A frequently asked question about hearing aids is when they should be updated or replaced. Hearing aids are designed to be durable devices that last a long time. Depending on the type and model of hearing aid you have, they can last 5-7 years. But eventually, hearing aids will need to be updated but when exactly? There are several factors that can indicate new hearing aids are needed. If you are thinking about replacing your hearing aids, thinking about the following considerations can help you determine when you should update your device :
1. Your hearing aids don’t seem to be working as well. You are an expert when it comes to your hearing aids. This means that you will likely notice when they don’t seem to be working as well. A few signs that they are not working optimally include:
- Your hearing aid powers off randomly.
- There is feedback noise, sounds are muffled or distorted.
- Your batteries don’t last very long and you are replacing them often.
- Sound quality is not as clear and great as it was.
These signs can point to an internal issue with the device that is producing these malfunctions. Because hearing aids are worn daily, they naturally are impacted by daily wear and tear which is normal. But over time, factors like moisture exposure and accumulated earwax can lead to damage or corrosion. This highlights the importance of having your hearing aid inspected regularly. A hearing aid specialist can tell you if your hearing aids can be repaired or if it is time to have them replaced.
2. Your hearing needs have changed. Hearing loss exists on a spectrum – from mild to profound and over time, your hearing needs can change. It is important to have your hearing health assessed regularly, even if you have hearing loss and wear hearing aids. Getting your hearing evaluated consistently allows you to track your hearing health and any changes you may experience over time. This ensures that your hearing aids are still meeting your hearing needs optimally. If they are not, then it may be time for new hearing aids. If your hearing loss changes then you’ll need to make adjustments with treatment.
3. Your lifestyle needs have changed. In addition to your hearing needs changing over time, your lifestyle needs can also change. A number of lifestyle factors are used to determine the best type of hearing aid that can seamlessly integrate into your everyday life and support your hearing needs. This includes your work life, hobbies, social engagement etc. which helps identify the types of environments you regularly navigate. So if you experience big changes and shifts – you move to a different state with a different climate, your work environment changes, you start to engage in new hobbies etc. – then you may need a hearing aid that best serves your hearing needs in these new contexts.
4. You are interested in the latest features. Today’s hearing aids are more innovative than ever before. Advancing technology continues to produce cutting edge features and capabilities, expanding what hearing aids are able to do. You may be interested in upgrading your hearing aid so that you have access to the latest features. This includes:
- Wireless connectivity: using Bluetooth technology, hearing aids can wirelessly connect to other audio sources. This allows them to stream audio directly which means the sound waves can be adjusted in specific ways to meet the wearer’s hearing needs. This makes watching TV, listening to music, and talking on the phone a much more seamless experience.
- Digital noise reduction: this feature is designed to reduce background noise which delivers enhanced sound quality. This is especially useful when navigating settings that are noisier.
- Tinnitus management: tinnitus is a common hearing loss symptom. This feature emits low levels of white noise to mask tinnitus effectively, alleviating its impact.
Additional features include voice recognition, a downloadable app where you can conveniently manage hearing aid settings, and a voice assistant.
Contact us today to learn more about updating your hearing aids and to explore the many options and hearing solutions that you can access to best support your hearing needs.