It’s difficult to be without your hearing aid once you get accustomed to using one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are crucial. But it will occasionally need to be upgraded or replaced just like any technology.
The Normal Lifespan of a Hearing Aid
So the typical hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the average lifespan of a typical hearing aid. But that’s not a strict rule, and you should have your hearing tested periodically to make certain your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Assuming your hearing doesn’t change, some models wear out more rapidly than others and technology is constantly changing.
Factors That Might Influence Your Hearing Aid Longevity
Because that’s just the average, right? 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 considerations:
- Capability: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly changing technology. 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 may want to upgrade.
- Your Hearing Changes: Those small, easy to hide devices are will usually the choice of adults who use hearing aids. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. You may need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
- Quality of Build: It’s expensive to purchase hearing aids. But you usually get what you pay for, as with most things. Your hearing aid will probably last longer if it is constructed better.
- Complexity of the hearing aid: The more complex your hearing aid is, the more variables you have to contend with (meaning there’s more that can go wrong). Don’t get me wrong sometimes you need that additional complexity, and often, it ends up being worth it. But added complex technology does present a breakability element. Advanced hearing aids have gotten quite clever about introducing more functionality using software instead of hardware, which does help.
- Regular care and upkeep: A hearing aid is like all other technology in many ways: 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 upkeep just as as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- How often your hearing aids are worn: So if you use your hearing aid more often, you will to replace it sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are meant to be used for long periods. 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 could have to replace your hearing aid.
Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In most cases, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and might have custom molds. Also, they are a significant investment. So it’s a common objective to get the most out of your hearing aid.
And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to be certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try not to drop them or get them wet. And make sure you do all the required maintenance and cleaning.
Your hearing aids should last a good five years. Whether you will be able to get more than that is, often, up to chance. But often times the ball’s in your court. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will most likely want. So, to determine which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing exam today.