Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. After all, your hearing aids are important to connect to your world. But it will occasionally have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get regular hearing tests 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. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best option anymore and with constantly developing technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.
There are other things that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have a “typical” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few considerations:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you require. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, 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 wear out.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the sharpest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices like your phone or TV.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to buy hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and perform regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are really personal things. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will usually 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 attainable goal. 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 you can help it. And be certain you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But at some point, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. We can help you determine the right hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an evaluation.