Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to have routine hearing tests to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is always improving and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid longevity may be influenced by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are plenty of individuals who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few factors:
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. 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: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be costly to buy hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has more robust construction.
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it may be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your particular needs. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And make sure you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But eventually, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. We can help you determine the right hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an evaluation.