Once you get used to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be separated from it. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect to your world. But just as any technology you use on a daily basis, it will periodically need to be replaced or updated.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you expect the average hearing aid to keep working? The normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid will be between 3 and 5 years. So that you can make sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you should have your hearing checked periodically because there’s no definitive rule. Technology is continuously changing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity Might be Impacted by These Variables
But that’s only the average life of a hearing aid. Which means that hearing aids could last a lot longer for many individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of considerations:
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly changing technology. If you would like your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- How often your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. But that’s not always true, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. It’s really more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off a lot, you will need to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Upkeep and regular care: In a variety of ways, a hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology: the better you care for it, the longer it’ll last. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and do regular maintenance just as the manufacturer suggests.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are costly. But you usually get what you pay for, like with so many things. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid is likely to last.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve likely decided on one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). Don’t get me wrong sometimes you need that additional complexity, and often, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability factor. Advanced hearing aids have become very clever about presenting more functionality using software rather than hardware, which is helpful.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most cases, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and might have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most out of your hearing aid.
And it’s an achievable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make certain your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And be sure to do all the required maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aids should last a good five years. Whether it’s possible to get more than that is, often, up to chance. But sometimes it’s up to you. Inevitably, you will probably want the new features provided by more modern hearing aids. So, schedule a hearing exam today to find out which hearing aid is the best one for you.