With proper care, hearing aids can last for several years, but their performance depends on their alignment with your present level of hearing loss. Getting routine hearing assessments is key to making certain your hearing aids are programmed and fit properly. Here are a number of tips to help you get the most from your hearing aids.
Is there a lifespan for hearing aids?
Similar to most products, hearing aids have a lifespan. Much like the perishability of milk or the longevity of canned goods, hearing aids also have a limited period of optimal performance. Even sophisticated electronics, such as your state-of-the-art TV, will eventually warrant an upgrade. It’s not surprising, then, that hearing aids also operate within a lifespan.
Two to five years is a normal lifespan for contemporary hearing aids but as technology accelerates, you may want to upgrade sooner. Here are a number of the most prominent factors affecting the lifespan of your hearing aids:
- Maintenance: Obviously, you will get a longer lifespan from your hearing aid with diligent care. Regular cleaning and maintenance will substantially prolong functional longevity.
- Batteries: Modern hearing aids nearly always use rechargeable batteries now, but battery type can definitely impact longevity.
- Construction: Modern hearing aids are built from various materials, from nano-coated plastics, to metal to silicon. If you are particularly accident prone, materials that are on the more robust side would be a better choice for longevity.
- Type: Inside-the-ear and behind the ear are the two main models of hearing aids. Behind-the -ear models will usually last 6 to 7 years as a result of the increased protection from moisture compared to inside-the-ear models which will generally last from 3 to 5 years.
Failure to regularly wear and maintain your hearing aids can have an effect on lifespan as calculated longevity is based on typical usage. Professional check-ups and cleaning sessions are crucial to provide proper fit and functionality, especially considering possible wax build-up.
Anticipating when to replace your hearing aids
As time passes, you might notice a decline in hearing aid performance, signaling the need for replacement. Here are a few situations where you might need to upgrade sooner:
- Lifestyle shifts: Changing lifestyles might necessitate features like waterproofing or increased durability, prompting an upgrade to better suit your needs.
- Hearing changes: Substantial changes in hearing levels require recalibration for optimum results, prompting consideration of a new pair of hearing aids.
- Technological advancements: You might consider an upgrade to a more current and advanced model that has recently been launched.
When you consider the large amount of variables, it can be relatively difficult to exactly predict when an upgrade will be needed. But 2 to 5 years is generally a reliable guideline.
Wondering if you could use a hearing aid upgrade? Schedule an appointment for a consultation with us right away.