What's the Life Expectancy of Hearing Aids?

Traditionally, Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids were believed to have a longer lifespan compared to in-the-ear (ITE) and completely-in-canal (CIC) models. This assumption was based on the fact that ITE and CIC hearing aids have more components housed inside the ear canal—a warm, moist environment that can contribute to wear and tear. However, with recent advancements in hearing aid technology, many modern devices now feature protective nanocoatings on both internal and external components. These innovations have significantly reduced the impact of moisture and extended the durability of all hearing aid styles, making the lifespan difference between BTE and ITE models less significant than ever before.

Leading hearing aid manufacturers prioritize durability, but the materials used in hearing aids can vary across different brands and models. Common materials include plastic, metal, silicone, and advanced polymers—each offering unique benefits in terms of comfort and strength. Over time, some materials may experience minor structural degradation, especially when exposed to heat, moisture, or daily wear. Fortunately, many modern hearing aids feature protective nanocoating, making them more water-resistant and moisture-resistant, which significantly enhances their overall longevity and performance.

Your hearing aids are exposed daily to moisture, dust, earwax, sweat, and extreme temperatures—all of which can negatively impact their performance and lifespan. Despite knowing this, many users neglect proper hearing aid cleaning and maintenance, often cleaning their devices infrequently or only having them professionally serviced once or twice a year. Unfortunately, inadequate care can significantly shorten the life of your hearing aids.

To keep your devices functioning at their best, it’s recommended to clean your hearing aids daily and have them professionally cleaned every 3 to 4 months by your hearing care provider.

Routine hearing aid maintenance is essential for long-term reliability. Several components—such as wax guards, silicone domes, earmold tubing, and other small parts—are designed to be replaced regularly as they wear out. Your audiologist can easily replace these during routine visits.

If other components like battery doors, microphone covers, earmolds, or external speakers become damaged or stop working, they can typically be repaired or replaced without needing to buy a new device. For the best results, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Consistent care can dramatically increase the lifespan of your hearing aids and ensure optimal sound quality every day.

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid is the technology behind the device. While older models may come with a lower price tag, they often lack the advanced features, performance, and long-term support found in modern digital hearing aids.

Over time, hearing aid manufacturers may discontinue older models, making it difficult—or even impossible—to find replacement parts. Additionally, the software used to program older hearing aids can become outdated, limiting your audiologist’s ability to fine-tune or adjust the device effectively.

By choosing a hearing aid with up-to-date technology, you ensure better performance, future-proof features, and longer device support—ultimately making it a smarter investment for your hearing health.

How you store your hearing aids plays a crucial role in preserving their performance and lifespan. For hearing aids with disposable batteries, it's recommended to leave the battery door open when not in use. This helps prevent moisture buildup and extends battery life. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier case or a dedicated drying unit can further protect your devices from damage caused by humidity, especially in warmer climates or active lifestyles.

Rechargeable hearing aids require slightly different care. These models typically use built-in lithium-ion batteries, which can last up to five years with proper charging and storage. Always store rechargeable hearing aids in their charging case when not in use to ensure consistent performance and battery health. Following proper hearing aid storage and care guidelines is essential to maximize the longevity of your devices and avoid costly repairs or replacements.

No matter how long your hearing aids are designed to last, it may be time for an upgrade if they no longer meet your hearing needs. For example, if you're experiencing age-related hearing loss and your current devices aren't providing the clarity or amplification you need, it’s important to schedule a hearing test with your audiologist. Based on the results, your hearing care provider can determine whether a more powerful or advanced hearing aid would be a better fit.

Additionally, your lifestyle and daily activities may have changed since you were first fitted. Modern hearing aid features—such as Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, or background noise reduction—can significantly improve your quality of life and listening experience. Upgrading to the latest technology ensures you’re getting the most out of your hearing solution.