Do You Need New Hearing Aids?

The average lifespan of hearing aids is between three and seven years, but this varies a lot depending on a number of factors. If you do not clean and maintain your hearing aids properly, they will not last as long. But if you look after them well and you are careful with them, they may well last longer than seven years.

The best thing to do if you are not sure is to ask your audiologist for advice. However, you should also look out for these common signs that you need new hearing aids. 

Changes in your hearing 

If you notice changes in your hearing, there are two possible causes. It may be because your hearing aids are not functioning properly or it may be because your hearing loss has become more severe. Either way, it is likely that you need a new set of hearing aids.

If you speak to your audiologist, they can assess your hearing to determine whether your hearing aids are working correctly or not. They may be able to fix the issue by adjusting your hearing aids. 

However, if your hearing needs have changed or your existing hearing aids are beyond repair, they can recommend a new set. 

Changes to your lifestyle 

Changes to your lifestyle often bring out changes in your hearing needs. For example, if you have recently taken a job that requires you to be on conference calls with a lot of people, your current hearing aids may not be adequate. Taking a job in a noisy environment, like a bar or a restaurant, will also put more pressure on your hearing aids,  because the hearing aids you already have may not have the features you need.

If you choose your current hearing aids based on a quieter lifestyle, you may need an upgrade. Your audiologist will be able to advise you on what new features you might need to accommodate your lifestyle. 

New hearing aid technology 

New research into hearing aids is being conducted all the time and the technology is constantly advancing. In recent years, researchers have been looking into ways to make use of artificial intelligence technology to improve sound processing. This constant technological advancement means that new and improved hearing aids are being brought to market all the time. 

If you have had your hearing aids for a few years, you should ask your audiologist whether there have been any recent advances that you should take advantage of. You may find that new features could drastically improve your hearing and it is worth upgrading to a new set of hearing aids with features that were not available when you were first fitted with your hearing aids. 

Hearing aids will last a long time when they are well looked after but eventually, they reach the end of their useful lifespan and need to be replaced. You should also consider new hearing aids if your lifestyle changes. If you speak to your audiologist, they will be able to give you advice about upgrading your hearing aids.