How Long Do Hearing Aids Really Last?

The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of people over 60 years of age have hearing loss. Hearing aids can significantly improve the quality of your hearing, but many people don’t buy or use them.

Lack of education about hearing aids, including how to use them correctly, contributes to the fact that only about 16% of people aged 20-69 who need them actually wear them.

At SLENT, with locations in Mandeville, Slidell, and Hammond, Louisiana, our otolaryngology specialists evaluate your hearing loss, recommend the best type of hearing aid for you, and help you understand the benefits of hearing aids.

Hearing aid basics

There are several different types of hearing aids:

• CIC: Completely-in-canal aids fit completely into your ear canal
• ITC: In-the-canal aids fit partially into your ear canal
• ITE: In-the-ear aids fill most or part of the bowl of your ear
• BTE: Behind-the-ear aids hook over the top of your ear and rest behind it
• RIC: Receiver-in-canal aids fit behind your ear with the receiver in your ear canal
• Open fit hearing aids are BTE aids with a small tube that goes into your ear canal

We evaluate how much hearing loss you have and what type of hearing loss it is, and guide you toward the right choice.

Hearing aid costs

The cost for a hearing aid varies widely, and contrary to what many people think, hearing aids don’t always come in pairs. According to the National Council on Aging, hearing aids can range from $100 to $7,000. The average cost is around $2,100 for a pair of hearing aids.

Of course, the real cost of hearing aids isn’t just the up-front price tag. You’ll need to account for associated costs like reprogramming, batteries, and any amount for a plan that might cover part of your expense for your hearing exams and aids.

The longevity of your aids affects their total cost over time. If you buy a pair of hearing aids for $3,000 and the set lasts two years, your cost per year is $1,500 for the set or $750 per aid. If you buy a set for $3,000 and they last for six years, the cost per year is $500 for both.

How long hearing aids last

You’re also going to need to figure out the cost per year of your hearing aids based on their anticipated lifespan. A good hearing aid can be expected to last five to six years if properly cared for. Some might last even longer. Many companies offer a several-year guarantee.

Depending on whether you need one hearing aid or two, the type of aid you need, and how fast your hearing loss progresses, you might be better off with less expensive aids or more expensive ones. Keep in mind that a hearing aid that doesn’t work well or one that you won’t wear is about the same as no hearing aid at all.

Hearing aids can improve your quality of life and help maintain cognitive function as you age. Investing in high-quality, comfortable, long-lasting hearing aids is usually worth it.

Need more information about hearing loss and hearing aids? You can schedule a consultation at SLENT by calling 985-327-5905, or visit our contact page today.