Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be separated from it. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect to your world. But it will periodically need to be upgraded or replaced just like all technology.
The Average Lifespan of a Hearing Aid
So the average hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the average lifespan of a typical hearing aid. So that you can be certain hearing aids are still your best option, you should have your hearing tested regularly because there’s no hard and fast rule. 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 Influenced by These Variables
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means hearing aids may last much longer for many people. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve likely decided on one of those little, easy to hide devices. 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 may need to change to a more powerful set of hearing aids.
- How often you wear your hearing aids: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will to replace it sooner. But that’s not always true, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for long durations. 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 could have to replace your hearing aid.
- Complexity of the hearing aid: 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 sometimes you need that added sophistication, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability factor. Modern hearing aids have become very clever about introducing more functionality using software instead of hardware, which is helpful.
- Capability: Technology is constantly changing, and hearing aids have been keeping up. If you want your hearing aids to have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade. This will also allow you to sync your device to your smartphone, television and other devices.
- Upkeep and regular care: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways: 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 upkeep just as as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Build quality: It’s costly to buy hearing aids. But, like so many things, you usually get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is built better.
Can You Make 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 may have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most out of your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to care for them. Dropping them or getting them wet are things you should not do if possible. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should not neglect.
Your hearing aids should last around five years. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But often times it’s up to you. Ultimately, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, in order to find out which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing exam right away.
