It’s tough to be separated from your hearing aid once you get used to using one. After all, your hearing aids are important to connect to your world. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
The normal lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing assessed from time to time to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the best solution anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan may be impacted by these factors
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. So hearing may last a lot longer for some individuals. Here are a number of considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- How often your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Actually, it may be more correct to say that the more times you turn the device on and off, the sooner it will wear out.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the correct amount of power you need and are extremely precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss gets worse, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly changing 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 including your phone or TV.
- Build quality: It can be pricey to purchase hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better care you take of it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing regular maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to understand that hearing aids are really personal things. In most cases, they are tuned specifically for your hearing and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. The best 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 maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aid will typically work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, call us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is best for you.