Congratulations on taking this step in improving your hearing and communication! After spending time choosing the style and programs that work best for you and making this investment in your health, you may be asking yourself: How long will they last? Will I ever need a new pair?
Upgrading Hearing Aids
The answer is yes, you will probably need another pair someday. But that’s normal! Most people upgrade eventually; on average, hearing aid users replace or upgrade their hearing aids every three to seven years. There are several reasons why you might need an upgrade.
What Affects Hearing Aid Lifespan?
Natural Wear and Tear
Even with great care, electronic parts don’t last forever. Smartphones, cars and other pieces of everyday technology need upgrades from time to time, and hearing aids are no exception. They’re handled every day, exposed to moisture, oils and the elements. Over time, their delicate electrical components—the microprocessors, speakers, microphone, batteries—will degrade.
Changes to Your Hearing and Ear
Your hearing aids are currently customized to suit your hearing loss needs, but your hearing loss needs are likely to change over time. This could be due to age, noise exposure or health changes, but in any event, it’s perfectly natural. Also, your ear canals slowly change shape from jaw movement and aging, which can affect how well your hearing aids fit or seal. If they don’t fit anymore, it’s time for an upgrade.
Changes to Your Needs and Lifestyle
You selected a hearing aid style based on your current lifestyle, but life changes: new jobs mean new working environments, or you could move to a new place, take up more active hobbies or travel more. There are endless reasons why what worked for your lifestyle at one point no longer fits you.
Advances in Hearing Aid Technology
Hearing aid technology is always improving. After you’ve had your hearing aids for a few years, you will find that major advancements have happened in sound quality, noise reduction, connectivity and signal processing, among other things, and you may want to upgrade to take advantage of these advancements.
Damage or Loss
Hearing aids are small and delicate. They’re vulnerable to drops, moisture exposure and misplacement. Routine cleanings, professional maintenance and safe handling can extend their life—but they can’t prevent every mishap.
Tips to Maximize Your Hearing Aid’s Life
- Clean them regularly. A quick, daily cleaning can prevent earwax buildup and moisture damage.
- Store them properly. Keep them in their case when you’re not wearing them; don’t leave them on a table or elsewhere where they could be dropped or damaged accidentally.
- Handle gently. Avoid exposure to moisture or high heat. Don’t drop them (if you can help it).
- Attend audiology appointments. Your audiologist can help maintain the more delicate components of the hearing aid and perform repairs if necessary. They can also adjust settings and programs so your hearing aids keep pace with your hearing loss for as long as possible!
If you have any questions about extending hearing aid lifespan, or if you are wondering if you need an upgrade, call Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today to make an appointment or discuss further.