The Life Span of Hearing Aids
There're 4 main factors that affect the life span of hearing aids.
1. The Quality of the Hearing Aid Itself
There are many hearing aid products currently out on the market, from simple, easy-to-use equipment for elderlies to analog hearing aids to top-of-the-line multi-channel digital devices. Hearing aids with different price points and their positioning are incomparable in terms of quality due to their material cost differences and sophisticated craftsmanship. Even under reasonable and complete routine maintenance, the average lifespan of simple hearing devices cannot compare with top-the-line digital hearing aids under the same condition.
2. Whether the routine maintenance of hearing aids is in place
Routine maintenance, cleanings, and checks of high-end precision technology products are indeed needed; however, most hearing aids wearers are not fully aware of this. Hearing aids ultimately are considered as "consuming product", and their parts will inevitably wear down over time.
3. Daily Use of Hearing Aid
The daily use of hearing aids will affect their entire lifespan, and any improper use and operation throughout everyday life will significantly reduce the hearing aid's life effect. In the daily use of hearing aids, avoid strenuous exercises as much as possible, and avoid all kinds of humid and moist environments. Humidity is the biggest enemy of hearing aids. Always keep hearing aids in a dry box when not in use. Many people also ignore replacing the drying box, which we must keep sealed, and the desiccant should be replaced regularly, which is very important for hearing aids. In addition, be sure not to wear hearing aids immediately after a shower / bath or swimming. The moisture remaining in the ear canals can cause significant damage to the hearing aids. Most importantly, keep the ear canals clean.
4. Post-fitting Hearing Aid Parts Supply
Ensure the continuation of hearing aid parts supply after fitting is essential as a consuming product; however, this is not a factor that we as consumers can control. The average time span for the accessory supplies of a pair of hearing aids is eight years from the factory date. When the old model is worn down or outdated, the dealer may not be able to provide replacement parts, resulting in the old hearing aids being forced to be obsolete, and you have to purchase new models of hearing aids to replace the old models.
So, if you want to extend the lifespan of hearing aids, you should do the following things:
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You should clean, check and descale the hearing aids daily. Clean out any debris, dry skins, and earwax to keep the receivers and the ventilation holes unobstructed, so we can ensure the hearing aids are functioning in their most optimal condition, and therefore you can perceive the best hearing experiences.
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If you have an excessive amount of earwax build-up it can lead to damage to the receiver and result in no or minimal amount of sounds coming out of the hearing aid. So cleaning and keeping the external ear canals clean is something you would need to do periodically or regularly if you have an excessive amount of wax build-up. If otitis media occurs, it is best not to wear a hearing aid to avoid damage to the hearing aid.
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A hearing aid is a sophisticated electronic device, and it is water resistant, and in which it can protect from water damage to a certain extent, but you would still need to keep the hearing aid away from water and moisture as much as possible. After the hearing aid is damped, the hearing aid might sound weak or is not working at all. In that situation, you should place the hearing aid in a drying box or an electronic device care box daily. In the winter, pay attention to whether or not there are water droplets in the ear mold tubing. If there is moisture, you should try to clean out the moisture or seek professional help. If you want the hearing aids to have a long life, avoiding water / moisture is a key factor!