With proper care, hearing aids can last for a number of years, but their effectiveness depends on their alignment with your current level of hearing loss. Comparable to prescription glasses, hearing aids are personalized to accommodate your specific auditory needs, necessitating regular reassessment. Assuming correct programming and fitting, here’s a guideline for their longevity.
Do hearing aids have a lifespan?
Similar to most products, hearing aids have a lifespan. Hearing aids will have a time frame of optimum efficiency much like any device will. 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.
Normally, hearing aids last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, although technological advancements might prompt earlier upgrades. However, the lifespan of your hearing aids hinges on a few factors:
- Construction: Modern hearing aids are constructed from diverse materials, from nano-coated plastics, to metal to silicon. While manufactured for durability, the type of materials could impact longevity, particularly if you’re prone to accidental drops.
- Batteries: Modern hearing aids almost always use rechargeable batteries now, but battery type can undoubtedly effect longevity.
- Maintenance: Needless to say, you will get a longer lifespan from your hearing aid with conscientious care. Regular cleaning and upkeep will significantly prolong functional longevity.
- Type: Inside-the-ear and behind the ear are the two main models of hearing aids. Inside-the-ear models, exposed to the ear canal’s sweat and debris, typically last around five years, while behind-the-ear models endure for about 6 to 7 years as a result of their enhanced protection against moisture and dirt.
Failure to routinely wear and maintain your hearing aids can have an effect on lifespan as calculated longevity is based on typical usage. Considering possible earwax build-up, regular cleanings and check-ups are crucial to optimal functionality and fit.
When to anticipate replacement
You may find that it’s time for an upgraded when, over time, you start to detect a decrease in the performance of your hearing aid. 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: As hearing loss progresses, recalibration becomes more and more necessary and it might become less expensive and time consuming to simply get a new pair.
- Technological advancements: You might consider an upgrade to a more current and sophisticated model that has recently been launched.
When you consider the large amount of variables, it can be relatively hard to exactly predict when an upgrade will be required. Still, a general guideline of 2 to 5 years provides a reliable reference point.
Think it may be time for an upgrade? Call us today to make an appointment.