How Often Do People Replace Their Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are becoming more sophisticated by the day. They incorporate advanced features such as wireless radios, computer processors and microelectronics. With the current hearing aids, you can get custom specifications such as resistance to dirt, moisture and dust. 

While your hearing aids may be working well, many patients ask how often they should replace them. There are definitely some factors you should consider in the decision-making about making replacements. They include:

Total damage

If you wear your hearing aids all day and every day, your devices will likely require some regular maintenance of debris and other items. These include earwax, perspiration, rain, pollen, body oils, humidity, lotion and hair spray. Additionally, your hearing aids can fall now and then, get rattled in your bag and turn or twist when wearing them or taking them out. Eventually, they may experience total damage, in which case you have to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a replacement.

Reaching their lifespan expectancy age

Assuming you maintain your hearing aids regularly and have an audiologist check them often, their typical lifespan is five years. Once they reach this age, start considering a replacement. You might need to make a few repairs; however, old ones become burdensome due to constant breakdowns. At this point, a replacement is preferable.

Lifestyle changes

If you go through a lifestyle change such as working in new environments or new technology, your hearing aids may no longer meet your needs. Perhaps the technology on your current hearing aid cannot support other changes such as wind noise-blocking if you go hiking more than usual.

On the other hand, you could be living in a quieter neighborhood; therefore, a basic model would work well. However, consult with your audiologist to get hearing aids that work fine for your new lifestyle.

Change in health

Hearing loss is gradual, and with time it could worsen, rendering your current hearing aids useless. Standard hearing aids will not work effectively when you are experiencing profound hearing loss. If you notice that your device isn't meeting your current needs, go for an ear assessment from an audiologist to determine what new hearing aids will work best for you.

Additionally, if your overall health has changed due to an accident, illness, or surgery, you may require a replacement for your hearing aids.

Improvement in your financial situation

The kind of hearing aids you acquire mainly depends on your lifestyle, preference and budget. When you buy your first pair, chances are you go for the more economical option. However, as time goes, your financial situation may improve, enabling you to upgrade your devices to something with more advanced features. When the time comes, have an audiologist customize new hearing aids for you.

New technology

The latest hearing aids include advanced features such as smart technology and rechargeable batteries. Smart technology includes Bluetooth that you will not find in obsolete hearing aids.
Outdated hearing aids may contribute to the low hearing quality and problems like an aggravated buzzing or unpleasant feedback. 

Additionally, they require constant repairs that are more expensive than digital hearing aids. Old devices are often bulky and highly noticeable, while newer hearing aids have more advanced technology and are more discreet. If you notice that you keep experiencing problems, it is time to consult with your audiologist for new hearing aids that incorporate the latest technology.

Functional problems with your current hearing aids

Hearing aids that fail you when you need them the most are detrimental to your social life and mental health. As your hearing aids near their average lifespan, they will often experience functional problems due to exposure to many environmental elements. Your hearing aids may shut off when you're enjoying a conversation with your grandchild or listening to music. Instead of getting accustomed to such failures, consult with your audiologist for a replacement.

Cosmetic needs

Hearing aids should be stylish and fashionable. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are especially noticeable if you change your hair color or get a trim. If you're conscious of your hearing aids being noticeable, replace them with those that camouflage with your hair or skin tone. Also, you can get completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids that are close to invisible.

Bottom line

It is necessary to replace your hearing aids. However, there are factors you need to consider when arriving at this decision. Some of these include total damage to your hearing aids, advancing technology, cosmetic needs, lifestyle and hearing changes and improvement in your financial situation. Replace your hearing aids when they reach their average age or start to experience functional problems.

Visit us at Brentwood Hearing Center to learn more about upgrading your hearing aids call us at (615) 866-0431.