Once you get used 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 crucial. But just like any technology you use daily, it will occasionally need to be replaced or upgraded.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the average hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. But that’s not a hard and fast rule, and you need to have your hearing checked periodically to make sure your hearing aid is still the best option for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more quickly than others and technology is continuously changing.
Factors That Might Influence Your Hearing Aid Longevity
Because that’s just the average, right? Which means there are lots of people who might have their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of considerations:
- Functionality: Technology is always changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you would like your hearing aids to sync with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the best sound, you may want to upgrade.
- Maintenance and regular care: In a variety of 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 instructions, you should always do routine upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- 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). Don’t get me wrong sometimes you need that added complexity, and usually, it winds up being worth it. But added complex technology does introduce a breakability element. Advanced hearing aids have become very wise about introducing more functionality using software rather than hardware, which does help.
- How often your hearing aids are used: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will to replace it sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long periods. Maybe a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you could need to replace your hearing aid.
- Quality of Build: It’s expensive to buy hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is built better.
- Changes to your hearing: Those small, easy to hide devices are often the choice of adults who wear hearing aids. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most cases, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and may have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Try not to get them wet or drop them. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should not ignore.
You’ll usually be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. It’s often up to chance whether you can get more than this. But there comes a time when you have to make a decision. Ultimately, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, schedule an appointment for a hearing test today to find out which hearing aid is best for you.