Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will occasionally have to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. You will need to get regular hearing tests to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best solution anymore and with continually improving technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other factors that will affect the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are lots of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of considerations that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly changing technology. You might want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to sync with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need and are extremely precisely fine-tuned. If your hearing loss worsens, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are built 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.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you take better care of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and do regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Build quality: It can be expensive to invest in hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are really personal things. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
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 get them wet or drop them. Of course, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
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 make a decision. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, call us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.