Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to go without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.
The average lifespan of a hearing aid
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing assessed occasionally to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other things that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. So hearing may last much longer for some individuals. Here are a few considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Functionality: Technology is always 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 including your phone or TV.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss gets worse, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and do regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. 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 may need to get a new hearing aid.
- Build quality: Purchasing hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, like with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most cases, they are tuned specifically for your hearing 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 it’s one you can achieve. The best thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But at some point, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, call us to schedule an appointment for a hearing exam right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is right for you.
