Once you adjust to wearing a hearing aid, it’s hard to be separated from it. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are crucial. But it will periodically need to be updated or replaced just like any technology.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you anticipate the average hearing aid to keep working? 3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. But that’s not a hard and fast rule, and you should have your hearing checked periodically to make certain your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Technology is continuously advancing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Factors That May Impact Your Hearing Aid Longevity
But that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Which means that there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last far longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Changes to your hearing: Those tiny, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who use hearing aids. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have exactly the amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Upkeep and regular care: 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 do regular maintenance and also clean your hearing aids.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- How frequently your hearing aids are used: To a certain degree, the more frequently you use your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a replacement. But modern hearing aids are manufactured 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 frequently, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are expensive. But you normally get what you pay for, like with so many things. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is constructed better.
- 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, sometimes you need that added complexity, and often, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability element. One thing that helps is that software improvements instead of hardware upgrades have been cleverly implemented for greater functionality in current day hearing aids.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In many cases, they are programmed specifically for your ears and may have custom molds. 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 prevailing goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. Caring for your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Don’t get them wet or drop them. And all the needed maintenance and cleaning are things you should not ignore.
Your hearing aids should last a good five years. Whether you can get more than that is, often, up to chance. But sometimes it’s up to you. Ultimately, you will probably want the new features offered by more modern hearing aids. So, in order to find out what hearing aid is the best one for you, schedule a hearing test right away.