Once you get accustomed 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 just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested occasionally to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid might not be the ideal solution anymore and with continually improving technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan might be affected by these factors
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. So hearing may last much longer for some individuals. 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. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, as with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and do routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That type of hearing aid can be really precisely fine-tuned and will have just the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are really personal things. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular needs. 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 to keep them dry and don’t drop them if you can help it. Of course, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
You’ll normally be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, generally, 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 offer. We can help you determine the best hearing aid for you, so contact us right away for an evaluation.
