Just like your phone or your laptop, hearing aids don’t last forever and will eventually need an upgrade. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate it’s time for a new set.
Wear and Tear
On average, hearing aid users upgrade their set every three to five years. A significant reason for this is that the technology begins to age around that time. These vital pieces of technology are used on a daily basis, and their position in your ears exposes them to moisture, oils, the elements and physical impact. Even with the utmost care, eventually, the delicate components of your hearing aids will begin to degrade.
If you notice that your hearing aids are beginning to malfunction, sound quality is decreasing or battery life doesn’t last as long as it used to, these are all signs of aging equipment.
Your Hearing Needs Change
When you first got this set of hearing aids, they were custom-programmed to your specific hearing needs at that time. However, your hearing needs are not static; all types of hearing loss progress over time due to aging, noise exposure or other health changes. As a result, you will need changes to your programs and settings as your hearing loss progresses. This is normal, but it’s possible that at some point you will have hearing needs that your current hearing aid set can no longer accommodate.
Technological Advances
One reason audiologists recommend upgrading every few years is to take advantage of advances in hearing aid technology. Technology is constantly advancing. Your hearing aids from three years ago, once considered top-of-the-line, may seem rather basic in comparison to today’s newer models. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a great example of this. New models such as Starkey’s Livio, Oticon’s Intent and Phonak’s Infinio all use AI to classify sounds smarter than ever before. Speech enhancement, noise reduction and other features are more adaptable and accurate than ever before.
You Just Don’t Like Them Anymore
Preferences and lifestyles can change. A hearing aid style you liked a few years ago might not suit you anymore, and that’s normal. Maintain a positive relationship with your hearing aids; don’t sabotage your hearing health by not liking them. Upgrade to something you like better.
If It’s Time to Upgrade
If any of these reasons resonate with you, it might be time to upgrade your hearing aids. Our trained team of audiologists can help you choose a style of hearing aid that works for you and has everything you need to hear clearly and communicate confidently. Call Elevate Audiology today to schedule an appointment.