It’s difficult to be apart from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get regular hearing exams to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is always improving 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 longevity may be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have a “typical” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is based on a number of factors:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very tiny, easy to conceal devices. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have just the right amount of power you need. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to purchase hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Perhaps, 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.
- Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you may want to upgrade.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
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 requirements. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to get them wet or drop them. And make sure you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, contact us to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is best for you.
