How Soon do Hearing Aids Need to be Upgraded?

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

It’s hard to be apart from your hearing aid once you get used to using one. Your hearing aids are, after all, your connection to the world around you. But it will periodically have to be updated or swapped out just like all technology.

A hearing aid’s average lifespan

A hearing aid will normally last 3 to 7 years. You will need to have routine hearing assessments to be certain 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. Technology is continuously progressing and some hearing aids wear out more rapidly than others so it’s good to be open to other solutions should your hearing change.

There are other factors that will influence the longevity of your hearing aids

So hearing aids have an “average” longevity of 3 to 7 years. Which means there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last a lot longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few factors:

  • Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is similar to most other types of technology in a lot of ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. That’s why you should always keep your hearing aids clean and carry out regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Functionality: Hearing aids have been keeping up with continuously changing technology. If you want your hearing aids to connect with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you might want to upgrade.
  • Build quality: Investing in hearing aids can be a bit costly. But, as with most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. Your hearing aid will be longer lasting if it has better construction.
  • How often your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more frequently, you will need to get a new one sooner. That said, modern hearing aids are made to last. Actually, it might be more precise to say that the more times you turn on and off the device, the sooner it will wear out.
  • Changes to your hearing: Most adults pick out those really small hearing aids that conceal easily. Those devices have the right amount of power you need and are extremely precisely calibrated. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.

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

It’s significant to note that hearing aids are a very individual thing. In most circumstances, they are tuned specifically for your ears and will usually have custom molds. The investment is also substantial. So getting the most you can out of your hearing aids is the prevalent goal.

And it’s one you can achieve. Taking good care of your hearing aids is the best thing you can do to be sure that your hearing aids last as long as they can. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. Of course, doing the required cleaning and maintenance is important.

Your hearing aid will normally work well for at least five years. Whether you can get more than that is, generally, up to chance. But sooner or later, you will have to decide. You will probably, inevitably, want some of the features that modern hearing aids provide. So, call us to make 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.