Factors That Affect the Durability of Hearing Aids
Posted on: 15 August 2016
Have you just acquired your first set of hearing aids? Read on and discover some of the factors that may determine how long those hearing aids will last. Use this information to help you to take measures that will prolong the service life of your hearing aids.
Their Construction
Hearing aids are usually made from a combination of materials, such as plastic and metal. These materials degrade over time due to exposure to various substances, such as moisture, earwax and dust. However, some hearing aids have a nano-coating (a liquid repellent that protects the hearing aids from moisture and other contaminants). Hearing aids with this protective coating will usually last much longer than those without that protection will.
How Often You Clean Them
The longevity of hearing aids is also affected by how well they are cleaned or maintained. For instance, the hearing aids that are cleaned by professionals frequently (quarterly, for example) are more likely to last longer than those that are rarely cleaned by a professional. This is because those hearing aids that are professionally cleaned on a regular basis will have less contact with substances that can cause them to age quickly. You should therefore adhere to the recommendation given by your hearing care professional on how often to have your hearing aids cleaned by a professional.
Where You Use the Hearing Aids
The environmental conditions to which hearing aids are subjected can affect their longevity. For instance, hearing aids that are used in moist environments are likely to develop problems at a faster rate than hearing aids that are used in a dry environment. Talk to your hearing care clinic for advice on a cleaning and maintenance plan that is designed to suit the environment under which you use your hearing aids. This is much easier than changing your living or working environment.
Changes in Your Needs
Another key factor that affects how long you can have the same set of hearing aids is the changes in your needs. For instance, your hearing defect may get worse and you may need stronger hearing aids. Similarly, the hearing aids may no longer fit you because of changes in your body. Such changes may compel you to get another set of hearing aids even if the current set was still in a good condition.
As you can see, many factors can influence how long a user can have the same set of hearing aids. You should work closely with your hearing aid provider so that he or she can advise you on the different things that you can do in order to have your set of hearing aids for the longest time possible.
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