Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing assessed occasionally to be certain your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the ideal option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other factors that will impact the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. So hearing may last much longer for some individuals. Here are a few factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it might be more precise to say that the more times you turn the device on and off, the sooner it will need replacing.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the correct amount of power you need and are very precisely fine-tuned. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has better construction.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to understand that hearing aids are really personal things. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. And make sure you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.
You’ll normally be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. 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 exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.