It’s hard to be separated from your hearing aid after you get accustomed to having one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to have regular hearing assessments 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. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid longevity might be influenced by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are lots of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Build quality: It can be costly to invest in hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults pick out those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the correct amount of power you require and are extremely precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with continuously advancing technology. You might want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices like your phone or TV.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really individual thing. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular needs. The investment is also considerable. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very attainable 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 they can. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And make sure you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll normally be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. Whether you can get more than that is, mostly, up to chance. But at some point, you will have to make a decision. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, give us a call to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is best for you.
