Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect with your world. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to have regular hearing exams to be certain your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with constantly improving technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan might be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have a “typical” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should 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 conduct regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Build quality: It can be costly to invest in hearing aids. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has better construction.
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Maybe, a better way to say 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.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal 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.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing 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 may want to upgrade.
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 hearing and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very attainable goal. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as they can. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But ultimately, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, contact us to make an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.