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 need to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested from time to time to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest 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.
Your hearing aid longevity may be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of individuals who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better care you take of it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and do routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you require. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly advancing technology. 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.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that isn’t always the situation, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to invest in a new hearing aid.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really individual thing. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular needs. The investment is also substantial. So it’s a prevailing goal to get the most that you can out of your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as they can. Try not to get them wet or drop them. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an evaluation.