Hearing aids are a life-changing investment, not just in terms of cost but also in their impact on communication, independence, and daily well-being. It’s natural to want them to last as long as possible. Whether you’re new to hearing aids or considering when to replace an older pair, understanding their average lifespan helps you make smarter decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and long-term care.
So how long do hearing aids last? On average, most high-quality hearing aids remain functional for three to seven years, but many factors can extend or shorten that timeline. From proper storage and cleaning routines to changes in your hearing needs, the choices you make every day play a key role in how long your hearing aids will serve you well.
Key Takeaways
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Hearing aids generally last 3 to 7 years, depending on care, wear, and technology.
Daily cleaning and proper storage are essential to extending their useful life.
Changes in hearing, lifestyle, or software compatibility may require replacement sooner than expected.
What’s the Average Lifespan of Hearing Aids?
While individual experiences vary, the typical hearing aid lifespan falls between three and seven years. This may feel short compared to other medical devices, but it’s important to remember how heavily hearing aids are used. Most people wear them for 12 to 18 hours per day, seven days a week. That level of consistent use causes natural wear on delicate components.
The type of device you use also plays a role. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids tend to last a bit longer than in-the-ear (ITE) models because the bulk of the electronics sit outside the ear canal, making them less exposed to heat, sweat, and wax. However, improvements in protective coatings have reduced the performance gap between styles.
Hearing aids don’t necessarily stop working once they pass the five-year mark, but their performance may decline, and replacement parts may become harder to find. If your devices are more than five years old, it's worth checking in with your provider to assess whether they’re still meeting your needs.
What Affects How Long Hearing Aids Last?
There isn’t a single factor that determines how long your hearing aids will last. Instead, their lifespan is shaped by a combination of materials, user habits, maintenance routines, and environmental conditions. Here are the most common variables:
Materials and Build Quality
The durability of a hearing aid starts with its construction. Most models are made from a combination of plastic, metal, silicon, and advanced polymers. These materials are chosen for their lightweight feel and skin compatibility, but even the toughest components degrade over time. Exposure to UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and moisture can cause parts to weaken or corrode.
Premium models often include protective nano-coatings that resist water, dust, and oils. While helpful, these coatings can’t eliminate wear and tear entirely. Treating your hearing aids with care, just like you would a smartphone or glasses, helps prevent premature damage.
Usage Habits and Wear Time
The more often you wear your hearing aids, the faster their parts will wear down. Most people use their hearing aids all day, every day. That translates to thousands of hours of operation each year, which naturally shortens the device’s life span over time.
People who wear their hearing aids in physically demanding or outdoor environments may see faster aging due to exposure to sweat, dirt, or debris. While hearing aids are built for everyday use, intense conditions may require more frequent cleaning or eventual replacement.
Moisture, Wax, and Environmental Conditions
Hearing aids sit inside or behind your ears for most of the day. That means they’re regularly exposed to earwax, body heat, and moisture. Over time, these elements can clog microphones, degrade internal circuits, or corrode battery compartments.
Cleaning tools like soft brushes and wax picks can remove buildup and protect internal components. Dehumidifier cases are another great tool that dries out residual moisture overnight, helping prevent long-term internal damage.
According to Mayo Clinic, earwax buildup is one of the most common causes of hearing aid malfunction. That’s why daily cleaning and moisture protection are so important.
Battery Type: Rechargeable vs. Disposable
Battery performance directly influences the lifespan of your hearing aids. Devices with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries typically offer a battery life of about four to five years. Over time, these batteries lose capacity, which can result in shorter usage time per charge. Eventually, the battery may need replacement or the device may need to be upgraded.
Disposable battery models don’t face this specific issue, but their components still degrade like any other hearing aid. Whichever battery type you use, make sure to store your devices in a clean, dry place and avoid exposing them to extreme heat or humidity.
Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Perhaps the most controllable factor in hearing aid longevity is your maintenance routine. Even small actions taken daily or weekly can significantly extend the life of your devices.
Here are some ways to care for your hearing aids effectively:
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Clean your hearing aids daily, especially microphone ports and tubing.
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Change wax guards or domes regularly, based on your hearing provider’s recommendation.
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Have your devices professionally cleaned every 3 to 6 months to remove buildup you may not see.
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Check for signs of wear, such as sound distortion or loose components, and address them promptly.
