Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. 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 isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing assessed periodically to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid may not be the ideal solution anymore and with constantly developing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other things that will impact the lifespan of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is based on quite a few considerations:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve most likely decided on one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that isn’t always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and carry out routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping pace 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.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Of course, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is essential.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. We can help you determine the best hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an assessment.