When Is It Time To Update Your Hearing Aid?

According to a recent report, approximately 28.8-million adults in the US could benefit from using hearing aids in their daily lives – whether they are dealing with age-related hearing loss or hearing loss induced by other external factors. Despite this, as little as one-third of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.

However, when you buy hearing aids, you cannot assume that they will last forever. While routine maintenance can keep them in good shape, there are various situations in which they must be replaced, such as if your hearing changes significantly or new makes or models become available.

With that in mind, here are some occasions where hearing aids must be updated or replaced.

Replace Your Hearing Aids When You’ve Noticed a Change in Your Hearing

Hearing aids are designed to improve the overall quality of your hearing through special software that picks up and amplifies certain sounds on your behalf. While they minimize the symptoms of hearing loss, they do not resolve the issue itself. As a result, if your hearing worsens over time – you may need to update your hearing aids accordingly. Regular hearing tests should help you keep up to date with your condition.

This is because different makes and models are better suited to different hearing conditions. For example, in-the-canal (ITC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are best used for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, whereas in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids can be used to combat the symptoms of moderate-to-severe hearing aids. If you aren’t sure which makes and models are best for you, then you may want to consult an audiologist.

You’ve Had Your Hearing Aids for Several Years

As with any piece of tech, proper maintenance can keep your hearing aids in good condition for several years. However, there will come a time when they need to be replaced, or they will lose effectiveness. Typically, it is advised by audiologists that hearing aids should be replaced every five years. You may also find, as described above, that your hearing changes significantly during this time, making an update even more necessary.

New Makes and Models Are Available

The first electric hearing aid was designed in 1898, though they were not introduced to the market until early 1913. At the time, the hearing aids were rather large and indiscreet due to the technology that was required to power them. However, our investment in new tech and software means that hearing aids are more powerful and effective than ever – they are also much smaller and more discreet. For example, many ITE models are almost invisible or hard to spot when worn.

New makes and models of hearing aids are put up for sale each year, which improve the quality of the products that are available to us. As a result, you should always keep an eye out for these new products, especially as they may enhance your life considerably.

Your Lifestyle and Habits Have Changed

As any audiologist can attest, different hearing aids are better suited to different lifestyles and habits. For example, if you are going to be working in a noisy environment, such as a factory or a busy office, then you may benefit from updating your hearing aids to those with noise-canceling capabilities, reducing the amount of background noise you hear. Alternatively, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, then you may be interested in buying hearing aids that block out sounds such as wind, which could otherwise impact your ability to communicate with or listen to those around you.

Regardless of your situation, the proper hearing aids can make a real positive difference in your life, ensuring that you can keep up to date with all of your hobbies, passions and interests without any interruption.

Get in Touch Today to Find Out More

Whether you’ve never worn hearing aids before, or have found that you are due an upgrade, then please do not hesitate to get in touch today. Whether you call us today at 623-583-1737 or online, we’re always here to help at Grusecki Audiology – not only do we provide you with access to the best makes and models of hearing aids, we’re also on hand to answer any questions you might have. This is a great way to ensure that you get the support you deserve to continue living your life as normal while also giving you great peace of mind moving forward.