It’s difficult to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or replaced just like any technology.
The Average Lifespan of a Hearing Aid
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?The average lifespan of a typical hearing aid is going to be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. So that you can make sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you need to have your hearing tested regularly because there’s no definitive rule. Technology is continuously changing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Factors That Might Influence Your Hearing Aid Longevity
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means hearing aids may last a lot longer for many individuals. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aids will last:
- How often your hearing aids are used: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long periods so that’s not always true. Maybe a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might have to replace your hearing aid.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are costly. But, like so many things, you usually get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- 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). Don’t get me wrong sometimes you need that added sophistication, and usually, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability element. Modern hearing aids have become very wise about introducing more functionality via software rather than hardware, which is helpful.
- Your Hearing Changes: Those tiny, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who wear hearing aids. Those devices tend to be 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.
- Maintenance and regular care: In many ways, a hearing aid is like any other piece of technology: the better you care for it, the longer it’ll last. That’s the reason why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance just as the manufacturer suggests.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync up with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In many cases, they are programmed specifically for your ears and might have custom molds. Also, they are a significant investment. So getting the most bang for your buck getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a common goal.
And it’s an achievable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to care for them. Getting them wet or dropping them are things you should never do if possible. And make sure you do all the necessary upkeep and cleaning.
Your hearing aids should last around five years. Whether you will be able to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, newer hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, schedule a hearing test today to find out which hearing aid is best for you.