Several factors can determine how long your hearing aids will last. On average, you can expect to get 4 to 6 years of enjoyment from quality hearing devices. When hearing aids are well maintained and kept from physical damage, they can last as long as 10 years.
If you are deciding if it is time to upgrade your hearing aids, here are some things to consider, in addition to your hearing device’s age.
Benefit From New Hearing Aid Technology
Depending on your hearing loss severity, new hearing aid technologies could be a motivating factor when deciding to upgrade. In just the past 5 years, there have been significant changes in hearing aid technology and new research concerning hearing loss.
This includes cochlear implants for people with severe hearing loss from inner-ear damage and Bluetooth-enabled hearing devices that make wireless connections to smartphones to stream sound with unparalleled quality.
There are even new, sound-masking therapies to alleviate other hearing-related problems, such as tinnitus.
Schedule an appointment with your hearing care specialist to talk about alternative therapies that can benefit the patient in many ways.
These include acoustics therapy, psychological counseling, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques to interrupt the contribution of stress and anxiety to the condition.
Changes in Lifestyle or Medical Conditions?
Changes in your hearing levels, sound quality, or lifestyle changes may necessitate a hearing aid upgrade. If you’ve moved from a job or a home that was quiet before – into one that has more or louder environmental noise, you may want to change your hearing aids.
Many life activities can dictate the need to upgrade your hearing aid devices to a more powerful model, has new capabilities, or is less obvious.
Also, consider if there have been changes in your medical condition that can affect your hearing loss severity. Ear infections, viruses, head trauma, and even allergies can modify your hearing.
Speak with your hearing care specialist about new medications you may be taking, especially the class of medicines known as ototoxic drugs that can damage the ear’s structures and cause changes in your hearing.
If you’ve worn the same hearing aids for more than 5 years, consider an upgrade because specific hearing challenges can improve over time, while other types of hearing loss can be progressive and can get worse over time.
When to Consider a Hearing Aid Upgrade
Modern hearing aid technology is smaller and lighter than ever. Overcome issues with older hearing aids that can be too obvious or feel too burdensome with more lightweight and smaller styles. And when smart technology is mated with smaller hearing aid devices, you win!
Modern hearing aid devices can distinguish between background noise and conversation, making hearing more effortless and more enjoyable.
Let’s face it. We are all surrounded by new electronic devices that have smart features and Bluetooth or internet connectivity. Consider hearing aids that can connect to your computer, smartphones, smart TVs, or audio equipment to enhance how you work and how you play.
Regardless of how well your current hearing aid devices are performing, you may benefit greatly from advances in hearing aid technology.
If you or a loved one would like advice on upgrading their devices, contact Preferred Hearing Centers to learn more about your options. Our friendly team of hearing specialists is ready to support you in your next steps to better hearing.
