How to Know When It Is Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids, like everything, do not last forever. They will at some point need replacing. But how do you know when that point is?

As a general rule of thumb, a hearing aid will last somewhere between three and five years. There are some exceptions, of course. Some will last even longer while others will need replacing earlier. Factors that have an impact on how long they will last include:

• How well made they are
• How well maintained they are
• The wear and tear placed upon it
• How many hours a day it is worn

As soon as you notice that your hearing aid is not working as well as it should be, get in touch with your hearing instrument specialist. Think of how far you have come with your hearing aids; they have allowed you to lead a better quality of life, prevented the social isolation and the breaking of social connections that often accompanies hearing loss. The last thing you want is to go back to square one and have to start that process all over again. When it stops working or does not work as well as it should, you need to get it replaced or upgraded. It is also a chance to make sure that the hearing aids that you wear are the best ones for you and your hearing.

How do you know when it is time to upgrade your hearing aids?

It is important to bear in mind that age-related hearing loss is degenerative; it gets worse the older you get. Once you notice that your hearing aids are not giving you the best possible hearing that they should, it is time to visit your hearing instrument specialist to have them checked and adjusted. It may be that your hearing aids just need replacing, or it may be that your hearing has changed significantly and your existing hearing aids are not up to the task. You may need a more powerful model or one with different features to meet your new needs.

Lifestyle changes

Your life changes and that sometimes means needing to change your style of hearing aid. It may be that you have started a new job in a different, noisier environment or moving in with someone. A new hobby, perhaps. All of these are legitimate and very common reasons for hanging and upgrading your hearing aid.

Changes in technology

Breakthroughs in hearing technology have introduced a number of features that were not available a few years ago. These might include some of the functions that you have always dreamed of having – the ability to separate conversational noise from background noise.  

Changes in your health

A change in your overall health can lead you to needing a new hearing aid. Perhaps you have always got on perfectly with your in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, but you have developed arthritis. This can cause to reduced dexterity and makes it harder to put your hearing aid in your ear. It might be that it is time to switch out to a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. These, while being a little less discreet, are better for those with dexterity issues because they are easier to change batteries and need them changing less often too. 

Changes in your financial situation

Perhaps you had no choice but to buy the most economical and basic pair of hearing aids when you first needed them but can now afford a more advanced device – it may be time to think about upgrading. You can always keep the old ones as a spare set for emergencies.

Your attitude towards hearing aids has changed

When people are first diagnosed with hearing loss and purchase hearing aids, they are understandably reluctant. Perhaps you were skeptical about the impact that hearing aids could have on your hearing and your overall quality of life. However, as you have gotten to know your needs a little better and realized just what a good set of hearing aids can bring to your life, it may be time to look at upgrading to something with more features or that meets your needs more closely.

Speak to the Center for Better Hearing

If you think it is time to replace or upgrade your hearing aids, get in touch with our expert team of hearing instrument specialists today at the Center for Better Hearing and find out what you need to do. Call us for more information today at 510-768-7091 now.