How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
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Summary: When it comes to buying a hearing machine, the choice is not always the same for everyone. The lifespan of a hearing device depends on many factors, including the type of device you use, how much they are used, how well you maintain it, and the advancements in hearing aid technology.
Key takeaways: In this article, we will explore and understand the common lifespan of hearing devices, what affects their durability, and how you can determine the right time for replacement.
Introduction: When we think about investing in aids, not just financially, but for the quality of life, it becomes a good decision. If you ever thought of buying hearing aids or are already using them, one of the most common questions you might have is, how long do hearing aids last?
What is the average lifespan of hearing aids?
If we talk about the average life span of hearing aids, it lasts between 3 and 7 years. Most of the users find that their devices perform well for about 3 to 7 years at least. Many users find that about 5 years is also an industry-standard time recommended for hearing aid longevity by audiologists.
This never means that the hearing machine will suddenly stop working after 5 years. But instead of this, there is a possibility that their performance can go down. With time, they stop giving you better sound quality and features.
What are the factors that affect how long hearing aids last?
Many factors affect your hearing aid’s longevity. Let us look at some of the common factors that affect the lifespan of your hearing aids.
1. Type of Hearing Aid
Different styles have different durability levels:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids most of the time last for a longer time because their electronic components are attached outside the ear, reducing exposure to moisture and earwax.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids, due to their exposure to moisture and debris, sometimes have shorter lifespans.
2. Daily Usage
Sometimes it is also up to how much you are using your hearing aids; if you use them for a longer time, you experience more wear and tear. Wearing your hearing machines all day is normal, but with these, their microphones and receivers may wear out soon.
3. Maintenance and Care
Proper care plays a huge role in hearing aid longevity. Regular cleaning, safe storage, and routine checkups can significantly extend their lifespan. Poor maintenance is one of the top reasons hearing aids fail prematurely.
4. Environmental Factors
Hearing aids have a lifespan that can be greatly reduced by humidity, perspiration, dusty conditions, and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, for those who live in areas with high humidity or who lead active lifestyles, their hearing aids may need to be serviced or replaced far more often than usual.
How often are hearing aids typically replaced?
Hearing professionals suggest replacing hearing aids every 4 to 6 years, regardless of their functionality. Why? Due to several factors:
- Technology advances rapidly
- Hearing requirements may have changed
- Older hearing devices may not work with new accessories or smartphones
- Repair costs will increase rapidly and be more than the cost of getting a new device.
Additionally, once repair costs approach the cost of purchasing a new device, replacing it often makes more sense.
Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Replacing
If you are not sure whether it is time to buy new hearing aids or not. Here are some common warning signs that you can notice to know how long hearing aids last.
- Sound quality can be decreased or affected.
- Quickly facing problems
- Devices stop working suddenly in the middle
- Frequent needs of repair and service
- Battery life becomes short.
- Difficult to understand speech, even when the machine is in use
If you ever face any of these issues, it becomes important to consult your professional audiologist.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Hearing Aids
The most important factor that helps your hearing aids last longer is proper care and precautions.
Daily Cleaning:You should clean or wipe your hearing device with a soft, dry cloth each day to remove earwax and moisture.
Store Them Properly: When they are not in use, store them in a dry place, in any protective case. Using a dehumidifier all night can help to prevent the damage
Avoid Water Exposure: Always remember to remove your hearing aid before you go swimming, exercise, or shower. Even the models that claim to be water-resistant are not completely waterproof, and this carelessness can affect hearing aid performance.
Regular Professional Checkups: Yearly and monthly checkups are important before an issue arises so it can be addressed.
Technology Advancements and Hearing Aid Lifespan
People frequently decide to buy a new hearing aid for reasons other than malfunctioning anyway. Newer models also tend to be more advanced than pre-owned models, with good hearing aid performance, in that they feature
- Bluetooth capabilities
- Rechargeable batteries
- Smartphone apps
- Digital intelligence voice quality
- Greater noise cancellation
While some hearing devices will still allow for sound amplification, many cannot give their user or others around them, if the device is fit properly, as much clarity and comfort as a newer model would.
Do More Expensive Hearing Aids Last Longer?
It is not important that expensive hearing aids will last longer, but it is certain that they include great materials and advanced features. Price never equals longevity. Proper care and usage habits are the ones that have more effect when we talk about durability and hearing aid longevity.
No matter what, higher-end models may be the ones that can be more valuable for future use because of their software updates and compatibility.
Are Hearing Aid Repairs Worth It?
In the starting years, you can go for the repairing; usually it’s worthy. Remember that frequent repairs can diminish your aid’s quality. Once your hearing aid performance reaches the mark of 5 years, there is no way to repair them; repairs at that time become less cost-effective.
If your hearing device requires fast services, then it will be better to move forward with a new model than to waste your money on the old one for repair each time. The new model can be a good choice for saving money and reducing your frustration.
Conclusion
Most people get 3 to 7 years out of their hearing devices, and having proper care and maintenance can help you reach the seven-year end of that range.
If you understand how long hearing aids last, as well as when to consider replacing them, along with proper maintenance, then you can maximise your investment in hearing aids. Anytime you’re not sure if your hearing aids are still serving all your needs, the first step is to have them tested by a professional audiologist with hearing diagnostic capabilities.
FAQ
How long are hearing aids good for?
Hearing aids can generally be expected to function properly for 3 to 7 years. Plenty of those who use hearing aids have mentioned that for about five years they experienced good performance, which is regarded by audiologists as the typical life span of hearing aids.
Could it be that hearing aids stop working all of a sudden after 5 years?
No. Most hearing aids operate at decreasing levels over a period of time. You might get less sound quality, fewer features that really work, and more repairs required, but your hearing aid will be there for you, just not as well, for quite a while.
What determines the length of time a hearing aid functions?
If you want to know the main factors affecting the durability of hearing aids, here is a list:
- Type of hearing instrument (Back-to-ear usually is a bit more durable than In-the-ear or Completely-in-canal)
- How much you use it every day (wear and tear will be greater the longer you use it)
- How well you take care of your hearing instrument (frequent cleaning and regular visits to the hearing care professional result in a longer lifespan)
- Your surroundings (humidity, dust, temperature changes, and sweat)
How long is it normal to keep hearing aids?
Many hearing care professionals suggest that people change their hearing aids every 4 to 6 years, even if they are still functioning. The reason for this is the jump in technology, changes in people’s hearing requirements, problems with compatibility, and the fact that repairs become more expensive.
What symptoms indicate that hearing aids are worn out and must be replaced?
Here is a list of indications that it is time to replace your hearing aid:
- Lower sound quality
- Device breaking down frequently or malfunctioning suddenly
- Your batteries do not last as long as before
- You have difficulty understanding speech even when using the device
