Once you adjust to using a hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are crucial to connect to your world. But it will periodically need to be updated or replaced just like all technology.
The Normal Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you anticipate the average hearing aid to last? 3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. So that you can be sure hearing aids are still your best choice, you should have your hearing examined regularly because there’s no hard and fast rule. Technology is continuously advancing and some hearing aids wear out more quickly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity Might be Impacted by These Factors
But that’s only the average life of a hearing aid. Which means there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last far longer. How long your hearing aids will last is influenced by a number of factors:
- Your Hearing Changes: Those tiny, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who wear hearing aids. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have precisely the amount of power you need. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Functionality: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you would like your hearing aids to sync up with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Upkeep and regular care: In many ways, a hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology: it will last longer if you take better care of it. That’s the reason why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance just as the manufacturer suggests.
- Build quality: Hearing aids are expensive. But, like so many things, you normally get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is built better.
- How often you wear your hearing aids: To a certain extent, the more frequently you use your hearing aid, the sooner you’ll need a new one. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long durations so that’s not always true. It’s really more valid to say that if you turn the power on and off a lot, you will have to replace your hearing aid sooner.
- 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. However, sometimes you need that additional complexity, and often, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability factor. One thing that helps is that software upgrades rather than hardware upgrades have been skillfully employed for better functionality in modern hearing aids.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They may have custom molds and in many cases are programmed especially for your ears. Also, they are a considerable investment. So it’s a common goal to get the most that you can from 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. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should not neglect.
You’ll normally be able to get around five years out of a hearing aid. It’s often up to chance whether you can get more than this. But sometimes it’s up to you. Inevitably, newer hearing aids offer features you will more than likely want. So, schedule a hearing exam right away to find out which hearing aid is best for you.