Investing in a hearing aid is an investment in your quality of life, and it’s essential to treat it as such. While today’s hearing aids are remarkably durable and require minimal maintenance, incorporating regular cleaning and upkeep into your routine will ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The human ear canal is not a sterile environment, and factors like earwax and moisture can impact the functionality of your hearing aid. Establishing an end-of-the-day cleaning routine, akin to brushing teeth or caring for dentures, is beneficial. Allowing your hearing aid to thoroughly dry overnight after a day of use is particularly crucial in preventing moisture-related issues.

Equipping yourself with the right tools, such as brushes, wax picks, wire-loop cleaners, and dehumidifiers, will facilitate effective cleaning and maintenance. Accumulated earwax can impair the amplifier, emphasizing the importance of regular cleaning.

Moreover, recognizing that purchasing a hearing aid is a financial investment underscores the importance of proper care. While modern hearing aids are built to withstand daily wear and tear, preventive maintenance can extend their lifespan significantly.

Regular cleaning, proper storage, and occasional deep cleaning performed by a hearing healthcare provider are vital aspects of caring for your hearing aid. By taking proactive steps to maintain your investment, you can maximize its longevity and ensure continued enjoyment of improved hearing.

You should expect to get at least three years out of a modern hearing aid. But you could keep your listening system more resilient, depending on luck and good judgment. But, are the type of person who gets an oil change at 3 thousand miles, or do you stretch it a bit (or a lot) longer?

Luckily, that’s mostly up to you. There are some things out of your control but there are plenty of things you can do extend the life of this small device that would amaze a computer engineer transported to the here-and-now from the 1950s.

First, what you can’t control. The fact is some people sweat more than others, produce more earwax, or have oily skin. Or the trifecta. All of these things do nothing good for a hearing aid, so it’s possible you might have drawn the short straw when it comes to hearing aid longevity. Also, certain environments more prone to dusty and/or humid conditions can be a problem as well.

But, taking good short- and long-term care of your investment can better your odds.

Cleaning a hearing aid daily is a great first step. There are kits available that allow you to get rid of debris that will, eventually, muck up the works of any hearing aid.

Storage is also a key factor. An overnight dehumidifier case will not only protect you from knocking it onto the floor when reaching for the alarm clock in the morning but will also remove moisture and do wonders for its life expectancy.

And once or twice a year it’s paramount to bring it into the shop and let your hearing health provider give the unit the once over, doing a deep clean while replacing any parts that are showing signs of wear and tear.

Like any investment, a hearing aid demands some preventive maintenance to allow it to reach its maximum potential.

Additionally, knowing when to replace your hearing aid is essential for staying current with advancements in technology and addressing changes in your hearing needs. Factors such as wear and tear, technological advancements, physical changes, and personal preferences may warrant upgrading to a new hearing aid.

Other than the obvious situation that your hearing capabilities have changed enough to warrant a new hearing aid — most likely a more powerful unit to deal with more severe hearing loss — here are a few instances when upgrading may be called for.

One instance is that you got a great deal last time. Your hearing aid has had a few repairs over the years, but you’ve been satisfied with it over the years too. Unfortunately, if your hearing aid lasts long enough, getting them serviced could become difficult. Most manufacturers make replacement parts for only about five years. Then it’s on to used parts. This can be effective, but only for so long.

Tapping into new technology is also a good reason to upgrade. Today’s “smart” hearing aids are part of the ever-expanding world of connectivity and the Internet of things (IoT). Direct wireless connections with smartphones, media devices, and even doorbells and washing machines are now possible. You can stream music and get “your laundry is done” notifications directly into your hearing aid.

Physical changes other than your hearing may also warrant a change in hearing aids. Arthritis can make changing batteries and other adjustments to your hearing aid slow and frustrating. Finding a new unit with longer battery life and more automated controls might make life a little more pleasant. Then there’s always just the desire for something new. And that’s alright too.

In essence, treating your hearing aid as a valuable investment involves proactive maintenance, periodic evaluation, and staying abreast of technological advancements to ensure optimal performance and enhance your overall quality of life.