It’s tough to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will periodically need to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing assessments to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids need replacing sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid lifespan might be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are plenty of individuals who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss gets worse, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to invest in hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other types of technology in many ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- How often your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it might be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will need replacing.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are rather personal things. In most situations, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So it’s a prevailing goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will most likely want. We can help you determine the best hearing aid for you, so contact us right away for an assessment.
