7 Signs it’s Time to Get a New Hearing Aid

How old is your hearing aid?

It may be like an old friend, ever faithful and always there; but sometimes even old friends need time off because they’re plum worn out. From diminished hearing to improved financial circumstances, maybe it’s time to take stock and ponder if a new device is in order. Here are seven factors to consider.

1. How old is your device?

It might seem like yesterday you went for the first fitting, but think back.

Most hearing aids work reliably for around five years. After this time, it’s difficult to get spare parts should repair be necessary. If the device becomes unreliable, your audiologist may be able to fix it … but with no guarantees. With new devices coming down in price, it’s often worth weighing up the cost of repair against a current model with more features.

2. How well can you hear?

If you’re aware your hearing isn’t all that it could be despite using a hearing device then something needs to change. Just as it takes a time to recognize when you first needed a hearing device, deterioration in hearing can creep up on you, in which case check in with your audiologist.

The audiologist can retune your device, but if the loss of tones and frequencies is too great, then it might be time to upgrade to an even more capable device.

3. Has your health changed?

Perhaps your arthritis has worsened which makes manipulating tiny dials tricky or battery changes a trial. Be aware that refinements in design make for ever more user-friendly devices with features such as rechargeable docking stations for easy repowering.

4. Have your hobbies changed?

If you’ve taken up swimming or hill walking, then the sound environment your hearing device needs to cope with has new challenges. This could mean removing the device completely while you swim or suffer a surfeit of wind noise when walking. Maybe it’s time to invest in a more sophisticated waterproof device or one that cancels out wind noise.

5. Have your priorities changed?

Maybe at first you wanted a near-invisible hearing device, but now you’re contemplating a different style. Because your priorities and wants change, it might be a good time to upgrade your hearing aid to ensure you are getting the most from your device.

6. Are you satisfied with the technology?

Just as smartphone technology changes all the time, so does that of hearing devices. If you want to take phone calls via Bluetooth direct to your hearing aid, you can. If you want to listen wirelessly to the TV, you can with the latest modern devices.

7. Are new hearing aids in your budget?

And finally, if your finances have improved, what better investment than a hearing device that meets all your needs and keeps you connected to the world?

If you think you’re in the market for a new hearing aid, schedule an appointment with your audiologist to discuss your options!