What is the lifespan of a hearing aid?

Are you looking for hearing aids to help you hear better despite hearing loss? Whether you are just discovering hearing loss or have been living with it for a while, you have likely heard about the many benefits of hearing aids. The market can quickly become confusing due to the sheer number of options, especially considering the high prices displayed by some of them.

Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities, and the market for corresponding solutions is vast. When purchasing your pair of hearing aids, you want to be sure you are getting your money's worth.

It is therefore better to look for hearing aids that last a long time: this way, you will avoid spending significant amounts on each new pair or on unnecessary medical visits. CLARIA tells you everything you need to know to identify a pair of hearing aids built to last.

What is the typical lifespan of a hearing aid?

A simple Google search brings up countless manufacturers and clinics that will all tell you the same thing: a hearing aid lasts for five to eight years.

Losing part of your hearing is accompanied by the unpleasant feeling of realizing you need hearing aids. As you adjust to this new reality, you are also looking for long-term stability. When buying, you want a quality product that is not only comfortable to wear but also has a good battery life.

What you can do to maintain your hearing aid

Like any technology, hearing aids must be properly maintained to reach their advertised lifespan. These small devices are designed for daily use, which means they have little "rest" time: maintenance is therefore essential for them to continue functioning.

Let’s look at some simple steps to preserve the general health of your hearing aids.

Cleaning your hearing aids regularly

Hearing aids come in multiple styles and designs. Behind-the-ear models offer more room for the battery and processing power. There are also in-the-ear models, which are much smaller, more discreet, and designed for moderate levels of hearing loss.

Regardless of the design, you should clean your hearing aids with specific tools. Most manufacturers provide the necessary maintenance tools. If you do not have them or if they were not provided, you can order them from your manufacturer. A toothbrush and a microfiber cloth can even do the trick.

It is also important to keep in mind that hearing aids are not meant to be "scrubbed": apply gentle pressure when brushing or wiping them. It is always wise to check with your manufacturer which cleaning products, sprays, or soaps can be used safely on your devices.

Hearing aids are equipped with soft tips that you can remove, replace, or clean. This part is in direct contact with your ear canal and easily accumulates earwax. Removing and cleaning it improves your comfort and helps preserve the proper functioning of the device.

Where to store your hearing aids?

You should not wear your hearing aids all day long. Each manufacturer will provide you with their best practices for storage and safety for their device. Always ensure that they are stored safely, without being subjected to pressure or risk of damage, and that their storage area is free from mold and humidity. An important medical reason not to wear them all day: they can create an unhealthy environment in the ear canal, promoting earwax buildup or even infection.

Also, when you remove your hearing aids for certain activities, take care to store them properly. For example, if you go for a run in hot weather and prefer to avoid them getting sticky or covered in sweat, leave them at home.

Charging your hearing aids

One of the modern developments in hearing aids is that almost all manufacturers have switched to rechargeable technology. While it is best to charge them at night, it is also useful to simply put them on charge whenever they are not in your ears. This may seem counterintuitive, but prolonged charging does not damage most devices.

Other factors that influence the lifespan of your hearing aid

Here are other elements to keep in mind to take care of your hearing aids.

Worsening hearing loss

Just as no two hearing losses are the same, no two hearing aids are identical. Most prescription hearing aids are programmed specifically for your precise needs. In other words, these devices capture the frequencies that your hearing loss prevents you from perceiving on your own.

While it is possible to reprogram a hearing aid according to your needs, each hearing aid is designed for certain levels of hearing loss.

For example, hearing aids designed for discreet wear (so-called invisible hearing aids) are small, compact, and fit into the ear canal. They offer a discreet style of wear that goes unnoticed by most people. However, this comes at the expense of processing power and battery life: a naturally smaller casing means less power under the hood.

For a person with mild to moderate hearing loss, these discreet hearing aids are an excellent option. However, if the hearing loss continues to worsen, this style is not recommended for moderately severe to severe hearing loss thresholds.

Technological advances

Technology never stops advancing and progressing. While hearing aids are designed to remain stable and usable devices for a long time, they eventually become obsolete.

Most professionals and manufacturers recommend periodic assessments to verify that your hearing aids are still properly programmed and operational. These appointments are also an opportunity to ask your healthcare professional or manufacturer about the benefits of upgrading to newer technology.

Conclusion

The downside of spending significant amounts on prescription hearing aids is that their lifespan is likely not optimal. Whether due to a manufacturing defect, a lack of maintenance, or simply technological obsolescence, you will eventually have to replace your hearing aid.

That said, by following these simple steps and your manufacturer's instructions, maintaining your hearing aids and doing your part to extend their lifespan is a skill that is easy to acquire quickly.

If you do not know the lifespan of your hearing aid, contact your professional or manufacturer to find out. CLARIA offers several affordable, rechargeable, and comfortable hearing aids that will improve your hearing in no time. "Regardless of the price paid for hearing aids, there are basic rules for taking care of them. Never forget that the top priority is to ensure they are clean, charged, and in good working order, and to take care of your ears above all else."

Sources:

Hearing aids: How to choose the right one| Mayoclinic.org

How to Clean Hearing Aids | Senior Living.org

Hearing Aids — Styles/Types & How They Work | NIDCD