Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s hard to go without it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But it will occasionally have to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have routine hearing tests to make sure 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 option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be replaced sooner than others.
There are other things 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 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 considerations:
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built 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 need replacing.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping up 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 including your phone or TV.
- 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. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing frequent maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer 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 tiny, easy to hide devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have just the right amount of power you need. You may need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are really personal things. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. The best thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to get them wet or drop them. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
You’ll normally be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a decision. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. We can help you determine the best hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an evaluation.