This is a common question in our practice, and a good one.  Most hearing aid manufacturers rate an in-the-ear (ITE) style of hearing aid at about four to five years, and a behind-the-ear (BTE) style at about five to six years.  Why the difference?  The circuitry of an ITE  style of hearing aid is usually exposed to more moisture, higher temperature, salts from sweat, and wax than a BTE style.

Although manufacturers have an average lifetime rating, we have certainly seen our share of hearing instruments that are 10 and sometimes 15 years old.  I should also add that whereas we have seen hearing aids technically turning on and producing sound after their life expectancy, almost always they are no longer amplifying anywhere near the prescriptive amplification for the wearer.

In addition, most often people upgrade their hearing aids not necessarily because the life expectancy is coming up soon, but because there have been significant enough improvements in the industry, or their hearing needs have changed significantly enough to warrant the cost.

This notion of regularly upgrading hearing instruments is particularly supported by a client’s insurance benefit.  Usually, when we see a client that has an insurance policy with hearing aid benefit, the length of time from when they use the benefit, and can use it again is about two to four years depending upon the policy.

Since the progression of hearing loss and the degradation of hearing aid performance are usually gradual, we recommend both annual hearing exams and regular hearing aid inspections to maximize and preserve your hearing processing abilities.