It’s difficult to be separated 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 all technology, though, it will have 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. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing assessed from time to time to be certain your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is always progressing and some hearing aids need replacing more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
There are other factors that will influence the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in a lot of ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing frequent maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be costly to buy hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has better construction.
- Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you need and are extremely precisely calibrated. You might need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: The more you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it might be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will need replacing.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are rather personal things. In most circumstances, 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 this is a very achievable goal. The best 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. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
You’ll normally be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You might or might 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. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an assessment.
