Today’s hearing aids are adaptable, discreet and powerful devices that help you stay engaged and excited about the world around you. A well maintained pair of hearing aids can last for up to seven years, providing you with the better hearing you need to navigate the world around you. Hearing aids last for years, but there will come a time where you will need to replace your old hearing aids with a newer pair.
When is the right time to replace your hearing aids? The answer to that question can be as unique as you are. One general rule is to talk to your hearing specialist during your annual hearing exam and discuss recent changes to your lifestyle or health. Here are some of the main signs it may be time for new hearing aids:
Your Health Has Changed
A new health challenge can have repercussions throughout your life – and it may mean your hearing aids are no longer a good fit. Dexterity issues, especially arthritis and Parkinson’s can make it challenging to properly wear and maintain your hearing aids. Changing small batteries or dealing with small components can become next to impossible. If dexterity is an issue, new features like rechargeable batteries can help make your hearing aids easier to use.
If tinnitus has become a prominent and distracting chronic condition for you, a new hearing aid may help you manage intrusive sound. You may be surprised to learn that many hearing aids today have options for tinnitus relief including built-in noise countering and other therapeutic pathways.
Your Hearing Has Changed
Your hearing can change, and sometimes a new pair of hearing aids will be the best way to manage a new level of hearing loss. While treating hearing loss can help lower your risk of comorbidities and protect your hearing from further damage, hearing loss can still progress even if you use your hearing aids regularly. Aging, noise exposure and even some types of medication can increase your risk of further hearing loss.
In most cases, changes to your hearing can be dealt with by adjusting the programming on your current pair of hearing aids. Your annual hearing exam will include adjustments and fine tuning to best meet your hearing needs.
Sometimes, however, your hearing may cross a threshold where your current hearing aids cannot properly serve you. For example, many small in-the-canal hearing aids are most effective for mild to moderate hearing loss, but can’t properly amplify sound for severe to profound hearing loss. Often, profound hearing loss requires specially designed and programmed hearing aids. If your hearing loss worsens, your hearing specialist can let you know if your current hearing aids can meet your needs or if you would be better assisted by new devices.
Your Life Has Changed
When you first selected your hearing aids, your life may have been vastly different than it is today. A major life event can very well mean that you would be better served by a different pair of hearing aids. After all, choosing the right hearing aid means both finding a model that can meet your hearing needs as well as a device with features that support your lifestyle.
A career change, or a shift in your workplace or school might indicate that it is time for a new hearing aid. For those who have seen their workplace move online, a hearing aid that can stream digital audio directly to your ear can give you the edge in video conferencing.
Digital streaming can also help those who want to stream calls or entertainment from their smartphones, staying connected with your friends, family and favorite shows and music.
If you’ve begun a new hobby or exercise routine, you may want to assess what lifestyle features your hearing aids should include. For those who spend significant time outdoors, look for hearing aids that offer wind reduction and extra waterproofing. Opting for telecoil accessibility in your hearing aids can help you stream sound in public places such as airports, churches and movie theaters.
Technology Upgrades
With the dawn of digital streaming, hearing aid technology has opened new doors into what is possible. Hearing aids are smaller, more discreet and more adaptable than ever before. If your hearing aids are working, but newer technology would be a better fit for your lifestyle, consider donating your old hearing aids and getting an upgrade. Contact us today! We can help you decide on the right choice for your hearing needs.