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 difficult to be separated from your hearing aid after you get accustomed to having one. After all, your hearing aids are essential to connect with your world. But it will periodically have to be updated or replaced just like all technology.

The typical lifespan of a hearing aid

A hearing aid will usually last 3 to 7 years. But that isn’t a set in stone rule, and you’ll need to get your hearing tested from time to time to be sure your hearing aid is still the best option for your lifestyle. As your hearing changes, your latest hearing aid might not be the best option anymore and with constantly improving technology, some hearing aids will need to be replaced sooner than others.

Your hearing aid lifespan might be affected by these factors

So, that’s just the typical life of a hearing aid. Which means there are plenty of people who might see their hearing aids last much longer. How long your hearing aids will last is determined by quite a few considerations:

  • Proper care & maintenance: A hearing aid is like most other pieces of technology in many ways so it should have a longer life if you maintain it better. So, keeping your hearing aid clean and doing frequent maintenance according to the manufacturer’s advice is something you should always do.
  • Build quality: Buying hearing aids can be a bit pricey. But, you usually get what you pay for, like with most things in life. The more robust the construction quality, the longer your hearing aid should last.
  • Functionality: Technology is always changing and hearing aids are keeping pace with those changes. If you want your hearing aids to sync with your smartphone, TV, or other devices, or to just have the sharpest sound, you may want to upgrade.
  • Changes to your hearing: If you’re an adult and you wear a hearing aid, you’ve most likely selected one of those very small, easy to conceal devices. Those devices have the right amount of power you require and are very precisely fine-tuned. If your hearing loss worsens, you might need to upgrade to a more powerful model.
  • How frequently your hearing aids are used: So if you wear your hearing aid more often, you will need a new one sooner. But that isn’t always the case, modern hearing aids are made to be used for long durations. Actually, it may be more correct to say that the more times you turn the device on and off, the sooner it will wear out.

Can you make your hearing aids last longer?

It’s important to note that hearing aids are a very personal thing. In most situations, they are tuned specifically for your hearing and will likely have custom molds. They are also a significant investment. So getting the most you can from your hearing aids is the common goal.

And it’s one you can achieve. The best thing you can do if you want your hearing aid to last is take good care of it. Try not to let them get wet and don’t drop them if possible. And be certain you do all the required cleaning and maintenance.

You’ll typically be able to get a good five years from your hearing aid. You might or might not get more than that. But ultimately, you will have to decide. Inevitably, more modern hearing aids provide features you will probably want. So, contact us to schedule an appointment for a hearing test right away. We’ll help you figure out which hearing aid is right 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.

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    Dr. Laura Padham, Audiologist

    Ocean Gate, NJ

    143 W Barnegat Avenue
    Ocean Gate, NJ 08740

    Mobile Services in:Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Essex, Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Atlantic, Mercer, and Burlington Counties.

    Call or Text: 848-266-5119

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