It’s hard to be apart from your hearing aid after you get used to having one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested periodically to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be replaced sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan may be impacted by these factors
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. So hearing might last much longer for some people. Here are a number of considerations that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: The more you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it may be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will need replacing.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you use a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. If your hearing loss gets worse, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to understand that hearing aids are rather personal things. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And this is a very achievable goal. The best 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.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will probably want. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so contact us right away for an assessment.