It’s hard to be apart from your hearing aid once 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 have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
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 option for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is continuously progressing and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid longevity might be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have a “typical” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are plenty of individuals who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a few considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Perhaps, a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that hide easily. That style of hearing aid can be really 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.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing regular maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing 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 sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular requirements. The investment is also substantial. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from 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 get them wet or drop them. And make sure you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, mostly, up to chance. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, call us to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.
