Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing assessments to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan may 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 individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is based on a number of considerations:
- Build quality: It can be costly to buy hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and do routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that isn’t always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular needs. 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 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 you can help it. And make sure you do all the required cleaning and maintenance.
You’ll usually be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. You might or might not get more than that. But sooner or later, 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 test right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.