Hearing aids have an average lifespan of about five to seven years, although some devices may last longer than that. If you’ve had your hearing aids for several years, you may be wondering if it is time to consider investing in new devices. There is no set rule for how often you should do this. Here are 3 signs it might be time to upgrade:
- Your current hearing aids are beyond repair. When hearing aids no longer function as expected, many times the problem can be corrected through maintenance. This may be as simple as thoroughly cleaning the hearing aids, or it may require more significant steps such as repairing or replacing parts. As hearing aids get older, it often becomes more expensive to get them repaired. If your hearing aids are at the end of their average lifespan and not in good working order, it may be more worthwhile to look into a new set.
- Your needs have changed. Hearing aids can be adjusted over time to compensate for changes in hearing. However, if your hearing changes drastically, a more powerful hearing aid might be necessary. Physically, our ears can change through processes like aging, weight gain, or weight loss. Sometimes this can result in a hearing aid that no longer fits well, particularly if it is a custom molded hearing aid or earpiece. An audiologist can let you know if the hearing aids can be adjusted in these instances, or if you would be better off to purchase new devices.
- You want the latest features. Hearing aid technology improves with each new “generation” or product release. Features that are standard in hearing aids today in many cases were not as common 5 years ago. Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone apps, and audio streaming are widely available in newer devices. These features can improve your hearing and satisfaction with your devices, which may make the upgrade worthwhile.
If you think it may be time for new hearing aids, our office would be happy to discuss the options with you. Give us a call at 904-399-0350 to schedule a consultation.