It’s difficult to be apart from your hearing aid once you get used to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be updated or replaced just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get regular hearing exams to be certain 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. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid might not be the best solution anymore and with constantly developing technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan may be influenced by these factors
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Which means there are lots of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of considerations 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 really precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss gets worse, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with continuously advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. Having said that, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it might be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be costly to invest in hearing aids. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with anything in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can out of your hearing aid.
And this is a very attainable goal. The best 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. And make sure you do all the required cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. We can help you discover the best hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an assessment.