Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to go without it. 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 average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing tests to be certain 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 constantly 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 lifespan might be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of people who may see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a few considerations that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and carry out regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Perhaps, a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly changing technology. 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.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Build quality: Purchasing hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, as with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are really personal things. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can out of 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 be certain you do all the required cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, give us a call to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.