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 just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s average lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the average lifespan of a hearing aid. You will need to get regular hearing assessments to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid may not be the ideal option anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.
Your hearing aid lifespan may be affected by these factors
So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few considerations that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. 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: Like any piece of technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing frequent maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are built to last. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That type of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing worsens.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with continuously advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really individual thing. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Obviously, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
You’ll typically be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. We can help you discover the best hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an evaluation.