that has passed since the device was created, the shorter the battery life gets.

You should consult your hearing care provider if your battery is draining faster than usual or if you have had new batteries installed.

Every Case is Different

According to industry conventions, behind-the-ear (BTE) devices generally have a longer lifespan than in-the-ear (ITE) devices. This is due to more electronic components being located inside the damp setting of an ear canal with ITE devices.

A person’s body chemistry may damage hearing aid plastics and metals, causing them to deteriorate or discolor faster. People with oily skin, those who have a lot of earwax, and those who sweat profusely may also impair the life of their hearing aids.

Repair and Replacement

Hearing aids commonly have replaceable parts. These include earmold tubing, silicone dome earpiece parts, and wax guards. You should replace parts of your hearing aid as part of your routine maintenance appointments with your hearing care professional.

Other parts like the external speakers, battery doors, and microphone can usually be replaced if they begin to stop working. It is imperative to do these small things to make your hearing aids last longer.

Technology Continues to Evolve

Obsolescence can be a concern with older hearing aids as hearing aid technology advances very rapidly. It is essential to keep this in mind while buying and repairing hearing aids. Usually, after a few years, the companies that create hearing aids may stop making the necessary parts for hearing aid repairs, making it tough to reprogram your hearing devices due to the evolvement of the software used to program them.

A few years ago, hearing aids deemed the most advanced would have been considered rudimentary by today’s standards.

Most people who purchase hearing aids will install them to continue to utilize the latest technology in a few years when it becomes available. However, some people choose to stick with what they have if it works effectively.

Your Impact on Your Hearing Aid’s Longevity

It has been mentioned that the hearing aid itself determines how long the hearing aid will last, but the wearer’s changing needs can also impact how long a hearing aid will last.

An individual’s hearing loss may increase, requiring the user to look into a more robust hearing aid. Their lifestyle may change, and they will need a device with more features—or fewer.

Hearing aids that are still functional can be donated to a worthy cause when they are replaced with new ones. Your health care professional can guide you about donating used hearing aids.

Whatever the situation with your hearing aids, it is vital that you involve your audiologist or hearing professional along the way. Every person’s hearing situation is unique, so seeking professional help when creating and executing your hearing plan is important.

If you live in the Las Vegas area, consider utilizing Hearing Associates of Las Vegas for all of your hearing needs. We have a dedicated team of hearing professionals who will help with your hearing needs and help you get back on track towards healthy hearing.