Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But just like any technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested occasionally to be sure your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is always improving and some hearing aids need replacing more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other options should your hearing change.
Your hearing aid longevity may be influenced by these factors
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Which means there are lots of individuals who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a few 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 you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be costly to purchase hearing aids. But, as 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.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Maybe, a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That type of hearing aid can be really precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
- Functionality: Technology is always advancing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can accomplish. 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 get them wet or drop them. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, give us a call to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is right for you.
