How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

If you have been prescribed hearing aids, there is no question that they are an essential purchase. Hearing aids bring countless medical and socio-emotional benefits to people who are experiencing hearing loss. They support brain function and help ensure your safety and security. Hearing aids have the power to reconnect people to their loved ones and their passions.

Though hearing loss may at first be a disorienting experience, hearing aids are equipped with advanced technology to improve your hearing. As with all big purchases, it is important to take the time to select hearing aids that meet your specific hearing needs and lifestyle. You will find that with the use of hearing aids, not only are sounds richer – but your life too. And that is a sound investment!

Hearing aids have undergone something of a revolution in the past decade. With trends parallel to advancements in digital technology, hearing aids are packed with extraordinary features to treat a range of hearing loss.

On average, hearing aids have an estimated lifespan of three to seven years. Depending on the style, some may last longer. In-the-ear hearing aids tend to last four to five years, while behind-the-ear hearing aids have a five to six year lifespan. This is due to the construction of the hearing aid, and the way they are worn. In-the-hear hearing aids are exposed to more moisture and higher temperatures due to the way they are worn. As a result, they may experience more exposure to sweat and earwax. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are housed in a compartment that sits on your ear, keeping it away from the moisture of everyday wear.

At the same time, the lifespan of hearing aids is also dependent on how they fit into your life. If your hearing has changed, the performance of the hearing aid may not have the power to accommodate your changing hearing abilities.

If, when you think of hearing aids, you see those bulky, flesh-toned devices – think again! Hearing aids these days are miniature computers with powerful processing platforms, designed with discretion and ergonomics in mind. They are small, discreet, and are made of durable materials that protect the sensitive electronics inside. Hearing aids may be constructed with silicon, plastic, metal, and are covered in nano-coating, which fights moisture and debris. They withstand higher levels of impact as well, but, nothing is impenetrable. Contemporary hearing aids are certainly hardier than their predecessors, but over time, and with daily wear, hearing aids may experience structural issues.

Hearing aids are a workhorse of a device: for their small size, they are incredibly powerful and provide consistent power day in and out. Because they are worn daily, they are exposed regularly to sweat, skin oil, moisture, dust, and the elements of all kinds. When you first receive your hearing aids, we will instruct you on how to provide daily maintenance to ensure the longevity of your hearing aids. The best practice is to clean your hearing aids daily.

When you are not wearing your hearing aids, you should make sure that they are in a secure, dry space. Consider using a dehumidifying unit over night to dry out any moisture accumulated during the day inside the different chambers of the hearing aid.

It is also important to bring your hearing aids in for a professional cleaning, every three to four months. Even if you follow the daily maintenance steps provided by your hearing professional, there are small and intricate bits of the hearing aid that are difficult to clean on your own. Bring your hearing aids in for a professional cleaning to ensure that they continue to serve you well.

Like hearing aid technology, your hearing abilities will continue to change. When you are fitted for your hearing aids, we work to ensure that the best combination of features available will meet your specific hearing needs, tailored to meet your lifestyle and activities. In the meantime, hearing aid manufacturers continue to develop innovative solutions. Hearing specialists recommend an annual hearing test to stay abreast of any changes in your hearing. If you have found that your hearing or lifestyle has changed, we will work with you to find a new hearing aid to fit your needs.