It’s difficult to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are key. But just as any technology you use daily, it will periodically need to be replaced or updated.
The Typical Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?The normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid will be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. So that you can be sure hearing aids are still your best option, you need to have your hearing tested periodically because there’s no definitive rule. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more quickly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity May be Impacted by These Variables
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means that hearing aids might last a lot longer for many people. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aids will last:
- Your Hearing Changes: Those tiny, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who use 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 might need to change to a more powerful set of hearing aids.
- Functionality: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are expensive. But, like so many things, you commonly get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is built better.
- Upkeep and regular care: A hearing aid is like all other technology in many ways: the better you care for it, the longer it’ll last. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance just as as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). However, you might need that added complexity, and usually, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability factor. One thing that is helpful is that software upgrades instead of hardware upgrades have been skillfully implemented for better functionality in current day hearing aids.
- How often your hearing aids are used: To a certain degree, the more often you wear your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need to replace it. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long durations so that’s not always the case. It’s actually more accurate 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 may have custom molds and in many cases are programmed especially for your ears. They are also a significant investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s an achievable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make certain your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Getting them wet or dropping them are things you should not do if possible. And all the required upkeep and cleaning are things you should not neglect.
Your hearing aids should last around five years. It’s generally up to chance whether you can get more than this. 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 determine what hearing aid is the best one for you, schedule a hearing test right away.