Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
The normal lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have routine hearing exams to be certain 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. Technology is constantly improving and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
There are other things that will affect the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it might be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to invest in hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has more robust construction.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very small, easy to hide devices. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. You might need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other types of technology in many ways so it should last longer if you take better care of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and conduct regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your specific requirements. They are also a considerable investment. So it’s a prevailing goal to get the most that you can out of your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can achieve. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to get them wet or drop them. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
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 ultimately, you will have to make a choice. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, call us to make an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.