Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are crucial. But just as any technology you use daily, it will occasionally need to be replaced or upgraded.

The Average Lifespan of a Hearing Aid

So how long can you expect the normal hearing aid to keep working? 3 to 5 years will be the average lifespan of a typical hearing aid. In order to be sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you need to have your hearing examined periodically because there’s no hard and fast rule. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more rapidly than others and technology is continuously changing.

Your Hearing Aid Longevity Might be Affected by These Factors

Because that’s just the average, right? Which means that there are a lot of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aids will last:

• Regular care and maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in many ways: it will last longer if you take better care of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and perform regular maintenance just as as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: A lot more can go wrong with your hearing aid if it’s more complex because there are more variables to contend with. Don’t get me wrong you might need that added sophistication, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability factor. One thing that is helpful is that software improvements rather than hardware upgrades have been skillfully implemented for better functionality in modern hearing aids.
• Capability: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly changing technology. If you would like your hearing aids to sync up with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
• How frequently you use your hearing aids: To a certain degree, the more frequently you wear your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a new one. But that’s not always true, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for long durations. It’s actually more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off frequently, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
• Your Hearing Changes: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
• Build quality: It’s expensive to buy hearing aids. But you usually get what you pay for, as with most things. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is constructed better.

Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer

We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In many instances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and might have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most bang for your buck getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a prevailing goal.

And it’s an achievable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make certain your hearing aids last as long as possible is to care for them. Getting them wet or dropping them are things you should not do if possible. And all the required maintenance and cleaning are things you should not neglect.

Your hearing aids should last a good five years. It’s generally up to chance whether you can get more than this. But there comes a time when you have to make a choice. Ultimately, you will likely want the new features offered by modern hearing aids. So, in order to determine which hearing aid is the best one for you, schedule a hearing test right away.