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 go without it. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect with your world. But it will occasionally have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.

A hearing aid’s typical lifespan

A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. But that’s not 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 option for your lifestyle. Technology is constantly advancing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.

Your hearing aid longevity may be impacted by these factors

So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Meaning that there are lots of individuals who may see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a number of factors that will determine how long your hearing aid should last:

  • Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping pace with constantly advancing technology. You may want to upgrade your hearing aid if you want the clearest sound or if you want to connect with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
  • Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better care you take of it. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing regular maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
  • How often your hearing aids are used: The more you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Having said that, modern hearing aids are made to last. Maybe, a better way to put it is that the more often you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
  • Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you typically get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
  • Changes to your hearing: Most grownups go for those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. That type of hearing aid can be really precisely fine-tuned and will have exactly the right amount of power you need. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.

Can you make your hearing aids last longer?

It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your ears and will likely have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.

And it’s one you can accomplish. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the most useful thing you can do to make certain that your hearing aids last as long as possible. Try to keep them dry and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the recommended cleaning and maintenance is essential.

You’ll typically be able to get a good five years out of your hearing aid. You may or may not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to make a choice. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will probably want. We can help you discover the right hearing aid for you, so contact 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.