When should you upgrade your hearing aids?

Everyone with a hearing loss who has purchased hearing aids knows the huge difference it makes to your life. For a lot of people, hearing loss comes with the awful side effect of feeling lonely. This is often due to feeling unable to take part in conversations fully which inevitably results in a reduced social life. Hearing aids can give you that social life back.

Replacement hearing devices

The thing we have to understand with hearing aids is that there’s no guarantee they will last forever, at some point they are going to need an upgrade. They are electronic items and as we all know, these have notoriously low life cycles. This, of course, does mean that you may have to get a replacement at some point. The key thing is to decide when the best time for your upgrade is. Clearly, we don’t want anyone to be throwing away their current aids when they are still in good working order. Luckily, there are some warning signs we can look out for together.

1. You’ve reached the 4 year mark

Technically speaking, a hearing device can last anywhere between 3 and 7 years. There are some that may last longer but this depends on the make and model as well as how well they have been maintained. Generally though, when your aids surpass their 4 year birthday, the features will begin to decline. The reason this happens is that the technology in your aid is no longer as “cutting-edge” as it was when it was new. There also may be a build up of dirt / grime or the hardware inside could have experienced some wear and tear.

Once you get to this stage, it’s in your interest to start thinking of a replacement. If your device breaks then obviously you will be left without anything to use until a new one arrives and that’s not a great situation to be in. If you are in any doubt at all, you can talk to one of our lovely Audiologists who will be able to give you their honest opinion. They can advise you if they believe your aids could last a little longer with a good clean or whether it will be cheaper and less hassle to settle for an upgrade.

2. Your hearing has deteriorated

Unfortunately, some people’s hearing loss will worsen over time. If this does happen, your current hearing aids won’t be set up for the correct level of loss. Often, you will need newer devices that are fitted and programmed to your current specification. A good warning sign that this is the case is that the sound you are now receiving is lower. Of course, this may be due to the device but if there are no other warning sings, it’s probably your hearing. Some people stop wearing their hearing aids for a while and try to determine if they believe their hearing is the same or worse. Luckily for our patients, we offer 6 and 12 month check ups to ensure your level of hearing is always monitored.

3. A change has occurred in your life

Often, you will have your hearing devices set up to help you in specific situations. If something in your life changes, for example, a new job where you have to take a lot of calls and it’s a noisy environment, the aids you decided on to begin with may not be up to the job now. As always, the best thing to do if this happens is speak to your Audiologist and explain any changes to your lifestyle. They will be able to advise on the best way to proceed.

4. Better technology is now available

As with all electrical devices, new technology will inevitably appear each year. The most important thing when deciding on an upgrade is to establish what you want out of the aid. They can be very technically complex or a little simpler depending on your needs. Your Audiologist will be the best person to discuss this with as they know your level or hearing loss and can offer you measured advice. They will also be clued up on all the new releases and will be able to offer you lots of information, and maybe even help you to trial some new technology.

If you would like any further advice or to discuss an upgrade, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to help!