It’s tough to be apart from your hearing aid once you get used to having one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will periodically need to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
From 3 to 7 years will be the typical lifespan of a hearing aid. But that’s not 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 best option anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other factors that will affect the longevity of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have a “typical” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are lots of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few considerations:
- Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Perhaps, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing worsens.
- Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid will last.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and do routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really personal thing. Usually, they will be specifically molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your specific requirements. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very attainable 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. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, give us a call to schedule an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is right for you.