Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will periodically need to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. You will need to get regular hearing tests to be certain 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 constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan might be influenced by these factors
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Which means there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of considerations:
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with continuously advancing technology. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the sharpest sound or if you want to sync with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
- Build quality: It can be costly to invest in hearing aids. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and do routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the correct amount of power you require and are extremely precisely fine-tuned. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. But that isn’t always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Perhaps, 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.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a really personal thing. In most situations, they are programmed specifically for your ears 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. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an assessment.