It’s hard to be apart from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to having one. After all, your hearing aids are important to connect to your world. But it will occasionally have to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will typically last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested from time to time to be sure your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is constantly progressing and some hearing aids need replacing more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other factors that will influence the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- 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 take better care of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing frequent maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you may need to get a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. In most situations, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. 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 most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to get them wet or drop them. And be certain you do all the required maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You might or might 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 provide. We can help you discover the best hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an assessment.
