More than 48,000 people in the U.S. experience hearing loss, and if you are among this number, you may be considering hearing aids. With recent advances in hearing aid technology, there has never been an easier time for those with hearing loss to find the treatment they seek. Although the first commercial hearing aid was released over a century ago, they were minimally effective and unwieldy to use. There are all kinds of different devices available to buy, many of which are tiny and discreet and have exciting functions like Bluetooth and remote volume control you can change through an app on your phone. 

If you have hearing loss, a good hearing aid will allow you to have conversations, listen to music, go to work, watch television, and talk on the phone without difficulty. But they are extremely complicated devices, and they will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of a hearing aid depends on multiple factors, including the quality of the device, how you treat it, and whether your hearing changes over time.

To give you a clearer indication of when to replace your hearing aid, here are some of the key reasons to contact your hearing instrument specialist (HIS) for an upgrade. 

Your hearing aids are over five years old

In general, most hearing aids have a life expectancy of three to seven years. Depending on the quality of the instrument, some may last a lot longer, while others may fall into disrepair long before this time. Like anything you use every day, a hearing aid is subject to wear and tear, and there’s only so long it can survive you constantly putting it in and out of your inner ear.

Of course, there are things you can do to prolong its lifespan, like keeping your ears clean of wax and dirt, wiping down your device after use and storing it safely. And the longer you maintain its good condition, the less money you will have to spend on new hearing aids over time.

As your device ages, it may become less effective at boosting your hearing. Hearing changes almost always happen very gradually, so it might be that you haven’t even noticed that your device isn’t working as well as it used to. Therefore, once you hit the five-year point, it’s a good idea to consult with your HIS to see if it’s time for a new model. 

You want new features

Even though hearing aid technology has come a long way, there are still changes and upgrades being made all the time. The most basic devices do little more than amplify sound, but the more complicated models have much more extravagant features.

Depending on the exact model, some of the functions and capabilities you might see include:

  • The ability to detect and minimize unnecessary background noise
  • Direct audio input to phones, speakers, or other music players
  • Wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control your hearing aid settings through your smartphone remotely

If you decide you are fed up with your old basic hearing aids and want a fancy new upgrade, these additional features may improve your quality of life in several ways.

Your hearing has changed

It’s a common misconception that once you have hearing aids, your hearing will not change anymore. But just as glasses-wearers need to constantly update their prescription, the same goes for hearing devices. Over time, your hearing may change, and you’ll need stronger devices to be able to hear to the full extent. If you have hearing loss, you should be getting a regular hearing test at least once a year, which will flag up any significant changes. This will tell you whether or not it is time to upgrade to a stronger hearing aid.

You want a new style

There are many different types of hearing aids that can be equipped with a multitude of features. The most common hearing aid styles include: behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC). These all come with their own set of advantages and challenges, making it crucial you confer with your hearing instrument specialist when deciding on an upgrade. 

Get in touch

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hearing loss and would like to learn more about the different types of hearing aids available, get in touch with Sound Choice Hearing for more information. Click here to visit our website or give us a call at (505) 565-7960.