How Long Should My Hearing Aids Last?

Like everything, hearing aids eventually wear out. But just how many years should you expect to get out of your hearing aids? While some people wear the same hearing aids for over ten years, most hearing aids need to be replaced long before this. In fact, most hearing aids last about three to seven years before needing to be replaced.

This post explains some of the reasons as to why hearing aids wear out and how you may be able to extend the life of them. It also lists a few of the reasons you may want to consider getting new hearing aids beyond damage.

What Causes Hearing Aid Wear and Tear?

Hearing aids naturally become worn from regular usage. However, certain bad habits can also cause hearing aids to become damaged. A common way in which hearing aids can become prematurely damaged is by not cleaning them regularly. Earwax and dirt can damage the tubing and receiver, while cleaning with alcohol or even water can cause parts to corrode. Regularly wiping down hearing aids with a soft dry cloth could prevent unwanted wear and tear.

Hearing aids can also become prematurely damaged by being incorrectly stored. Both heat and moisture can damage hearing aids – they should not be stored near heat sources or in humid areas like bathrooms for this reason. Instead, always store your hearing aid in a cool, dry place.

Finally, it’s important to be careful of activities that may damage your hearing aid. Activities like swimming or going in saunas while wearing a hearing aid can cause damage. It’s best to take out your hearing aid before entering water or entering somewhere very hot. Make sure to store them somewhere safe when out and about.

Some of this damage may be repairable, in which case you may not need to get a new hearing aid. However, repairs may not always be possible or financially worthwhile, which is why you want to take action against preventable damage where you can. Audiologists will usually be able to recommend the best solution.

When Else Should You Get New Hearing Aids?

Hearing aid damage may not be the only reason to consider getting new hearing aids. In fact, many people replace their hearing aids for other reasons.

A few reasons that you may want to consider getting a new hearing aid include:

• Discomfort: Some people find that a certain style of hearing aid is causing them discomfort. Switching to a new style of hearing aid instead of enduring it is recommended.
• Hearing loss changes: Audiologists may recommend a new hearing aid if the extent of your hearing loss changes drastically. While hearing aids can be re-tuned to treat different levels of hearing loss, some hearing aids may only have a limited range or may not be suited to certain hearing issues like tinnitus.
• Lifestyle changes: A change in lifestyle may require a new hearing aid with additional features. Perhaps you’ve started a job somewhere noisy and need to block out the background noise, or perhaps you want a hearing aid that’s more secure to deal with a greater level of physical activity. These could be good reasons to explore new hearing aids.
• Attractive new features: Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving, and new features are constantly being innovated. If you’ve seen a new feature that you think you could benefit from, it could be time to replace your existing hearing aid.

As the above reasons showcase, it’s not always a good idea to try to cling onto hearing aids as long as possible. While you should try to avoid damage, don’t feel guilty for replacing hearing aids that are still in good condition if you feel you could benefit from new features.

Time to Get a New Hearing Aid?

If you feel it may be time to get a new hearing aid or aren’t entirely sure whether you need a new hearing aid, it could be worth talking to an audiologist to get their expert opinion. They will be able to recommend a new hearing aid if they think it is necessary and will help you to choose the right type of hearing aid for your needs.

Here at The Hearing Clinic at Woodlake, we have a team of experienced audiologists who you can trust to give the best advice. To book a consultation, call us today at (612) 246-4868 today. You can check out our services on our website to see what else we may be able to do for you.