With proper care, hearing aids can last for several years, but their effectiveness depends on whether they’re programmed to your current level of hearing loss. Comparable to prescription glasses, hearing aids are personalized to accommodate your specific auditory requirements, requiring regular reassessment. Assuming correct programming and fitting, here’s a guide for their longevity.
Do hearing aids have a lifespan?
Hearing aids absolutely have a lifespan much like most things. Much like the perishability of milk or the longevity of canned goods, hearing aids also come with a limited period of optimal performance. Virtually all electronic devices will either stop working at an optimal level or become antiquated and upgraded with newer more advanced technology eventually. It’s not surprising, then, that hearing aids also function within a lifespan.
Two to five years is a typical lifespan for contemporary hearing aids but as technology accelerates, you may want to upgrade sooner. However, the longevity of your hearing aids is dependent on several factors:
- Batteries: While the majority of hearing aids use internal rechargeable batteries, the type of battery can impact overall longevity.
- Type: Inside-the-ear and behind the ear are the two main models of hearing aids. Behind-the -ear models will normally last 6 to 7 years as a result of the enhanced protection from moisture compared to inside-the-ear models which will typically last from 3 to 5 years.
- Maintenance: Not surprisingly, conscientious care directly correlates with prolonged lifespan. Regular cleaning and upkeep will significantly prolong functional longevity.
- Construction: Modern hearing aids have diverse materials, from silicon to metal to nano-coated plastics. If you are especially accident prone, materials that are on the more robust side would be a better option for longevity.
While the approximated lifespan is based on ordinary usage, neglecting to use or maintain your hearing aids might effect their efficiency. Considering possible earwax build-up, routine cleanings and check-ups are essential to optimum functionality and fit.
When to anticipate replacement
You may find that it’s time for a replacement when, over time, you begin to detect a decline in the performance of your hearing aid. However, certain situations might warrant an earlier upgrade:
- Technological advancements: Yearly innovations launch state-of-the-art features that can significantly improve hearing aid functionality, prompting consideration of newer models.
- Hearing changes: As hearing loss advances, reprogramming becomes more and more important and it might become less costly and time consuming to simply invest in a new set.
- Lifestyle shifts: Changing lifestyles might necessitate features like waterproofing or increased durability, prompting an upgrade to better suit your needs.
When you consider the large number of variables, it can be fairly hard to precisely predict when an upgrade will be required. But 2 to 5 years is usually a reliable guideline.
Think it might be time for an upgrade? Schedule an appointment for a consultation with us right away.