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 to your world. But it will occasionally have to be updated or replaced just like all technology.

The average lifespan of a hearing aid

A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have regular hearing exams to make sure your current hearing aid is still the best solution for your hearing needs, and the 3 to 7 year lifespan isn’t etched in stone. As your hearing changes, your current hearing aid may not be the ideal solution anymore and with constantly advancing technology, some hearing aids will need to be upgraded sooner than others.

Your hearing aid longevity may be impacted by these factors

So hearing aids have an “average” lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are plenty of individuals who may see their hearing aids last a lot longer. Here are a number of considerations that will establish 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 sync with you your smart-devices including your phone or TV.
  • Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with anything in life. Your hearing aid will last longer if it has better construction.
  • Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve probably selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. That style of hearing aid can be very precisely calibrated and will have just the right amount of power you require. You might need to switch to a more powerful device if your hearing gets worse.
  • How often your hearing aids are worn: The more often you use your hearing aids, the sooner they will have to be replaced. But that’s not always the situation, modern hearing aids are made to be used for a long time. Maybe, a better way to say it is that the more frequently you cycle power settings (turn the device off and on), the sooner you might need to get a new hearing aid.
  • Proper care & maintenance: Like most technology, it will have a longer life the better you care for it. So, cleaning your hearing aid and doing routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.

Can you make your hearing aids last longer?

It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a really personal thing. In most cases, they are programmed specifically for your hearing and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also considerable. So it’s a prevailing goal to get the most that you can from your hearing aid.

And it’s one you can achieve. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best 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 you can help it. And be certain you do all the recommended cleaning and maintenance.

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 sooner or later, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will probably want. So, contact us to schedule an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you determine which hearing aid is best for you.

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.