How Long Should my Hearing Aids Last?

Audiologist fits a hearing aid on mature man ear while visit a hearing clinic.

Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s hard to be without it. After all, your hearing aids are important to connect with your world. But it will occasionally have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.

The typical lifespan of a hearing aid

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 solution for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with continually developing technology, some hearing aids will have to be replaced sooner than others.

There are other things that will influence the lifespan of your hearing aids

So, that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is based on a number of considerations:

  • How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need a new one sooner. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Maybe, a better way to say it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device on and off), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
  • Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that hide easily. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are extremely precisely fine-tuned. You may need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
  • Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to 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 keep your hearing aids clean and perform routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with constantly changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you may want to upgrade.
  • Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.

Can you make your hearing aids last longer?

We have to recognize that hearing aids are really personal things. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. They are also a considerable investment. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.

And this is a very achievable goal. 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 make sure you do all the required maintenance and cleaning.

Your hearing aid will typically 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 decision. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids offer features you will probably want. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so contact us right away for an assessment.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.