How Soon do Hearing Aids Need to be Upgraded?

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

Once you get accustomed to your hearing aid, it’s difficult to be without it. Your hearing aids are, after all, your link to the world around you. But just like all technology, though, it will have to be upgraded eventually.

A hearing aid’s typical lifespan

From 3 to 7 years will be the normal lifespan of a hearing aid. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing assessed periodically to be sure your hearing aid is still the best solution for your lifestyle. Technology is continuously progressing and some hearing aids wear out sooner than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.

Your hearing aid lifespan might be impacted by these factors

So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are plenty of people who may see their hearing aids last much longer. Here are a few factors that will establish how long your hearing aid should last:

  • Proper care & maintenance: Like any piece of technology, it will last longer the better you care for it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing frequent maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
  • Changes to your hearing: Most grownups pick out those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the correct amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. You might need to upgrade to a more powerful device if your hearing worsens.
  • How frequently your hearing aids are worn: The more often you wear your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are intended to be used for long durations. Actually, it might be more correct to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
  • Build quality: It can be expensive to buy hearing aids. But, like with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
  • Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly advancing 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.

How can you get the most out of your hearing aid?

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

And this is a very attainable 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 be certain you do all the recommended maintenance and cleaning.

Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. Whether you’re able to get more than that is, mostly, up to chance. But at some point, you will have to make a choice. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. We can help you discover the best hearing aid for you, so call us right away for an evaluation.

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.