Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
A hearing aid will typically last 3 to 7 years. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested periodically to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid longevity may be affected by these factors
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. But hearing aids may last much longer for some people. Here are a few considerations that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with continuously changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other types of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you maintain it better. So, cleaning your hearing aid 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, as with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That style of hearing aid can be really precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss worsens, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. But that isn’t always the situation, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for long durations. Perhaps, a better way to say it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to understand that hearing aids are really personal things. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your specific requirements. They are also a considerable investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
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 let them get wet and don’t drop them if you can help it. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is essential.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But eventually, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. So, give us a call to make an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.