Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But just like any technology you use daily, it will periodically need to be replaced or updated.
The Average Hearing Aid Lifespan
So the average hearing aid will last how long?The normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid will be between 3 and 5 years. But that’s not a strict rule, and you need to have your hearing tested regularly to make sure your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more quickly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity May be Impacted by These Variables
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means hearing aids might last much longer for many individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of considerations:
- Upkeep and regular care: In a variety of 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 routine upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How often your hearing aids are used: To a certain extent, the more often you wear your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need to replace it. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long periods so that’s not always true. Perhaps a better way to say it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may have to replace your hearing aid.
- Capability: Technology is constantly changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those little, easy to hide devices. Those devices tend to be very precisely calibrated and they have precisely the amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Complexity of the hearing aid: 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 additional complexity, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But added complex technology does present a breakability element. One thing that helps is that software improvements instead of hardware upgrades have been skillfully employed for better functionality in current day hearing aids.
- Build quality: Hearing aids are costly. But, as with most things in life, you commonly get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is constructed 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 significant investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most out of your hearing aid.
And it’s an achievable one. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Getting them wet or dropping them are things you should not do if possible. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should never neglect.
You’ll usually be able to get around five years from your hearing aid. Whether it’s possible to get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, modern hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. So, schedule a hearing exam right away to find out which hearing aid is best for you.