An individual should consider how long hearing aids will last when determining which pair to buy. However, just like buying a car, the actual mileage for an individual’s hearing aids may vary. While most modern high-quality hearing aids can be expected to last somewhere between three and seven years, two people can buy exactly the same hearing aid and have them last vastly different amounts of time.

One factor that influences the longevity of hearing aids is the materials they are made from. Although they are designed to be durable, hearing aids have parts made of plastic, metal, silicon, polymers and other materials that may be subject to some degree of structural degradation over time. To get the longest life from your hearing aids, you can purchase aids that have a protective nano-coating  to resist dust and moisture.

Another factor to consider is how frequently hearing aids are cleaned as they are routinely exposed to moisture, dust, skin oils and sweat, extreme temperatures and sunlight. All this occurs in addition to the earwax generated by your ear canal in its natural cleaning process. Some wearers only have their hearing aids professionally cleaned twice a year or so. This takes a toll on hearing aids and can significantly reduce their life expectancy. To help your hearing aids last longer, have them professionally cleaned every three to four months.

Additionally, the way hearing aids are stored when you’re not wearing them can also be a factor in their life expectancy. We suggest storing hearing aids with the battery door open and in a hard, protective case. Also, a case with a dehumidifier will increase their longevity. If you are storing a back-up set of hearing aids, remove the batteries from them as this will prevent battery corrosion from damaging interior parts.

Content provided by HealthyHearing