How Often Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?

“Should I replace them now or wait for a while?” is one of the questions most frequently asked by wearers of hearing aids. This becomes even more difficult to answer when the listening devices you purchased decades ago still appear to be working. However, while they may seem to still be in good shape, you would be well advised to think twice about holding onto them.

Research shows that in 2016 over 3.65 million hearing aid units were distributed in the United States. Over the years, there have been incredible developments in hearing aid technology. Ten years ago, many of these advancements were not even in the conceptual stage. This shift from being simple devices to high-tech pieces of equipment presents an ideal opportunity to consider a renovation or upgrade – it could make a vast difference to your quality of life. 

Signs it is time for an upgrade 

Contact a qualified hearing instrument specialist (HIS) for assistance in deciding what style of device you should opt for to get the best performance possible.

These 5 signs are clear indicators that you should consider new hearing aids:

• Your hearing aid isn't dependable anymore and often cuts out. 
• Your hearing aid feels bulky and heavy. When you look at yourself in the mirror it is all you notice.
• Your Hearing aid is not digital. You frequently need to remove the hearing instrument to answer a call, or sometimes even watch tv. Purchasing a new digital listening device will solve this problem.
• You are regularly buying and changing batteries. Modern hearing devices are energy efficient, and the majority benefit from rechargeable batteries, saving you money and hassle. 
• Your hearing has deteriorated since you first purchased the hearing aid. These devices last for a certain period, usually between three to five years before the auditory quality begins to drop. 

Let’s take a closer look at some reasons why you should get your hearing instrument replaced or upgraded

Reasons to upgrade your hearing aids
 
Keeping old hearing aids can be costly

One concern that comes to mind when considering purchasing a new hearing aid is cost. However, when you take every factor possible into account, you will find out that holding on to your old hearing aids will end being more expensive than buying new ones. One reason for this is that they were built using analog technologies that continually need new batteries, and it is expensive to change the batteries once or even a few times each day. Also, bear in mind the general cost of servicing old innovations – it doesn’t come cheap. 

Smart technology 

Believe it or not, technology has caught up with almost everything. Unlike your old listening devices, modern hearing devices come with Bluetooth capabilities. And with the latest Bluetooth innovation, you can have your smartphone, television, or computer connected to your hearing aids. New technology has also made it easier for hearing aid users to communicate with their hearing instrument specialists and receive adjustments to their aids without even needing to visit the office. 

The need for personalization 

The latest hearing aids also come with style and flexibility. There are endless ways to personalize them to suit your individual needs and style, including color, size, and shape options. Therefore, you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing instrument in your preferred color or have it closely tucked inside your ear where no one will notice. You will no longer have the issue of your old hearing aid taking a shine off your appearance. Say goodbye to that sinking feeling that you had when you spent so much time finding that perfect outfit for a special occasion, only to endure wearing it with an obsolete hearing aid.

Failing hearing aids 

Another frustration with old or outdated hearing devices is the servicing, as you’re more likely to require frequent fixes. Whether it’s the occasional irritating buzzing sound, or just the regular servicing to ensure it works effectively, it’ll mean frequenting the hearing instrument specialist to have your devices checked. These checks can be stressful, especially if you don’t have extra aids to tide you over if your specialist needs to spend a lot of time fixing your device. A seriously damaged auditory aid would require even more time to repair, and in this case buying a new hearing aid is the obvious choice. 

Need more information on your hearing and hearing aids? Learn more from the Center for Better Hearing by calling 510-768-7091 for further assistance.