Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are essential. But it will periodically need to be updated or replaced just like all technology.
The Typical Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the average hearing aid will last how long?The average lifespan of a typical hearing aid is going to be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. But that’s not a strict rule, and you should have your hearing checked regularly to make certain your hearing aid is still the best option for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more rapidly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Factors That Might Impact Your Hearing Aid Longevity
Because that’s just the average, right? Which means that hearing aids could last much longer for many people. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Complexity of the hearing aid: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). However, you might need that added sophistication, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability element. Advanced hearing aids have become very clever about presenting more functionality using software rather than hardware, which does help.
- Frequent care and maintenance: In many ways, a hearing aid is like any other piece of technology: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should always perform regular upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How often you use your hearing aids: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will to replace it sooner. But that’s not always true, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long periods. It’s really more accurate to say that if you turn the power on and off frequently, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those little, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Capability: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to have the best sound, you may want to upgrade. This will also permit you to sync your device to your smartphone, television and other devices.
- Build quality: It’s expensive to purchase hearing aids. But you normally get what you pay for, as with most things. The better the build quality, the longer your hearing aid is likely to last.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They might have custom molds and in many cases are programmed specifically for your ears. Also, they are a considerable investment. So getting the most bang for your buck getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a common goal.
And it’s an achievable one. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should never ignore.
You’ll usually be able to get around five years out of a hearing aid. Whether you will be able to get more than that is, often, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, you will probably want the new features offered by modern hearing aids. So, in order to determine which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing exam today.
