Once you get used to using a hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are key to connect to your world. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
The Typical Lifespan of a Hearing Aid
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?The average lifespan of a typical hearing aid is going to be between 3 and 5 years. But that’s not a strict rule, and you should have your hearing checked periodically to be certain your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more quickly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity May be Influenced by These Variables
But that’s only the average life of a hearing aid. Which means there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of factors that will define how long your hearing aids will last:
- Complexity of the hearing aid: A lot more can go wrong with your hearing aid if it’s more complex because there are more variables to contend with. Don’t get me wrong sometimes you need that added complexity, and often, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability factor. One thing that helps is that software upgrades rather than hardware upgrades have been skillfully implemented for greater functionality in modern hearing aids.
- Build quality: Hearing aids are costly. But, like so many things, you commonly get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid is likely to last.
- Maintenance and regular care: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should always do routine maintenance and also clean your hearing aids.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you would like your hearing aids to sync up with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- How frequently 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 meant to be used for long periods. 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.
- Your Hearing Changes: Those little, easy to hide devices are often the choice of adults who use hearing aids. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have precisely the amount of power you require. So if your hearing becomes worse (not ideal, obviously, but it does happen), you might need to change to a more powerful set of hearing aids.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They might have custom molds and in many cases are programmed especially for your ears. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most bang for your buck getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a prevailing goal.
And it’s an achievable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Don’t get them wet or drop them. And be sure to do all the necessary upkeep and cleaning.
You’ll usually be able to get around five years out of a hearing aid. Whether it’s possible to get more than that is, often, up to chance. But sometimes it’s up to you. Inevitably, newer hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, schedule a hearing test today to find out which hearing aid is best for you.