Hearing aids typically last three to five years, although in some cases they may last much longer. The miniature components in hearing aids tend to wear out over time, and even when repaired, do not have the same integrity as new components. Although hearing aids are fragile miniature electronic devices, they are exposed to humidity, perspiration, earwax - and sometimes rain, hairspray and other factors – that aren’t ideal for a tiny medical device. Use of special hearing aid dehumidifiers, which help remove moisture from the hearing aids when not in use, has been shown to prolong the life of hearing aids. These devices can be obtained from your local hearing center or audiologist. Additionally, cleaning your hearing aids regularly will help ensure they have a long life.
In many cases, hearing loss tends to gradually worsen over time. Therefore, new hearing aids may be required to fit your hearing loss as it changes. While today’s digital hearing aids can be re-programmed in many cases to accommodate changes in hearing, some people choose to purchase new hearing aids in order to benefit from new features that come with advancements in hearing aid technology.
