Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will occasionally have to be upgraded 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 get your hearing tested from time to time to be certain your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the ideal solution anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other factors that will impact the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. So hearing may last much longer for some individuals. Here are a few considerations that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Build quality: Purchasing hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in a lot of ways so it should last longer if you take better care of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing routine maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need a new one sooner. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for a long time. Perhaps, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
We have to understand that hearing aids are really personal things. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and programmed to your specific needs. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very achievable goal. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Obviously, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a decision. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will probably want. We can help you find the right hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an evaluation.
