How Long Will My Hearing Aids Last?

Man wearing hearing aids while biking.

It’s hard to be without your hearing aid once you get used to wearing one. Let’s face it, if you want to stay connected to the world, your hearing aids are essential. But just like any technology you use every day, it will periodically need to be replaced or updated.

The Typical Hearing Aid Lifespan

So the normal hearing aid will last how long?3 to 5 years will be the normal lifespan of a typical hearing aid. So that you can be certain hearing aids are still your best option, you should have your hearing tested periodically 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 May be Affected by These Factors

But that’s just the average life of a hearing aid. Which means that hearing aids could last a lot longer for many individuals. Here are a few factors that will define how long your hearing aids will last:

  • The Hearing Aid’s Complexity: A lot more can go wrong with your hearing aid if it’s more complex because there are more variables to contend with. However, you might need that added complexity, and often, it ends up being worth it. But additional complex technology does present a breakability element. One thing that is helpful is that software upgrades instead of hardware upgrades have been cleverly employed for greater functionality in modern hearing aids.
  • Quality of Build: Hearing aids are costly. But, as with most things in life, you commonly get what you pay for. Your hearing aid is likely to last longer if it is built better.
  • Capability: Hearing aids have been changing along with constantly advancing 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 might want to upgrade.
  • Frequent care and maintenance: In many ways, a hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology: it will last longer if you take better care of it. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should always do regular maintenance and also clean your hearing aids.
  • Your Hearing Changes: If you’re an adult and you have a hearing aid, you’ve most likely gone with one of those little, easy to hide devices. Those devices tend to be very precisely calibrated and they have exactly the amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful hearing aid if your hearing gets worse.
  • How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need a new one sooner. But modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations so that’s not always the case. 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.

Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer

We need to recognize that hearing aids are pretty personal things. In many instances, they are programmed exclusively for your ears and may have custom molds. They are also 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 accomplish. 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 be sure to do all the required upkeep and cleaning.

Your hearing aids should last around five years. It’s generally up to chance whether you can make them last longer than this. But sometimes the ball’s in your court. Inevitably, you will likely want the new features provided by more modern hearing aids. So, to find out which hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing test right away.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.