Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will occasionally have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have regular hearing tests to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. Technology is constantly advancing 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 affect the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last a lot longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Build quality: Purchasing hearing aids can be a bit costly. 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.
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss worsens, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. Maybe, a better way to say it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you may need to get a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with continuously advancing technology. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices like your phone or TV.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. In most cases, 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 this is a very attainable goal. 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 possible. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if possible. And be certain you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. Whether you can get more than that is, mostly, up to chance. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, contact us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is right for you.