Once you get used to using a hearing aid, it’s hard to be separated from it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or replaced just like any technology.
The Average Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?The average lifespan of a typical hearing aid will be between 3 and 5 years. In order to be sure hearing aids are still your best option, you should have your hearing tested regularly because there’s no hard and fast rule. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity May be Influenced by These Factors
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means that there are plenty of people who might have their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is influenced by a number of considerations:
- Upkeep and regular care: In many ways, a hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology: the better you care for it, the longer it’ll last. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, you should always do regular maintenance and also clean your hearing aids.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are expensive. But, as with most things in life, you normally get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is constructed better.
- Your Hearing Changes: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably gone with 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.
- Functionality: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been keeping up. If you would like your hearing aids to sync with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the best sound, you might want to upgrade.
- How frequently you wear your hearing aids: To a certain degree, the more often you wear your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a new one. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for long durations. It’s actually more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off a lot, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- 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. However, sometimes you need that added complexity, and often, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability factor. Modern hearing aids have gotten quite clever about presenting more functionality via software rather than hardware, which is helpful.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They may have custom molds and in many cases are programmed specifically for your ears. Also, they are a considerable investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
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 care for them. Dropping them or getting them wet are things you should not do if possible. And be sure to do all the necessary upkeep and cleaning.
You’ll usually be able to get a good five years out of a hearing aid. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But there comes a time when you have to make a decision. Ultimately, more modern hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. So, to determine what hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing test right away.
