With proper care, hearing aids can last for a number of years, but their effectiveness depends on their alignment with your present level of hearing loss. Comparable to prescription glasses, hearing aids are personalized to support your specific auditory needs, necessitating regular reassessment. Assuming correct programming and fitting, here’s a guideline for their longevity.
Is there a lifespan for hearing aids?
Just like most commodities, hearing aids have a lifespan. Much like the perishability of milk or the longevity of canned goods, hearing aids also have a finite period of optimum performance. Even sophisticated electronics, like your state-of-the-art TV, will eventually warrant an upgrade. So it most likely won’t come as a surprise that hearing aids also have a lifespan.
Two to five years is a typical lifespan for contemporary hearing aids but as technology advances, you might want to upgrade sooner. Here are a few of the most prominent factors affecting the lifespan of your hearing aids:
- Maintenance: Not surprisingly, conscientious care directly correlates with extended lifespan. Functional longevity is greatly extended by regular maintenance and cleaning.
- Construction: Modern hearing aids have diverse materials, from silicon to metal to nano-coated plastics. While designed for durability, the type of materials could impact longevity, especially if you are prone to accidental drops.
- Batteries: Modern hearing aids almost always utilize rechargeable batteries now, but battery type can undoubtedly effect longevity.
- Type: Inside-the-ear and behind the ear are the two main types of hearing aids. Inside-the-ear models, exposed to the ear canal’s moisture and debris, generally last around five years, while behind-the-ear models last for around 6 to 7 years due to their enhanced protection against moisture and dirt.
Failure to regularly wear and maintain your hearing aids can have an impact on lifespan as estimated longevity is based on normal usage. Considering possible earwax build-up, routine cleanings and check-ups are crucial to optimum functionality and fit.
When to expect replacement
As time passes, you might notice a decline in hearing aid performance, letting you know that it’s time for replacement. However, certain situations may warrant an earlier upgrade:
- Technological advancements: You might consider an upgrade to a more current and sophisticated model that has recently been launched.
- Hearing changes: As hearing loss advances, recalibration becomes more and more necessary and it may become less expensive and time consuming to simply invest in a new pair.
- Lifestyle shifts: You may decide it’s time for an upgrade when you have a change of lifestyle and recognize that you require some new features.
When you consider the large amount of variables, it can be fairly hard to precisely predict when an upgrade will be needed. Still, a general guideline of 2 to 5 years offers a reliable reference frame.
Think it might be time for an upgrade? Schedule an appointment for a consultation with us right away.
