How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

When people visit Tranquil Hearing Care in Hoddesdon for hearing aids, one of the practical questions they often have is how long their new devices are likely to last.

Quality hearing aids are an investment in your hearing and everyday communication, so it makes sense to understand how long you might use them before repair or replacement becomes necessary.

Although there is no fixed replacement date, Signia, one of the hearing aid brands available at Tranquil Hearing Care, gives three to seven years as the typical lifespan of a hearing aid.

The exact lifespan depends on several factors, including how well the devices are maintained, exposure to moisture, sweat and dust, and changes in your hearing needs. Some hearing aids may continue working effectively beyond this period, while others may need replacing sooner.

This also means that the age of a hearing aid doesn't necessarily tell you when it needs replacing. How well it is performing for your hearing and everyday listening needs is much more important.

What Causes Hearing Aids to Age?

Hearing aids work for many hours each day in an environment where they are regularly exposed to moisture, perspiration, earwax and skin oils.

Depending on the style of hearing aid, components such as microphones, receivers, tubing, wax filters and earmoulds can become blocked or worn over time. Rechargeable batteries can also gradually lose capacity as they age.

Modern hearing aids are designed to cope with everyday use, but they still need appropriate cleaning and maintenance to keep them working properly.

Daily handling can contribute to wear too. Hearing aids are inserted and removed regularly, while rechargeable models are placed into their chargers each day. Accidental drops and exposure to excessive moisture, heat or products such as hairspray can also affect their condition.

How Long Do Rechargeable Hearing Aids Last?

It is important to separate the overall lifespan of a rechargeable hearing aid from its battery life between charges.

A rechargeable hearing aid may remain in use for several years, while its battery is designed to be recharged regularly, usually overnight.

How long you can use the hearing aids between charges depends on the particular model, battery capacity and how you use features such as audio streaming.

Some modern hearing aids can provide well over a full day's use from one charge. Your audiologist can explain the expected battery performance of a particular model when you're comparing hearing aids.

As a rechargeable battery ages, its capacity may gradually reduce. If you notice that hearing aids which previously lasted throughout the day are beginning to need charging much sooner, it is worth discussing this with your audiologist.

Changes in Your Hearing and Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aids don't necessarily have to stop working before you think about replacing them.

Your hearing can change over time. A hearing aid that was programmed for your hearing levels several years ago may need to be adjusted if your hearing has changed.

In many cases, an existing device can simply be reprogrammed following an up-to-date hearing test. In others, a different hearing aid may be more appropriate for your current level of hearing loss or communication needs.

Hearing aid technology also continues to develop. Newer devices may offer advances in areas such as speech processing, listening in background noise, rechargeable battery performance and connectivity with smartphones, televisions and other devices.

That doesn't mean you need to replace perfectly good hearing aids whenever a new model appears. If your existing devices remain suitable for your hearing and continue to support you in the situations that matter, there may be no reason to change them.

Regular hearing tests and hearing aid reviews can help establish whether your current devices are still providing the support you need.

How Can You Make Hearing Aids Last Longer?

Looking after your hearing aids can help keep them working reliably and reduce problems caused by wax, moisture and debris.

Regularly wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth or follow the cleaning method recommended for your particular model. Check earpieces and sound outlets for visible wax or debris and avoid allowing dirt to build up around microphone openings.

Wax guards or filters should also be checked regularly. These small components are designed to prevent earwax and debris from reaching sensitive parts of the hearing aid. If a wax guard becomes blocked, your hearing aid may suddenly sound much quieter or appear to stop working.

Moisture is another important consideration. Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming, and don't leave them somewhere particularly humid or hot, such as a bathroom or on top of a radiator.

Rechargeable hearing aids should be stored and charged according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some models can also be used with compatible drying systems.

Your audiologist can show you the correct cleaning and maintenance routine for your particular hearing aids.

Does Poor Sound Mean I Need New Hearing Aids?

Not necessarily. If your hearing aids suddenly sound quieter, muffled or distorted, the problem could be relatively simple.

A blocked wax guard, accumulated debris or moisture can interfere with a hearing aid's performance. Earwax within your ear canal can also make hearing seem muffled, even when the hearing aid itself is working correctly.

Your hearing may also have changed. If you're finding conversations harder to follow despite wearing your hearing aids, an updated hearing test can establish whether your hearing levels have changed. Your audiologist can then determine whether your existing hearing aids can be adjusted to provide more appropriate support.

For this reason, it is worth having both your hearing and your devices checked before assuming you need to replace them.

When Should Hearing Aids Be Replaced?

You may want to discuss new hearing aids with your audiologist if your current devices are becoming unreliable, require frequent repairs, no longer provide enough support for your hearing loss or aren't meeting your everyday communication needs.

Changes in your lifestyle can be relevant too. You may now spend more time in meetings, restaurants or other busy environments, or you may want connectivity features that weren't important when you originally chose your hearing aids.

The key question isn't simply “How old are my hearing aids?” It is whether they are still providing the hearing support you need.

What If My Hearing Has Changed?

If you've noticed that you're struggling more with conversations, turning the television up again or finding noisy environments increasingly difficult, arranging another hearing test is a sensible next step.

A hearing test can establish your current hearing levels and allow them to be compared with previous results.

If your hearing has changed, your audiologist can assess whether your existing hearing aids can be reprogrammed or whether you would benefit from exploring other options.

At Tranquil Hearing Care, patients who are suitable for hearing aids can also try different options in the clinic. This gives you an opportunity to experience the technology and discuss which style and features are most appropriate for your hearing, lifestyle and preferences.

Hearing Aid Support in Hoddesdon

If your hearing aids sound quieter than usual or you're finding yourself working harder to follow conversations, it doesn't automatically mean you need new devices.

At Tranquil Hearing Care in Hoddesdon, we can discuss the problems you're experiencing, check your hearing aids and assess your hearing where appropriate. Sometimes cleaning, servicing or an adjustment may be all that's required. If your hearing has changed or your existing devices are no longer suitable, we can talk you through the available options.

Contact Tranquil Hearing Care on 01992934196 to speak with our team or book an appointment and make sure your hearing aids continue to provide the support you need.