How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
· All About Hearing Team
Most hearing aids last between three and seven years, and around five years is a common point to start thinking about a replacement. That's a guide rather than a rule. Some last longer with good care, and some need replacing sooner, especially if your hearing changes.
What affects how long a hearing aid lasts
Hearing aids live in a tough environment. Ear wax, moisture from sweat, dust and the odd drop all take their toll on the small electronics inside. Daily cleaning, keeping them dry, and regular professional servicing and check-ups all help them last longer.
The style matters too. Behind-the-ear models keep their electronics outside the ear canal, so they tend to last longer. Smaller in-the-ear and in-canal models sit where moisture and wax are constant, which can shorten their life. Our guide to hearing aid types explains the main styles.
Signs it may be time to replace yours
- It needs repairs more and more often.
- It doesn't seem to help as much as it used to, which can mean your hearing has changed.
- Parts are getting hard to find. Some manufacturers stop repairing older models once they reach a certain age.
- You'd benefit from newer features, like rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth streaming to your phone or TV.
What replacing a hearing aid costs
Replacement is a real cost, and it comes around every few years. In one RTÉ News report in 2026, a Deaf couple described needing around €10,000 every five to seven years to replace hearing aids for both of them, even after the Treatment Benefit contribution. Individual costs vary widely with the technology involved. See our Hearing Aids page for typical price ranges, and our Hearing Aid Grant guide for help toward the cost.
Repair or replace?
If your hearing aid is fairly new, a repair or a service is usually the right call. If it's older and giving repeated trouble, an audiologist can check both the device and your hearing, then give you an honest view on whether an upgrade would genuinely help. There's no obligation either way.
Sources: Starkey: how long do hearing aids last; RTÉ News.
Frequently asked questions
- How many years do hearing aids last?
- Most last somewhere between three and seven years, and around five years is a common point to start thinking about replacement. How long yours lasts depends on the style, how well it's cared for, and how much wear it gets.
- Do some types of hearing aid last longer than others?
- Often, yes. Behind-the-ear styles tend to last longer because their electronics sit outside the ear canal, away from moisture and wax. Smaller in-the-ear and in-canal styles are more exposed, so they can wear out sooner.
- Is it worth repairing an old hearing aid?
- It depends on its age and the problem. Minor issues are often easy to fix, but once a hearing aid is getting old, parts can become harder to source, and repeated repairs can cost more than they're worth. An audiologist can give you an honest view.
- Can I get help toward the cost of a replacement?
- Possibly. The PRSI Treatment Benefit scheme may contribute toward a new hearing aid if you qualify. Adults with a medical card can get hearing aids through the HSE if assessed as needing them, though waiting times can be long. See our Hearing Aid Grant page for a general guide.
Not sure if yours needs a service or a replacement? We arrange hearing aid check-ups with a qualified, independent audiologist, at home or in a clinic.
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