Physically, you will usually get several years out of your hearing aids, but as your degree of hearing loss changes, your hearing aids may need an upgrade. Comparable to prescription glasses, hearing aids are customized to accommodate your specific auditory requirements, requiring regular reassessment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your hearing aids.
Is there a lifespan for hearing aids?
Just like 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 optimum performance. Pretty much all electronic devices will either stop working at an optimal level or become antiquated and upgraded with newer more advanced technology eventually. So it probably won’t come as a surprise that hearing aids also have a lifespan.
Typically, hearing aids last anywhere from 2 to 5 years, although technological advancements may encourage earlier upgrades. Here are a few of the most prominent factors influencing the lifespan of your hearing aids:
- Batteries: While most hearing aids utilize internal rechargeable batteries, the type of battery can influence overall longevity.
- Maintenance: Not surprisingly, conscientious care directly correlates with prolonged lifespan. Functional longevity is greatly extended by regular upkeep and cleaning.
- Type: Hearing aids come in two main forms: inside-the-ear and behind-the-ear. Inside-the-ear models, exposed to the ear canal’s sweat and debris, generally last about five years, while behind-the-ear models last for around 6 to 7 years as a result of their enhanced protection against moisture and debris.
- Construction: Modern hearing aids are constructed from diverse materials, from nano-coated plastics, to metal to silicon. If you are especially accident prone, materials that are on the more robust side would be a better choice for longevity.
Failure to routinely wear and maintain your hearing aids can have an effect on lifespan as calculated longevity is based on normal usage. Professional check-ups and cleaning sessions are essential to ensure proper fit and functionality, especially considering possible wax build-up.
Expecting when to replace your hearing aids
You might find that it’s time for an upgraded when, over time, you begin to detect a decrease in the performance of your hearing aid. However, certain circumstances may warrant an earlier upgrade:
- Technological advancements: Yearly innovations introduce cutting-edge features that can substantially improve hearing aid functionality, compelling consideration of newer models.
- Lifestyle shifts: Changing lifestyles might demand features like waterproofing or increased durability, compelling an upgrade to better suit your needs.
- Hearing changes: As hearing loss progresses, reprogramming becomes more and more necessary and it might become less expensive and time consuming to simply invest in a new set.
When you consider the large amount of variables, it can be rather hard to precisely predict when an upgrade will be required. But 2 to 5 years is usually a dependable guideline.
Think it may be time for an upgrade? Give us a call today to make an appointment.