It’s tough to be apart from your hearing aid after you get used to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will need to be upgraded eventually.
A hearing aid’s typical lifespan
A hearing aid will typically last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to have your hearing tested from time to time to be certain your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with continually improving technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.
There are other factors that will influence 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 quite a few considerations:
- Build quality: It can be costly to purchase hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. The better the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re a grownup and you use a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very small, easy to hide devices. That style of hearing aid can be really precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
- Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces 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 clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- How often your hearing aids are used: The more you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Actually, it may be more precise to say that the more times you turn the device on and off, the sooner it will need replacing.
- Functionality: Technology is constantly advancing and hearing aids are keeping up with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
Can you make your hearing aids last longer?
We have to recognize that hearing aids are rather personal things. In most circumstances, they are programmed specifically for your ears 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 it’s one you can accomplish. The most practical 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. And be certain you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aid will usually work well for at least five years. You might or might not get more than that. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. So, contact us to make an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you find out which hearing aid is right for you.