Without regular care, hearing aids are much more likely to experience malfunctions or performance issues that lead to early replacement.
Body Chemistry and Personal Factors
Everyone’s body is different. Some people produce more earwax or sweat more frequently, which increases the chance of hearing aid buildup and moisture exposure. Skin oils can also affect the seals and surfaces of the devices.
While you can’t change your physiology, you can take steps to mitigate its effects by cleaning devices more often, using sweatbands or clips during exercise, and storing your aids in a moisture-reducing case overnight.
Software and Technology Obsolescence
Even if your devices still physically work, outdated technology can become a limiting factor. Hearing aid manufacturers eventually stop supporting older models, which means:
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Replacement parts become harder to find.
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Software updates are discontinued.
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New accessories, apps, or smartphones may not be compatible.
If your hearing aids are five to seven years old, you might miss out on newer features like Bluetooth streaming, smartphone integration, or adaptive noise filtering. Many users find that upgrading improves not just hearing clarity, but overall convenience and connectivity.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hearing Aids
Not sure whether it’s time for a new pair? Here are some common signs that your current hearing aids may be reaching the end of their useful life:
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You hear more distortion, static, or feedback than before.
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Battery life has become noticeably shorter.
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Your hearing aids are no longer compatible with your phone or app.
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There is visible damage to casing, tubing, or battery contacts.
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You’ve noticed a decline in your ability to hear clearly, especially in background noise.
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Your hearing loss has progressed, and your current model no longer meets your needs.
Even if your hearing aids still “work,” they may no longer be providing the level of support you need. Periodic hearing evaluations can help determine whether your devices are keeping up with your hearing changes.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hearing Aids
With just a little attention each day, you can help your hearing aids last longer and perform better. It’s not difficult, but consistency is key. Here are a few best practices to follow:
Start by cleaning your hearing aids each night before bed. Use a soft cloth and a wax loop or brush to clear any buildup. Pay close attention to the domes, microphones, and tubing—these areas are most likely to trap debris. For devices with disposable batteries, remove the batteries before storing them to avoid corrosion. Rechargeable hearing aids should be stored in their dock or a designated dry box.
You can also take these steps:
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Use a hearing aid dehumidifier or UV drying box overnight to reduce moisture.
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Keep your devices out of humid environments, like bathrooms or steamy kitchens.
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Have your hearing aids professionally cleaned and serviced every few months.
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Replace small parts like domes and wax guards as needed.
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Avoid dropping or mishandling your devices, especially near hard surfaces.
These habits may seem simple, but they can make a noticeable difference in how long your hearing aids stay reliable and clear.
When Is It Worth Upgrading?
There are several reasons you might want to upgrade your hearing aids, even if they still technically work. Here are a few signs that a newer model might serve you better:
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Your hearing has changed, and your current aids no longer provide adequate support.
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You want access to new technology, such as automatic background noise reduction or smartphone streaming.
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Your devices are incompatible with modern accessories or apps.
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You’ve had multiple repairs, or replacement parts are no longer available.
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You’re experiencing greater listening fatigue, especially in group or noisy environments.
Technology changes rapidly, and even a few years can make a big difference in what hearing aids can do. Upgrading doesn’t mean abandoning what you have—it means making a thoughtful decision about what will support your hearing most effectively in your current stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hearing aids usually last?
Most hearing aids last between 3 to 7 years. Longevity depends on how well they’re cared for, how frequently they’re worn, and the environments they’re used in.
Can hearing aids last longer than 7 years?
Yes, some hearing aids can function well beyond 7 years, especially if they’re lightly used and properly maintained. However, limited software support or parts availability may make them less practical over time.
What causes hearing aids to wear out faster?
Moisture, earwax, poor cleaning habits, and exposure to extreme environments can all reduce the life of a hearing aid. Rechargeable battery degradation and outdated software can also contribute.
Is it better to repair or replace old hearing aids?
If your hearing aids are under warranty and the repair is simple, fixing them may make sense. However, if they’re more than five years old or frequently malfunctioning, replacement may be more cost-effective and reliable.
Do rechargeable hearing aids wear out faster than ones with disposable batteries?
Rechargeable hearing aids have lithium-ion batteries that last about four to five years. They may need earlier replacement if the battery capacity degrades, but they are just as durable as disposable battery models overall.
