Not many things seem like they should last forever. Couches, homes, beds, all of these seem immortal in a home.
They eternally stand there, ready to be used at the moment the family comes back through that front door. Except they are not eternal.
These items have a shelf life, and one often shorter than we would consider.
Due to this long held belief in their invincibility, we as people can get kind of lost when we lose one of these items.
Another item that should be on this list is hearing aids.
These devices are so precious and important to their users that most people take perfect care of them.
But even still, they too have a shelf life and will eventually break. So, when is it? How long do hearing aids last?
When should I prepare myself to get a new set?
In this article, we will look closer at hearing aids and tell you exactly how long they last.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are electronic devices that help people with hearing loss by amplifying sound.
The device usually consists of some sort of microphone or a receiver which converts sounds into electrical signals.
These signals then go to an amplifier, which makes the signal stronger and louder.
Finally, the amplified sound goes out to your ear canal via either a tube or a speaker.
The two main types of hearing aids are behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC).
Both types are designed for different purposes. BTEs are worn on top of the ear, while ITCs fit inside the ear canal.
Why Do People Wear Hearing Aids?
People who have become deaf due to health reasons may want to use hearing aids to restore their ability to hear.
Some common causes of deafness include: exposure to loud noise such as firearms, loud music, construction sites, and car accidents; diseases such as Meunière’s disease and otosclerosis; aging; and trauma.
People with normal hearing but who experience difficulty understanding speech may also benefit from wearing hearing aids.
This may occur if there is a problem with the way the brain processes auditory information.
For example, someone might have tinnitus — a condition where the person hears his own heartbeat or other noises in addition to what he expects to hear.
Hearing aids can improve the quality of the audio being sent to the brain, allowing people to better understand speech.
It should also be noted that many in the deaf community choose to forgo hearing aids, instead living with their deafness.
This choice of getting hearing aids or not is up to the individual and how they feel their quality of life will be affected.
For example, a person who is deaf from birth may find the sudden introduction of sound from hearing aids to be unpleasant, jarring, and negatively impacting their mental wellbeing, whereas another person who is deaf from birth may find the introduction of hearing aids to be liberating, welcoming, and something that makes their life easier.
It depends on the individual.
How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Most hearing aid batteries last anywhere between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the type of battery used.
While hearing aids themselves can last up to 20 years, the battery needs replacing every few years.
If you are using rechargeable batteries, they need replacing after about 5 years.
Some hearing aids come with replacement batteries included. However, if you already know that you will need to replace the batteries soon, you can purchase additional ones separately.
You can find various kinds of hearing aid batteries online.
The problem with saying hearing aids last 20 years is that, despite popular belief about them lasting lifetimes, they are surprisingly fragile.
The technological complexity of the device, coupled with its need to be comfortable in the ear and the materials needed for its construction, mean that hearing aids can be broken really easily, which is utterly infuriating.
As such, it is much more likely that your hearing aid will break long before 20 years have passed.
If you are lucky and maintain it well, a hearing aid could last you 5 years.
If you are unlucky and forget about maintenance regularly, it could disintegrate in 2 years. If you are really unlucky, it could last a week.
If you plan on getting a hearing aid, you should be aware that the lifespan of your current pair may not match the lifespan of a new pair.
Your doctor or audiologist will recommend the best model for your individual situation, but keep in mind you might be back to get a new one soon.
Can You Really Extend The Lifetime Of Your Hearing Aids?
Yes! There are several things you can do to make sure your hearing aids last longer.
Here are many ways you can prolong the life of your hearing aids.
1. Cleaning
Your ears contain many tiny hairs called cilia. They work like miniature vacuum cleaners to clean out debris from your ear canal.
Cilia are very fragile and need to remain healthy. In fact, they can break and die very easily, causing new cilia to grow where the dead ones fall.
Unfortunately, these dead cilia can clog your ear canal, making it difficult for you to hear properly.
Having hearing aids in continuously can also cause these dead cilia and wax to clog up your hearing aids.
It’s recommended that you keep your hearing aids cleaned regularly to stop this from occurring.
To do this, dampen a cloth in warm water and gently scrub them until they are completely clean, but never go near the battery with the water.
Only scrub around the parts that actually go in your ear, and you should be fine.
2. Proper Care
Hearing aids require proper care just like any other electronic devices. This means keeping them away from excessive heat and moisture.
Make sure there are no liquids inside the case as it can cause damage. Also, don’t wear them while sleeping or showering.
When you remove your hearing aids for cleaning, use cotton swabs instead of paper towels. Paper towels tend to leave fibers behind, which can cause problems later.
3. Maintain Good Hygiene
Another important thing to remember is that your hearing aids are part of yourself. Keep them and yourself clean at all times by washing regularly and cleaning them.
If you suffer from an allergy, consider using disposable hearing aids so that you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination.
4. Use The Right Size
When choosing your hearing aids, always choose the smallest possible models that still allow you to hear well.
Hearing aids are usually available in three sizes: small (S), medium (M) and large (L). The smaller the hearing aid, the better. The larger the hearing aid, the worse.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
One of the most frustrating parts of buying a hearing aid is trying to figure out how to use it.
For example, what does “turn on/off” mean? How do I turn up the volume? What is the difference between the left and right sides?
These are some common questions people ask when picking out their first hearing aid.
Remember, if something isn’t working correctly, you have every right to ask the person who sold you the device about it.
6. Replace Batteries
Batteries can become depleted over time, causing issues with your hearing aids.
You can check the battery level by pressing the button next to the receiver. Once you know how old the batteries are, replace them immediately.
7. Consider Upgrading
Sometimes your hearing aid needs replacing because the technology has advanced.
For example, wireless hearing aids were once considered luxury items. Now that they are affordable and easy to use, more people are opting for them.
If you decide to upgrade, make sure you talk to your audiologist about whether it is safe to continue wearing your current hearing aids.
8. Check For Warranty
Most manufacturers offer warranties for their products. If you experience any issues, they will repair or replace your product free of charge.
However, you should always ask before purchasing a new one. Many companies only provide limited warranties, meaning that they will not cover any eventualities, such as damage caused by user error.
9. Choose Where To Shop Wisely
It’s important to pick reputable retailers. Always buy from places that have been around for a few years.
Look for stores that sell high quality products with top customer service.
10. Be Patient
Remember that not everyone receives the same results from their hearing aids. Some people find it easier to understand than others, and some may find the whole experience distressing.
Therefore, be patient with yourself – if the hearing aids are for you – and your loved ones – if the hearing aid is for them. These things take time to get used to.
Conclusion
Hearing aids should last a long time, but unfortunately the complexity and delicate nature of the technology means that they last only for a couple of years at most.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t extend their lifespan through careful planning and good maintenance of them.