It’s tough to be apart from your hearing aid after you get accustomed to using one. 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.
The normal lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will typically last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have routine hearing assessments to make sure 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. Technology is always advancing and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid lifespan might be influenced by these factors
So hearing aids have a “typical” longevity of 3 to 7 years. So hearing might last a lot longer for some people. How long your hearing aids will last is based on quite a few factors:
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that hide easily. That style of hearing aid can be really precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss gets worse, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to sync with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. Having said that, modern hearing aids are built to last. Perhaps, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to understand that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most circumstances, 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 it’s one you can accomplish. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. 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 might or might not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, give us a call to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.