How Frequently Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are complex instruments that can help you hear better and improve your ability to hear. It is important to know when it’s time to get an upgrade. 

Other than instances when your hearing aids cannot be repaired by your hearing instrument specialist, there are additional reasons to recognize when it’s time to get a new pair.   

There has been a Shift in Your Hearing and/or Health

In the same way that your vision changes as you age, your hearing abilities also change. You may notice the sounds harnessed by your hearing aids are weaker. This is notable for those who use standard hearing aids and have severe-to-profound hearing loss. A stronger hearing aid, like Oticon’s Dynamo, might be more effective. 

A shift in your overall health can trigger the need for a new hearing aid. For example, if you have arthritis the dexterity in your fingers makes smaller hearing aids difficult to handle. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids feature a very small battery door, so it may be a good idea to get behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Some models are rechargeable, so there is no need to change any batteries. 

Are Your Hearing Aids over 5-years-old?  

The majority of hearing aids have a lifespan of three to seven years. Hearing aids are meant to be used all day, from the moment you wake up to the time when you go to bed. Even with thorough care and cleaning, exposure to natural outdoor elements, along with moisture and earwax, can lead to damaged hearing aids over time. 

Older hearing aid models do not function as efficiently as modern hearing aid models. The latest hearing aids are basically miniature computers that rest inside your ears. They can sequence algorithms to regularly improve your ability to hear. Based on the type of hearing aid that you get, it will probably feature better technology that can:

• Recognize and reduce background noise or sounds from the wind
• Recognize and strengthen the sound of a speaker that is positioned directly in front of you
• Be programmed through a smartphone app
• Connect to any of your Bluetooth® devices      

Have You Made Big Changes in Your Lifestyle?  

In some cases, a change in your lifestyle is a great reason to get new hearing aids. The old technology may not fit with your personal needs, or it may simply be out of date. For example, maybe you got an upgrade on your smartphone and watch videos, but are unable to stream the sounds directly to your hearing aids. Maybe you are spending more time outdoors, which requires a hearing device that can withstand different environments, such as blocking wind. Perhaps, if you no longer get out of your home as often as you used to, a basic hearing aid model might be your best option.

Your Perspective on Hearing Aids has Changed   

Most individuals with hearing loss are hesitant to purchase their first pair of hearing aids. On average, many people wait 10 years to get hearing aids after being informed that they have hearing loss. Those who know exactly what they need - in regards to hearing - and feel comfortable with hearing aids, may want advanced devices with a variety of settings.     

If you are unsure about what you should do, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for guidance from one of our hearing instrument specialists.  

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs, and re-fittings. For any repairs, we ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag.  We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.

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