It’s hard to be without your hearing aid once you get used to wearing one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are crucial. But just as any technology you use every day, it will periodically need to be replaced or upgraded.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you expect the normal hearing aid to keep working? The normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid is going to be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. In order to be sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you should have your hearing tested periodically because there’s no hard and fast rule. Technology is continuously 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 Variables
Because that’s just the average, right? Which means that there are plenty of people who may have their hearing aids last far longer. Here are a few factors that will determine how long your hearing aids will last:
- Build quality: It’s expensive to purchase hearing aids. But you normally get what you pay for, as with most things. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is built better.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to have the best sound, you might want to upgrade. This will also allow you to sync your device to your television, smartphone and other devices.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely 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. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: 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 sophistication, and often, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability factor. Advanced hearing aids have gotten very wise about presenting more functionality via software rather than hardware, which does help.
- Regular care and maintenance: 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 perform regular upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: To a certain extent, the more frequently you use your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a new one. But modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations so that’s not always the case. It’s really more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off a lot, you will need to replace your hearing aid sooner.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They might have custom molds and in many cases are programmed specifically for your ears. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most value for your money getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a common goal.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Really, the best thing you can do to make certain your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Try not to get them wet or drop them. And all the needed maintenance and cleaning are things you should never neglect.
Your hearing aids should last around five years. Whether you will be able to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will more than likely want. So, in order to find out which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing exam right away.