It’s difficult to be separated from your hearing aid once you get used to having one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing assessed from time to time to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. Technology is always advancing and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
There are other factors that will influence the lifespan of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. So hearing may last a lot longer for some individuals. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- How often your hearing aids are used: 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 a long time. Actually, it may be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the right amount of power you need and are very precisely fine-tuned. If your hearing loss gets worse, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better care you take of it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing regular maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, like with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has more robust construction.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. 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 accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as they can. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if you can help it. And be certain you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, mostly, 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 schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.
