How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

When you first find out you need a hearing aid, you will probably think of many questions. After all, you’re investing in something that will improve your life and help you interact with others in a way you probably couldn’t before. Consider a hearing aid as an investment, one that can improve the quality of life. One question you might have is about the lifespan of a hearing aid. How long can you expect your hearing aid to last?

Hearing aids have an average lifespan of around five years. But if you take care of it, clean it properly and avoid exposing it to moisture, you could get an additional year or two of performance from it. In general, hearing aids that fit completely in the ear have a shorter lifespan than behind-the-ear hearing aids. That’s not unexpected considering hearing aids that fit completely in your ear canal are exposed to more wax, which can clog the receiver. With a behind-the-ear hearing aid, the working parts are surrounded by a case, giving them greater protection.

The key to prolonging the life of a hearing aid is caring for it properly. Cleaning it correctly on a daily basis to remove wax and debris and protecting it from moisture are two steps you can take to keep your hearing aid in good working order. Always remove the batteries at night and leave the battery door open so moisture can evaporate. Another option is to store your hearing aid in a drying container made especially for hearing aids.

Finally, get a check-up for your hearing aid every 6 months by scheduling an appointment with a hearing care professional. A hearing aid is an investment in your hearing and your health – treat it well and it will give you many years of service.