Some of our clients ask us “When is the optimum time to think about getting new hearing aids?”… Because everyone’s hearing loss is different, there is no set answer for everyone. But, there are a few ways to tell when hearing aids may need replacing or upgrading.
Despite being around devices every day, we will never stop being astounded by the technology that goes into building assistive listening devices. Hearing aids are complex devices and because we fit all brands of aids, we make sure that your aids have the capability to be adjusted as your needs change over the years.
Aside from when your hearing aids are beyond repair as determined by a hearing specialist or audiologist, here are some other reasons to consider upgrading your hearing aids:
- You’ve had a change in hearing and health.
Just as our eyeglasses prescription changes with time, so too does our hearing. If your hearing has dropped significantly, you may find that your current devices aren’t powerful enough to help you. This may especially be the case if you now have severe-to-profound hearing loss but still use standard hearing aids.
Likewise, a change in overall health can prompt the purchase of new devices. For example, arthritis might cause you to have less dexterity in your fingers. If you have in-the-ear hearing aids, the small battery door could be difficult to open with limited dexterity, so it might be a good idea to consider new behind-the-ear devices. Some models even come with rechargeable hearing aid batteries that even switch on/ off automatically so it makes things much easier for you.
- Your hearing aids are more than five years old.
Most hearing aids last between three and seven years. All hearing aids experience a lot of wear and tear because they are exposed to the body and outdoor elements. Think about it: There aren’t many other electronic devices that are worn all day directly connected to you, working constantly? Our mobile phones may be the closest bet (even though we don’t wear them) and they are definitely replaced more often than 5 years. Even if you take excellent care of your device with frequent cleaning, continued natural exposure to sweat, moisture and ear wax can have a damaging effect over time. The normal warranty on a hearing aid is 3 years.
Also, older devices don’t function as efficiently as newer models and can even become obsolete. Today’s modern hearing aids are essentially tiny computers that run algorithms to refine your hearing experience continually. New hearing aids today uses advanced technology to:
- Detect and minimise unnecessary background noise or wind noise
- Detect and amplify the speaker directly in front of you
- Be programmable via a smartphone app
- Connect to external devices via wireless technology so you can answer your phone or listen to music straight through your hearing aid.
- You’ve made significant lifestyle changes.
Sometimes, a lifestyle change is an excellent reason to get new hearing aids. You might realise that the technology level is no longer meeting your needs or is outdated. For example, you have purchased a new phone and watch a lot of videos on it, but can’t connect the sound directly to your hearing aids. Or, perhaps you’re getting out and exercising a lot more than you used to, so you need hearing aids that have better nanocoating for sweat and can stand up to movement and the outdoors, and are good at blocking wind noise. Many new models of hearing aids can adapt sound settings to a user’s environment, so you can change your settings to suit your activity.
- Changes in hearing aid technology.
Many hearing aids produced today are using wireless technology that gives the wearer more control over the customisation of their device. Two different hearing aids operate like one device, which makes the use of hearing aids feel more like natural hearing. You might find you need to stream through your devices, and if they are a little bit older, they might not be up to the task. Some of the best new hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity so that the hearing aid can be connected to a wireless device such as a tablet or smartphone. Devices can send their electronic signals directly to the hearing aid for making phone calls, listening to music, watching videos, and connecting to the TV.
- Tinnitus management.
The symptoms of tinnitus are related to sound deprivation. Hearing aids can reduce the impact of tinnitus by improving your brain’s ability to hear sounds and by lowering your level of stress when trying to listen to sounds. Many new digital hearing aids include sound masking functions, which play white noise or ocean sound directly into the ear. Adding pleasant sounds to the sounds you hear already can help you move your attention towards the sounds you want to hear, rather than the sound in your head.
So, now you know the key signs that it’s time to consider trying new hearing aids, the ball is in your court. Is it time for you to try out some exciting new hearing aids?…
Hearing Sense is proudly independently owned and has three convenient clinic locations in Norwood, Unley, and Salisbury. We offer no-obligation free 30-day hearing aid trials for all brands of hearing aids, including the Lyric. Give us a call on 8331 8047 to book a FREE appointment or click here to Book Now.
