What factors should influence the decision to get new hearing aids?
When Should I Get New Hearing Aids?
One of the most common questions we get asked from new hearing aid owners is, “How long will my hearing aids last?” While this might seem like an easy question to answer, the truth is the answer depends on several factors. It can be helpful to consider why you might want to upgrade to newer hearing aids and advantages they may have over your current aids.
Why to Get New Hearing Aids
There are several reasons hearing aid users should consider getting new hearing aids periodically. These reasons include gradual changes in your hearing, changes to your lifestyle or needs, and new developments or improvements in technologies.
Changes in Hearing: One of the biggest reasons people choose to get new hearing aids is because their hearing has changed from when they first got hearing aids. Most people’s hearing degenerates over time. In fact, your hearing could degrade past the point where your hearing aid can help. One of the best ways to make sure your hearing aid is still adequate for your hearing loss is to get your hearing tested at least once a year at an audiologist’s office. This will allow your audiologist to track your hearing changes and to make recommendations based on what they see. Often your hearing aids can be adjusted and reprogrammed to compensate for changes in your hearing; other times, a new set will be much more helpful.
Changes in Lifestyle: Another reason people frequently need new hearing aids is because their lifestyle has changed from when they first got them. You might change jobs or retire, you might move to a new area, or perhaps you’re doing more traveling or becoming more active. In any of these cases, you might find that your current aids simply don’t function the way you need them to. When you visit an audiologist, he or she will ask you questions about your lifestyle and how you plan to use your hearing aids to ensure you get the best model for your needs. New hearing aids can make it much easier for you to adjust to changing circumstances in your life and help you enjoy every day to the fullest.
Changes in Technology: Believe it or not, hearing aid technology is rapidly developing, and today’s hearing aids are vastly more capable and dependable than models from even a few years ago. Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, different microphone and output modes, less-visible designs and increased battery life are just a few of the advantages new hearing aids feature.
If you’re still using older style analog hearing aids or even older digital hearing aids, a new set can make it much easier for you to hear and experience the world around you without difficulty. Today’s hearing aids are smaller, lighter and more capable than ever, and a qualified audiologist can help you choose the right model.
In general, hearing aids last for four to seven years, though some users keep them even longer. If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than a few years, you should talk to an audiologist about the advantages of an upgrade and what new hearing aids could do for you.
The Victoria Hearing Center is Victoria’s number one audiology and hearing care clinic. We’ve fitted thousands of Texans with hearing aids and helped them get more out of their lives. If you want to improve your hearing and experience the world around you more fully, call us today at 361-573-4832. You can also visit us online at our Facebook and Google+ pages to get more helpful tips and advice for improving your hearing and living with hearing.
