It’s hard to be apart from your hearing aid after you get used to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal 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. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids need replacing sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other things that will affect the lifespan of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. So hearing might last a lot longer for some individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is based on quite a few considerations:
- Build quality: It can be costly to purchase hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has more robust construction.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you maintain it better. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are extremely precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss gets worse, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it may be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most circumstances, they are tuned specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very achievable goal. 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. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. You may or may 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 provide. So, give us a call to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.