It’s hard to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to having one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested periodically to be sure your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is always progressing and some hearing aids need replacing sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other things that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. So hearing may last much longer for some individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is based on quite a few factors:
- Changes to your hearing: Most adults go for those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. 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 may need to get a new hearing aid.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to purchase hearing aids. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has more robust construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are rather personal things. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your particular needs. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And it’s one you can accomplish. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if possible. And be certain you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, give us a call to make an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is best for you.