When To Update Your Hearing Aids?
We’ve explored the question of “how long do hearing aids last?” which begs the question, “When should I update my hearing aids?”
Hearing aids tend to last three to seven years, depending on the model and your specific hearing needs. As you begin to wonder if you should update your hearing aids, ask yourself a few of these questions:
Are your hearing aids functioning well? Do you take precautionary measures with your hearing aids, by storing them in a safe dry location? Do you make sure they are secure – and they have not been exposed to moisture, humidity, or other elements? Do you make sure that you have your hearing aids regularly cleaned and maintained by your hearing specialist?
Is there new technology available that wasn’t before? In recent years, major hearing aid manufacturers have introduced new and advanced technology that greatly improves different aspects of the listening experience. There may be technology available now that addresses aspects of your hearing or eases your listening experience.
Are your current hearing aids fully meeting your hearing needs? Your hearing abilities will naturally change over time and the hearing aids you were prescribed at the first may not meet your needs now. If you are experiencing a decline in clarity of sound or fuzziness, come visit us at My Hearing Centers for a fresh hearing exam and consultation to determine your current hearing needs.
Malfunctioning Hearing Aids
Even if you take good care of your hearing aids and take them in for regular maintenance, over time, they may not work as well as they once did. There are several signs to indicate that your hearing aids are malfunctioning: feedback sounds such as buzzing or whistling; volume controls do not work; battery charges do not last as long as they should; or sounds cut in and out. If you are hearing aids are not working, come visit us at a My Hearing Centers location.
New Hearing Aid Technology & Changes in Your Lifestyle
Most hearing aids are now digital and are endowed with sophisticated technology to address major concerns of hearing loss. With wireless connectivity, phone calls, music, and other media may be streamed directly from a smartphone or entertainment systems. Additionally, new hearing aid features have improved features to cancel out background noise and improve speech recognition. Some hearing aids offer features to simulate natural binaural hearing and improve localization.
If your lifestyle has changed – let’s say you’ve switched jobs or have taken on new hobbies or activities – there may be new technology to accommodate. You may require hearing aid batteries with longer life or perhaps a fully waterproof option for an active lifestyle.
Changes in Hearing Abilities
If your hearing aids are fully functional and you continue to struggle to hear, it may be time to take a new hearing exam. Our hearing abilities naturally change over time, even with the prescription of hearing aids. It is beneficial to your health to identify changes in your hearing abilities as soon as possible, and seek a new prescription for hearing aids.
Think you may need an update? Visit us at a My Hearing Centers location.