I've had this one for a little over 2 years, but I suspect it wouldn't last the average person 2 months before it outright fails and they just throw it away.
Why? Well, electronics don't exactly like smoke of any form, whether it be nicotine, weed, wood, paper, etc. But that's exactly what these lighters do, literally light things on fire, which of course generates smoke and dirties the electrodes, up until the point they start shorting out, if not other issues first.
I happen to be an electronics technician that knows how to safely disassemble, service and clean this thing occasionally, but its highly suggested that nobody ever try to service them, as they generate thousands of volts for the electric arc, which absolutely will burn the piss out of your fingers, if not worse.
I'm actually glad to have it, it was a cheap late Christmas gift from my mom back in January 2024, but I figure basically 99% of average consumers would end up having issues with it and throwing it away within ~2 months or less.
Sigh, e-waste...
I tried one and I could not deal with it because it created a high pitched buzz which only me and cats seemed to be able to hear. Glad to know I am not the only one to dislike them.
Oh, I definitely hear that sound too, I'm pretty sure many people do. It doesn't bother me though, its only like 3 to 5 seconds, not like the sound is on repeat.
Now as far as your cats... 😺
How does it not make you want to drop it when screams at you like that?
It's not even loud yo. Are your ears okay?
I'm no medical expert, but I've had hypersensitive hearing before.
You might wanna check in with an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) doctor if you can..
You might actually be on to something. My one side of the family has sensitive hearing and I do hear pretty well up to 18±0.55kHz. Aside from loud places it's rarely an issue though.
I am made of stronger stuff than the unpleasant wine my 10 gram plastic lighter makes