Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But it will periodically need to be updated or replaced just like all technology.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. But that’s not a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested occasionally to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. Technology is always improving and some hearing aids need replacing more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.
There are other things that will affect the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. So hearing might last much longer for some individuals. How long your hearing aids will last is based on quite a few considerations:
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very tiny, easy to conceal devices. That style of hearing aid can be really precisely calibrated and will have exactly the right amount of power you require. You may need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in many ways so it should last longer if you maintain it better. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing regular maintenance as the manufacturer recommends is something you should always do.
- Build quality: It can be costly to invest in hearing aids. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly advancing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you may need to invest in a new hearing aid.
How can you get longer life out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a really personal thing. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And this is a very achievable goal. The best thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to drop them or get them wet. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is important.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But eventually, you will have to decide. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids offer. So, give us a call to schedule an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is right for you.