It’s difficult to be apart from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing assessments 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. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best solution anymore and with continually developing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other things that will influence the longevity of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. So hearing may last much longer for some people. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few factors:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very tiny, 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 might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. 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 may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Build quality: Purchasing hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you maintain it better. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and perform routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. You might want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the sharpest sound or if you want to sync with you your smart-devices like your phone or TV.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common 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 let them get wet and don’t drop them if you can help it. And be certain you do all the required maintenance and cleaning.
You’ll normally 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. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, call us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.
