Key Takeaways:
- Hearing aid warranty coverage typically lasts 3-4 years, but with proper care, some patients continue to do well with their hearing aids beyond the warranty.
- Good care and cleaning habits are key to getting the most longevity out of your existing hearing technology.
- If your hearing aid is currently out of warranty and in need of repair, it is worth weighing the cost of the repair versus a new set of hearing aids.
As an experienced audiologist, I know that the thought of keeping up with the latest hearing aid technology can seem daunting. Yes, every year new models with advanced features hit the market. However, let me reassure you – if your current hearing aids are working well, there may be no urgent need to change them.
It's not about having the newest gadget; it's about what works best for you. Hearing aids are robust, often serving their wearers reliably for years, even beyond their warranty. The decision to switch to a newer technology should be guided by your evolving hearing needs, changes in your lifestyle, and advancements in technology that can bring added benefits.
How long do hearing aids last?
Professional-grade hearing aids last an average of 3-7 years.
Most leading hearing aids come with a 3-year warranty and often outlast that timeframe.
Wearers often upgrade before their hearing aids stop working to access new technology releases.
If you are a person that likes to have the latest technology or would like to stay under warranty, you'll probably want to plan for upgrades every three years. Most wearers keep an older pair as backup.
Does hearing aid style make a difference in longevity?
For most people, hearing aid style doesn't have a significant impact on longevity. With the proper care and cleaning, hearing aids that sit behind the ear vs. in the ear offer similar lifespans.
The one exception to this rule is for invisible (IIC) hearing aids. Tiny IIC devices may be prone to breakdown from earwax or moisture if you produce a lot of earwax.
What happens when my warranty is up?
Most hearing aid warranties last at least three years. While a hearing aid is under warranty, the pieces and parts of the hearing aid are covered and will be replaced at no cost.
A loss and damage policy will also cover a one-time replacement for a co-pay. However, once the warranty expires, you'll be responsible for paying for repairs out of pocket.
Therefore, it's important to check in with your hearing aid clinic before the end of your warranty so any repairs can be addressed before the end of the warranty.
You might also extend your warranty coverage is ESCO insurance. ESCO insurance takes over after your original hearing aid warranty has expired.
How much does it cost to repair a hearing aid without a warranty?
Hearing aid repairs vary by situation and care provider. If you are not under warranty and do not have ESCO insurance, you'll need to pay out of pocket for repairs.
Typically you might expect to spend $300 per ear on a microphone or battery replacement and up to $600 per ear for a cracked hearing aid body.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of hearing aid you have or how old it is, there are plenty of ways to extend its life span by properly caring for it and scheduling regular tune-ups.
By taking proper care of your devices and choosing a high-quality product that fits your lifestyle needs, you can get years out of each pair!
Even when you decide to upgrade, thoughtfully maintained hearing aids can eventually become a great backup.
