Once you get used to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
The typical lifespan of a hearing aid
A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have regular hearing assessments to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best option for your hearing requirements, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best solution anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be replaced sooner than others.
There are other factors that will impact the longevity of your hearing aids
So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by a number of factors:
- Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit costly. 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 changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other types of technology in many ways so it should have a longer life if you take better care of it. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and carry out regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- How frequently your hearing aids are worn: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. But that isn’t always the case, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for a long time. Maybe, 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 need to get a new hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very tiny, easy to conceal devices. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. You may need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?
It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.
And it’s one you can achieve. The most practical thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if you can help it. And make sure you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.
Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But at some point, you will have to make a choice. You will most likely, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. We can help you find the best hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an evaluation.