It’s hard to be separated from your hearing aid once you get used to having one. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect to your world. But it will periodically have to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing exams to be certain your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the ideal solution anymore and with continually developing technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.
There are other things that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Which means there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a few factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with continuously changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have exactly the right amount of power you require. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- How frequently 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 case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Actually, it might be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will need replacing.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in many ways so it should have a longer life if you take better care of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to invest in hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really personal thing. In most situations, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So it’s a common 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 most useful 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 possible. And be certain you do all the required 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, generally, up to chance. But at some point, you will have to make a decision. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will most likely want. We can help you find the right hearing aid for you, so contact us right away for an assessment.