It’s hard to be without your hearing aid once you get accustomed to wearing one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are essential. But just like any technology you use daily, it will periodically need to be replaced or upgraded.
The Typical Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. But that’s not a hard and fast rule, and you should have your hearing checked periodically to make sure your hearing aid is still the best option for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models age more rapidly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Factors That May Impact Your Hearing Aid Longevity
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means there are plenty of people who may have their hearing aids last far longer. How long your hearing aids will last is influenced by a number of considerations:
- Upkeep and regular care: A hearing aid is like all other technology in a lot of ways: it will last longer if you take better care of it. That’s the reason why you should always clean your hearing aids and do regular upkeep just as the manufacturer suggests.
- Your Hearing Changes: Those little, easy to hide devices are often the choice of adults who use hearing aids. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have exactly the amount of power you need. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- How often you use your hearing aids: To a certain extent, the more often you wear your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a new one. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long periods so that’s not always the case. It’s really more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off frequently, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Complexity of the hearing aid: A lot more can go wrong with your hearing aid if it’s more complex because there are more variables to contend with. However, sometimes you need that additional complexity, and often, it winds up being worth it. But added complex technology does introduce a breakability factor. Advanced hearing aids have gotten quite wise about presenting more functionality via software instead of hardware, which is helpful.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the best sound, you may want to upgrade.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are expensive. But you normally get what you pay for, like with so many things. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is constructed better.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They might have custom molds and in many cases are programmed especially for your ears. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most value for your money getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a prevailing goal.
And it’s an attainable one. Caring for your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And all the required maintenance and cleaning are things you should not ignore.
You’ll usually be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. Whether it’s possible to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, newer hearing aids provide features you will more than likely want. So, to find out what hearing aid is the best one for you, schedule a hearing exam today.