Sometimes, things need replacing or updating, whether it’s your phone, clothes, laptop or blender. While they’re designed to last a while, your hearing aids are no exception to this rule.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your hearing aids every three to seven years. Let’s take a look at four signs it’s time to swap your old devices for fresh, shiny new hearing aids.
1. Your Hearing Loss is More Advanced
If your hearing undergoes minor changes, your hearing aid expert can reprogram your devices to match your new needs. However, if your hearing loss progresses drastically, your devices may not be suited for your new level. For example, in-the-canal hearing aids treat mild hearing loss, but you will need behind-the-ear devices for profound loss.
2. You Develop Dexterity Issues
Dexterity issues, often associated with arthritis, can make handling smaller hearing aid models more challenging. If you cannot remove and clean your devices easily, your hearing aid expert may suggest a larger model.
3. You Want To Try New Technology
Every year, they come out with a brand-new phone with the most advanced camera or fastest processing power yet. Hearing aids are no different. Manufacturers are constantly working to bring you clearer sound with fancy new features like AI processing and directional microphones. A few reasons you may want to try new technology include:
- You have tinnitus and want to try newer devices with tinnitus masking features
- You started cycling or got a brand-new convertible, and want hearing aids with wind masking
- You want Bluetooth®-compatible hearing aids for video calls or music
4. Your Sound is Unclear
Wear and tear on your devices can affect sound quality or battery life. Common types of wear and tear include:
- Dings, scratches or dented parts from dropping your devices
- Wax or debris buildup
- Moisture accumulation from trips to the lake or the Hawkins Indoor Pool
- Poor battery life from heat or cold exposure
If you notice static, muffled sounds or a whistling noise that your hearing aid expert can’t fix, it might be a sign that your devices are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Schedule a Hearing Aid Checkup
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. Knowing when to replace your devices is a crucial part of getting the most possible benefit from them. If any of the above reasons resonate with you, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Tinnitus & Hearing Experts to see if it’s time for new hearing aids.