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Hearing aids are profoundly helpful pieces of technology that can greatly improve your quality of life and help you avoid the worst outcomes of untreated hearing loss. As advanced as these pieces of technology may be, however, they are not designed to last forever. If you’re a relatively new hearing aid user, it’s important to understand that you’re likely going to have to replace them at some point, but when should you?
Decreased Sound Quality Or Performance
Like all tech, hearing aids show their age after some time. As the components become less efficient, you may notice a decrease in sound quality. If your hearing aids no longer provide the clarity and amplification they once did, despite regular cleaning and maintenance, it could be time for a replacement. Issues like distorted sounds, muffled hearing, or difficulty understanding speech indicate that they’re no longer doing their job and may be due for a replacement.
Repair Costs Are Getting Out Of Control
Many of the issues mentioned above can commonly be fixed with the help of an audiologist. Sometimes, you might need new batteries, microphones, or other parts. These costs are to be expected, but if they’re becoming more and more frequent, it’s a sign that a new hearing aid may be more cost-effective in the end.
They’re Not Adapting To New Environments
When you select hearing aids, you normally pick them based on (among other things) the kind of environments you’re more likely ot use them in. However, your lifestyle may have changed since you first chose them. While you might have once primarily spent time in quieter environments, you may be getting more social, especially as hearing aids often improve confidence. If your hearing aids don’t work as well in crowds, you may need a new pair that do, for instance.
You Could Benefit From New And Advanced Features
Hearing aid technology is always progressing, and new models are always coming out with innovative features that can really improve both their performance and convenience. If your hearing aids are a few years old, you should learn more about the latest features like Bluetooth connectivity, automatic environmental adaptation, and smartphone apps that allow you to fine-tune them much more easily. Don’t underestimate how much more convenient hearing aids get over time.
Your Hearing Loss Has Changed Or Progressed
Lastly, it’s not just hearing aids that change, but your hearing as well. It’s important to keep up with regular hearing tests, even if you have already been diagnosed and treated for hearing loss. After all, hearing loss can progress, especially as we get older, which may mean that certain hearing aids are no longer as effective as they once were. Make an annual appointment for a hearing test to be sure that you’re getting the right treatment.
If you’re uncertain whether or not you should replace your hearing aids, talk to your audiologist. They may be able to help you extend their lifespan for longer, or recommend those that might better fit your needs now.
