When choosing a pair of hearing aids, there are several questions to keep in mind as you consider your options: Do these hearing aids fit comfortably in my ears? Does the style align with my lifestyle? Do they meet my hearing loss needs? It’s also important to consider another question as you determine what hearing aids work best for you: How long do hearing aids last?

While hearing aids don’t last forever, ensuring they receive the required maintenance -- as included with hearing aids purchased from Miracle-Ear, can help extend their longevity. Still, daily wear and tear, materials and fit puts the average hearing aid lifespan at three to seven years. Keep reading to learn more about the factors that affect your hearing aids’ lifespan, the signs you may need to replace your devices and the ways you can take care of your hearing aids.

The estimated average hearing aid lifespan is about three to seven years. This may seem like a short amount of time given the investment, but consider the complexity of modern hearing aids. Most devices include powerful technology that must work together perfectly to address your hearing loss needs, and these pieces can wear out over time.

The lifespan of your hearing aids can also vary greatly depending on the materials with which they’re made, the style of the device, how often they’re cleaned and your degree of hearing loss. Some may find that their hearing aids continue to function well after seven years, while others may need repairs or replacements sooner. 

The lifespan of your hearing aid batteries depends greatly on what type of batteries your hearing aid requires. Rechargeable hearing aids, which recharge using micro USB chargers or electromagnetic induction, offer 19-24 hours of use out of a single overnight charge.

Disposable hearing aids, on the other hand, can last anywhere from three to 22 days, depending on the type of hearing aid, the battery type and how often the hearing aid is used. The larger and more powerful the hearing aid, the more frequently you may be changing out batteries.

While the average lifespan for your hearing aids is three to seven years, it’s only a recommendation. If your hearing aids are continuing to provide the hearing loss support you need and you’re happy with the features they include, it’s not necessary to replace your devices right away. Other people value having the latest technology available so may choose to upgrade sooner. Regardless, once you begin to notice that your hearing aids aren’t functioning to their full extent, it’s time to consider replacing the devices.