It’s hard to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect with your world. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have regular hearing assessments 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. Technology is constantly progressing and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other factors that will impact the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Build quality: It can be expensive to buy hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you use a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you require. If your hearing loss gets worse, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for a long time. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to sync with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really individual thing. In most cases, they are tuned specifically for your hearing and will usually have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a decision. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, call us to make an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is right for you.