When choosing a hearing aid, you need to consider how durable it is. Ask yourself how important the reliability of the hearing aid is. Studies show that the likelihood of repair increases as the size of the hearing aid decreases. Smaller hearing aids are more difficult to keep clean. And, unfortunately, failure to keep a hearing aid clean will result in the need for more frequent repairs.
The following suggestions will help you care for your hearing aids:
- Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
- Replace dead batteries immediately
- Clean hearing aids as instructed.
- Do not use hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
- Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
- Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.
The most common repairs required by hearing aids are based on dirt and debris blocking the microphones and the receivers. In other words, the majority of repairs required are sue to poor/low maintenance.
It's also important to remember that a hearing aid is delicate instrument. Handle it with care. Try not to drop it or bump it around.
Your hearing healthcare professional will review with you how to maintain your hearing aids, how to keep them clean and dry, how to change batteries etc. Nonetheless, if the hearing aids are well maintained, generally speaking, they can last 5 to 7 years.