Once you get used to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But it will periodically need to be updated or replaced just like all technology.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the average hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. So that you can be certain hearing aids are still your best choice, you should have your hearing examined regularly because there’s no hard and fast rule. Technology is continuously changing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Variables That May Affect Your Hearing Aid Longevity
But that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Which means there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Your Hearing Changes: Those small, easy to hide devices are often the choice of adults who wear hearing aids. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. 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.
- Regular care and upkeep: A hearing aid is like all other technology in many ways: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should always do routine upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How frequently you use your hearing aids: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. But that’s not always true, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long periods. It’s really more accurate to say that if you turn the power on and off frequently, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Complexity of the hearing aid: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). Don’t get me wrong you might need that additional sophistication, and often, it winds up being worth it. But added complex technology does present a breakability element. One thing that is helpful is that software upgrades instead of hardware upgrades have been cleverly employed for greater functionality in current day hearing aids.
- Quality of Build: It’s costly to buy hearing aids. But, like so many things, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is constructed better.
- Capability: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been keeping up. If you want your hearing aids to have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade. This will also permit you to sync your device to your smartphone, television and other devices.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They may have custom molds and in many cases are programmed especially for your ears. Also, they are 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 achieve. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And be sure to do all the required upkeep and cleaning.
You’ll usually be able to get around five years from your hearing aid. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But sometimes the ball’s in your court. Ultimately, you will probably want the new features provided by more modern hearing aids. So, to find out which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing exam right away.