It’s difficult to be apart from your hearing aid after you get accustomed 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.
The normal lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get routine hearing exams to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is always advancing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other things that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Which means there are lots of individuals who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few factors:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That type of hearing aid can be really precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you need. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces 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 perform routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it may be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will need replacing.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are really personal things. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your hearing and will usually have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a decision. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, contact us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is best for you.
