It’s difficult to be apart from your hearing aid after you get accustomed to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will occasionally have to be upgraded or swapped out just like all technology.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will typically last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested occasionally to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the ideal solution anymore and with continually developing technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid longevity might be impacted by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of individuals who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Build quality: It can be expensive to invest in hearing aids. But, you typically 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 pick out those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. 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.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should have a longer life if you take better care of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and carry out regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And this is a very attainable 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 get them wet or drop them. And make sure you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.
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. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. We can help you find the right hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an assessment.