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 it will periodically have to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested from time to time to be sure your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is always progressing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other factors that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have a “typical” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are plenty of individuals who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a number of considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those very small, easy to hide devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you require. If your hearing loss worsens, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- 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 better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in many ways so it should last longer if you take better care of it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may need to get a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your particular needs. They are also a considerable investment. So it’s a prevailing goal to get the most that you can out of your hearing aid.
And this is a very achievable goal. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. 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.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, call us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.