With correct care, hearing aids can last for several years, but their effectiveness depends on their alignment with your current level of hearing loss. Comparable to prescription glasses, hearing aids are customized to support your specific auditory requirements, requiring regular reassessment. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your hearing aids.
Is there a lifespan for hearing aids?
Just like most commodities, hearing aids have a lifespan. Much like the perishability of milk or the longevity of canned goods, hearing aids also have a limited period of optimum functionality. Virtually all electronic devices will either stop working at an optimal level or become antiquated and replaced with newer more advanced technology eventually. It’s no surprise, then, that hearing aids also function within a lifespan.
Two to five years is a standard lifespan for modern hearing aids but as technology advances, you may want to update sooner. Here are some of the most notable factors affecting the lifespan of your hearing aids:
- Type: Hearing aids come in two main forms: inside-the-ear and behind-the-ear. Behind-the -ear models will usually last 6 to 7 years as a result of the increased protection from moisture in comparison to inside-the-ear models which will typically last from 3 to 5 years.
- Construction: Contemporary hearing aids are constructed from diverse materials, from nano-coated plastics, to metal to silicon. While manufactured for durability, the choice of materials may impact longevity, especially if you’re prone to accidental drops.
- Batteries: While most hearing aids use internal rechargeable batteries, the type of battery can influence all-around longevity.
- Maintenance: Not surprisingly, diligent care directly correlates with increased lifespan. Regular cleaning and upkeep will substantially prolong functional longevity.
While the approximated lifespan is based on ordinary usage, neglecting to use or maintain your hearing aids may effect their effectiveness. Considering possible earwax build-up, regular cleanings and check-ups are crucial to optimal functionality and fit.
Anticipating when to replace your hearing aids
As time passes, you might detect a decline in hearing aid performance, signaling the need for replacement. However, certain situations may justify an earlier upgrade:
- Lifestyle shifts: Evolving lifestyles might demand features like waterproofing or increased durability, prompting an upgrade to better suit your needs.
- Technological advancements: You may consider an upgrade to a more current and advanced model that has recently been released.
- Hearing changes: As hearing loss advances, reprogramming becomes more and more necessary and it may become less expensive and time consuming to simply get a new set.
When you consider the large amount of variables, it can be relatively hard to exactly predict when an upgrade will be needed. But 2 to 5 years is generally a reliable guideline.
Wondering if your hearing aids could use an upgrade? Schedule an appointment for a consultation with us right away.
