It’s difficult to be separated from your hearing aid once you get used to having one. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect to your world. But just like any technology you use on a daily basis, it will occasionally need to be replaced or upgraded.
The Typical Lifespan of a Hearing Aid
So how long can you anticipate the typical hearing aid to keep working? 3 to 5 years will be the average lifespan of a typical hearing aid. But that’s not a strict rule, and you need to have your hearing examined regularly to be certain your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity Might be Affected by These Factors
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means that hearing aids might last a lot longer for many individuals. Here are a number of factors that will define how long your hearing aids will last:
- The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: A lot more can go wrong with your hearing aid if it’s more complex because there are more variables to contend with. Don’t get me wrong you might need that additional sophistication, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability factor. Modern hearing aids have become very clever about introducing more functionality via software instead of hardware, which does help.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to have the best sound, you might want to upgrade. This will also allow you to sync your device to your television, smartphone and other devices.
- Frequent care and upkeep: 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 perform regular upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How often you use your hearing aids: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. But modern hearing aids are made to be used for long periods so that’s not always the case. 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 could need to replace your hearing aid.
- Your Hearing Changes: Those small, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who wear hearing aids. Those devices have the exact amount of power you need 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.
- Build quality: Hearing aids are expensive. But you usually get what you pay for, as with most things. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is built better.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most cases, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and might have custom molds. Also, they are a considerable investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most out of your hearing aid.
And it’s an achievable one. 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 required upkeep and cleaning are things you should never ignore.
Your hearing aids should last a good five years. Whether you will be able to get more than that is, often, up to chance. But often times the ball’s in your court. Ultimately, newer hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. So, schedule a hearing test right away to find out which hearing aid is best for you.