It may be said that hearing aids are to the ears what eyeglasses and contact lenses are to the eyes. As with eyewear, however, a set of hearing aids – no matter how durable – don’t last forever. So, for this edition of EveryDay Insight, we answer…How long do hearing aids last?

How often should hearing aids be replaced?

Generally, even the most reliable pair of hearing aids may last anywhere from between three and seven years – with five years being the average time span. It should also be noted that certain factors will contribute to the longevity of a set of hearing aids. Most modern models, for example, come with a protective nanocoating to safeguard the plastic, metal, silicon and polymer materials that make up their structure. Keep in mind that technical improvements are made every few years, and replacement parts for older hearing aid sets are eventually discontinued.

Now, there are steps that can be taken to get as much time and usage from of a pair of hearing aids as possible. One main reason a set will wear out quickly is maintenance – or rather, lack of maintenance. All too often, we at SightMD meet with patients who fail to clean their hearing aids, who then wonder why they are not working. Any patient who wears hearing aids should clean them on a daily basis, and according to the directions prescribed by his or her audiologist.

Other factors such as storage, style (either behind-the-ear or inside-the-ear), and the patient’s physiology can also matter in the time span of hearing aids. The patient should discuss these points with his or her audiologist at the next hearing checkup.

We hope this blog has provided some insight on the longevity of hearing aids. If you or someone you know has been experiencing issues with your hearing, contact SightMD to make an appointment for a checkup. (Yes, the word “sight” is part of our name, but we are all ears when it comes to audiological treatment as well.)