It’s tough to be separated from your hearing aid once you get accustomed to having one. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect to your world. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
The normal lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested periodically to be certain your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid might not be the ideal solution anymore and with continually advancing technology, some hearing aids will have to be upgraded sooner than others.
There are other things that will affect the lifespan of your hearing aids
So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Meaning that there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those very small, easy to hide devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you need and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- Build quality: It can be expensive to invest in hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has more robust construction.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct routine maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will need a new one sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for a long time. Perhaps, a better way to put it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. Usually, they will be custom molded to the shape of your ears and tuned to your particular needs. They are also a considerable investment. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the common goal.
And this is a very achievable 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 they can. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will usually 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. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so give us a call right away for an assessment.
