How Long Do Hearing Aids Last? Tips to Extend Their Lifespan
Hearing aids improve communication and quality of life, but they aren’t built to last forever. Typically, the lifespan of hearing aids is three to five years, though this can vary based on individual needs, advancements in technology, and proper maintenance.
Let’s begin by exploring the factors that impact the longevity of hearing aids and when it might be time to consider an upgrade.
3 Factors That Influence Hearing Aids Longevity
The average lifespan of hearing aids is influenced by several key considerations:
- Changing Needs: If your hearing prescription changes, your current hearing aids might no longer meet your needs. In addition, many individuals upgrade after three years when government funding or insurance coverage for new devices becomes available to them.
- Technological Advancements: Hearing aid technology evolves rapidly, with new platforms emerging every two years. These improvements often include faster processors and better performance in challenging listening environments, including those with significant background noise. By the four- or five-year mark, upgrading to a newer model is often recommended to take advantage of these advancements.
- Wear and Tear: Like all electronics, hearing aids are subject to wear and tear over time. Components such as speakers and microphones can degrade, affecting performance.
Reasons Why Patients Replace Their Hearing Aids
There are two main reasons why people tend to replace their hearing aids. First is their device malfunctioning. If an internal component of their hearing aid fails and is outside the manufacturer’s warranty, it might not be possible or cost-effective to repair it. In these cases, upgrading to a new device is often the best solution.
Second, many folks eventually decide to upgrade their hearing aids to take advantage of improved technology, even before their current hearing aids stop working. In this instance, their older device can serve as a backup.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aids
Regular maintenance can help maximize the life of your hearing aids. Consider following these recommendations to get the most out of yours:
- Daily Cleaning: Use a Lysol or alcohol wipe to clean the exterior of the device, preventing debris and moisture from damaging its internal components.
- Replaceable Parts: Replace filters and other small components as needed to maintain sound quality.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule routine appointments with your audiologist to ensure your hearing aids are functioning optimally.
Despite diligent care, some issues, like damaged speakers or microphones, may require professional repair or replacement.
The Impact of Lifestyle and Environment
Certain individual lifestyle and environmental factors can also affect the durability of hearing aids. For example:
- Humidity and Activity Levels: People who live in humid climates or lead active lifestyles may experience shorter device lifespans because moisture and sweat can damage sensitive components.
- Hearing Aid Style: Behind-the-ear (BTE) models often last longer because their speakers can be replaced, while in-the-ear (ITE) models may degrade faster due to the moist and warm environment inside the ear canal.
Repair vs. Replacement
Deciding whether to repair or replace your hearing aids depends on the situation. If the device no longer meets your hearing needs or technological standards, upgrading is often the best choice. On the other hand, if the issue you’re noticing is minor and within warranty, repairing your device may be the most cost-effective solution. For older models outside of warranty, it’s often necessary to weigh the cost of repairs against the benefits of upgrading.
Finally, keep in mind that investing in higher-performance hearing aids with stronger processors can also extend their usability. These devices often allow for more extensive reprogramming as your hearing changes, potentially delaying the need for a replacement.
Maximize the Value of Your Hearing Aids
By maintaining your hearing aids properly and understanding the factors that influence their lifespan, you can make informed decisions about when to repair or replace them, ensuring you are always hearing your best.
If your hearing aids are showing signs of wear, or if you haven’t had your hearing tested in a while, it may be time to schedule a hearing checkup. Our team of experts can assess your hearing needs and recommend the best solutions to improve your quality of life.
Book your hearing test today and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable hearing!
