It’s difficult to be without your hearing aid once you get used to having one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are essential. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or replaced just like any technology.
The Average Hearing Aid Lifespan
So how long can you anticipate the typical hearing aid to last? 3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. So that you can make certain hearing aids are still your best choice, you need to have your hearing checked regularly because there’s no hard and fast rule. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more rapidly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Your Hearing Aid Longevity Might be Affected by These Variables
Because that’s only the average, right? Which means hearing aids could last much longer for many people. How long your hearing aids will last is influenced by a number of factors:
- The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). However, you might need that added sophistication, and usually, it ends up being worth it. But added complex technology does present a breakability factor. One thing that is helpful is that software upgrades rather than hardware upgrades have been skillfully employed for greater functionality in current day hearing aids.
- Functionality: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been changing too. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your television, smartphone, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you might want to upgrade.
- Upkeep and regular care: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in a lot of ways: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, you should always do routine upkeep and also clean your hearing aids.
- How frequently you use your hearing aids: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will to replace it sooner. But modern hearing aids are designed to be used for long durations so that’s not always true. 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 may have to replace your hearing aid.
- Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve probably decided on one of those little, easy to hide devices. Those devices are usually very precisely calibrated and they have precisely the amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Quality of Build: Hearing aids are expensive. But you normally get what you pay for, like with so many things. The better the build quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
Can You Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer?
We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In many instances, they are programmed specifically for your ears and might have custom molds. Also, they are a significant investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can achieve. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Don’t drop them or get them wet. And all the required upkeep and cleaning are things you should never ignore.
Your hearing aids should last a good five years. It’s generally up to chance whether you can get more than this. But sometimes the ball’s in your court. Ultimately, modern hearing aids provide features you will more than likely want. So, schedule an appointment for a hearing test right away to find out which hearing aid is the best one for you.