You’ve made a big investment in your hearing aids in terms of financial cost and time spent with your audiologist to get the fit and programming just right, which is why you’re probably wondering how long your devices will last. The short answer is hearing aids last an average of three to seven years, but the duration of their lifespan is really dependent on a number of factors.
Frequency of Cleaning
Every day you shower, brush your teeth and put on clean clothes; your hearing aids deserve the same treatment.
Hearing aids are subjected to the rugged environment of your ear, meaning they are exposed to earwax, sweat, dirt and oils from your skin and hair. For these reasons, they need to be cleaned every day.
Each morning, after your hearing aids have had the chance to dry out with the battery door open, wipe down the hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Use a wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris.
About every six months, bring your devices in to your audiologist for a deep clean and checkup.
Storage
Where you store your devices when you’re not wearing them matters. When storing your devices, keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t store them anywhere they can be easily knocked to the ground or grabbed by a pet or child.
- Don’t put them in a window sill or anywhere they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Don’t keep them in a bathroom or other humid environment, as moisture is detrimental to hearing aids.
- Keep rechargeable hearing aids in their case overnight so they can get a full charge.
- Place non-rechargeable hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight to remove excess moisture.
Changes in Hearing
Even the best devices won’t work for you if you experience significant changes in your hearing. For example, in-the-canal (IIC) devices may be ideal for some people who want a discreet hearing aid, but they are only suitable for mild hearing loss. If you purchase IICs and your hearing loss develops into moderate or severe hearing loss, you may need to upgrade, even if your devices are perfectly fine.
Fortunately, some models like behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are suitable for a wide range of degrees of hearing loss and can simply be reprogrammed as needed.
When to See an Audiologist
If you experience any problems with your hearing aids, contact your audiologist right away. Much like Kelley Appliance Center, many manufacturers offer warrantees on hearing aids.
For more information about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Augusta ENT today.