Selecting a new hearing aid
We often get asked, “When will I need to replace my hearing aids?” And although the question is simple, the answer is a bit more complex. Someone might need to upgrade or replace their hearing devices for many reasons. Outside of your hearing aids’ being beyond repair, we compiled five of the most common reasons you would need/want to replace your hearing aids.

 

Your hearing requirements have changed

Similar to our eyesight over time, our hearing changes over time. Even with hearing aids, your hearing will continue to degrade over time. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, can worsen even if you wear hearing aids. One sign that your current hearing aids are no longer powerful enough to handle your hearing loss is if you find yourself turning up the volume on your TV or radio more than before or if your current hearing aids seem no longer loud enough. If your current devices can not be adjusted to handle your hearing loss requirements, upgrading your hearing aids to something more powerful could give you the gain you need.

New Technology in hearing aids

Technology has improved

Unlike your smartphone, technology in hearing aids is not rendering models obsolete each year. However, significant technological advances happen roughly every three to five years, predominantly in processing speed, digital signal processing, and noise reduction advancements.

Today’s advanced hearing aids are more fun than ever before, too. Most can connect effortlessly to all the electronic devices around you — TVs, computers, smartphones, and more. And there are more options than ever for size and fit.

Next time you visit your hearing care specialist, we encourage you to ask, “What’s new?” You might be surprised by what’s available.

Lifestyle changes

New Job? More socially active? Spending more time outdoors? All these changes and more may require a new set of hearing aids to keep up with your new lifestyle. If you decide to spend more time outdoors, for instance, you may need hearing aids with better wind cancellation that are more durable. If you’re into the latest tech and have a new phone, computer, or tablet, you may want to connect your hearing aids to them. Whatever the case, lifestyle changes are a big reason to consider updating your current devices.

Couple hiking

you’ve had your hearing aids over 5 years

Aside from normal wear and tear, plus damage from ear wax and moisture, 3 to 7 years is the typical lifespan of a set of hearing aids. Even if you’re ok with making do with aids that don’t operate as well as they once did, it is also essential to consider that internal parts wear out over time: microphones and receivers. Due to the size of these small parts, it’s necessary to have your devices cleaned professionally at least once every 90 days. However, if something needs to be replaced as your hearing aids age, getting the parts from the manufacturer to fix them can become more challenging.

Today’s modern hearing aids are tiny computers running algorithms to refine your hearing experience continuously. Depending on the hearing aid you buy, it likely uses advanced technology to:*1

    • detect and minimize unnecessary background or wind noise
    • detect and amplify the speaker directly in front of you
    • be programmable via a smartphone app
    • connect to external devices via Bluetooth

Your view on hearing aids has changed

On average, it takes people 7 – 10 years to get hearing aids after being diagnosed with loss. Furthermore, it takes time to understand the difference between hearing better and hearing your best. It can be overwhelming with all the technology, sizes, and form options. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an audiologist who can help you find the right fit, technology level, and features based on your individual needs and lifestyle requirements.

Call Salem Audiology Clinic, and find out why we have been the Willamette Valley’s most trusted hearing care center for over 40 years. (971) 701-6322.

Salem Audiology Clinic: Where you can trust what you hear.


*1 Healthy Hearing, Signs you need a new hearing aid https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51928-Signs-you-need-a-new-hearing-aid