Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. You will need to get routine hearing exams to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid may not be the best solution anymore and with continually improving technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced 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. Here are a number of factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. You might want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices like your phone or TV.
- Build quality: It can be expensive to purchase hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and carry out regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- 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 need and are very precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss worsens, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will need a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are built to last. Maybe, a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really individual thing. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.
And this is a very achievable goal. The best thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Your hearing aid will usually 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 provide. We can help you find the best hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an evaluation.