Once you get used to using a hearing aid, it’s difficult to be separated from it. After all, your hearing aids are key to connect to your world. But just like any technology you use every day, it will occasionally need to be replaced or upgraded.

The Average Lifespan of a Hearing Aid

So the normal 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 hard and fast rule, and you should have your hearing tested regularly to be sure your hearing aid is still the best choice for you. Technology is continuously advancing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others, assuming your hearing doesn’t change.

Variables That May Affect Your Hearing Aid Longevity

Because that’s only the average, right? Which means that hearing aids could last a lot longer for many people. Here are a number of factors that will define how long your hearing aids will last:

• Frequent care and maintenance: In many ways, a hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology: the better you care for it, the longer it will last. That’s why you should always clean your hearing aids and conduct regular maintenance just as the manufacturer suggests.
• Capability: Technology is continuously changing, and hearing aids have been keeping up. If you would like your hearing aids to sync up with your smartphone, television, or other devices, or to just have the clearest sound, you may want to upgrade.
• 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). However, sometimes you need that additional sophistication, and often, it winds up being worth it. But additional complex technology does introduce a breakability element. Advanced hearing aids have gotten quite wise about presenting more functionality using software instead of hardware, which is helpful.
• Build quality: Hearing aids are costly. But, like so many things, you normally get what you pay for. The better the build quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
• How often you wear your hearing aids: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will to replace it sooner. But that’s not always the case, modern hearing aids are intended 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 might have to replace your hearing aid.
• Changes to your hearing: Those tiny, easy to hide devices are often the choice of adults who use hearing aids. Those devices have the exact amount of power you require and are very precisely calibrated. So if your hearing gets worse (not ideal, obviously, but it does happen), you may need to change to a more powerful set of hearing aids.

Making Your Hearing Aids Last Longer

We have to acknowledge that hearing aids are pretty personal things. They might have custom molds and in many cases are programmed specifically for you. Also, they are a considerable investment. So getting the most bang for your buck getting your hearing aid to last as long as possible is a common goal.

And it’s an attainable one. Really, the best thing you can do to make sure your hearing aids last as long as possible is to take care of them. Try not to get them wet or drop them. And all the needed upkeep and cleaning are things you should not neglect.

You’ll usually be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. It’s often up to chance whether you can get more than this. But often times it’s up to you. Inevitably, you will likely want the new features provided by modern hearing aids. So, to find out what hearing aid is best for you, schedule a hearing test right away.