Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are key 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 Typical Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you anticipate the normal hearing aid to last? The normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid is going to be between 3 and 5 years. So that you can be sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you need to have your hearing tested periodically because there’s no hard and fast rule. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models age more rapidly than others and technology is continuously changing.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity May be Affected by These Variables
But that’s only the average life of a hearing aid. Which means hearing aids may last much longer for many people. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will to replace it sooner. But modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations so that’s not always true. It’s actually more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off frequently, you will need to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Maintenance and regular care: In many ways, a hearing aid is like any other piece of technology: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should always do routine maintenance and also clean your hearing aids.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly advancing technology. If you would like your hearing aids to sync up with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve probably gone with one of those very tiny, easy to hide devices. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have precisely the amount of power you need. So if your hearing gets worse (not ideal, obviously, but it does happen), you may need to change to a more powerful set of hearing aids.
- 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 sophistication, and usually, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability element. One thing that is helpful is that software improvements rather than hardware upgrades have been cleverly employed for greater functionality in current day hearing aids.
- Build quality: It’s costly to purchase hearing aids. But, as with most things in life, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is constructed better.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most instances, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and may have custom molds. Also, they are a considerable 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 one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Don’t get them wet or drop them. And make sure you do all the necessary maintenance and cleaning.
You’ll normally be able to get around five years from your hearing aid. It’s often up to chance whether you can make them last longer than this. But sometimes it’s up to you. Ultimately, modern hearing aids offer features you will most likely want. So, schedule a hearing test today to find out which hearing aid is the best one for you.