Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to have regular hearing exams to be certain your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with constantly improving technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid longevity might be affected by these factors
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are lots of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you require. If your hearing loss gets worse, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Build quality: It can be expensive to invest in hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it might be more precise to say that the more times you turn the device on and off, the sooner it will wear out.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you take better care of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you may want to upgrade.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are really personal things. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your particular requirements. The investment is also considerable. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
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 to keep them dry and don’t drop them if you can help it. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, contact us to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.
