When Is the Right Time to Upgrade My Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids, just like any regular piece of technology, are prone to becoming outdated.

Yet, with all the confusing information out there, many people struggle to acknowledge the first indicators, which are a sign that you’re due an upgrade.

HOW LONG DO HEARING AIDS LAST?

The lifespan of hearing aids differs from person to person, depending on how well they have been looked after and the device they were fitted with.

In-the-ear hearing aids last between 4-5 years, whereas behind-the-ear hearing aids have a lifespan between 5-6 years. The reason behind their difference is due to their construction and the way they are worn.

In-the-ear hearing aids are generally exposed to more moisture, wax, and a higher temperature due to being worn inside the ear canal. This means that they are more prone to general wear and tear.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are housed in a compartment that sits on your ear, blocking it from everyday wear moisture.

WHEN SHOULD I UPGRADE?

The ‘right time’ to upgrade is solely dependent on the individual, with everyone’s hearing care journey personal to them.

One of the main reasons is if your hearing has changed or worsened to the point where it’s beyond the range of your current hearing aids. Upgrading to a more powerful device with more sophisticated capabilities would help compensate for your hearing changes.

Another factor is if you’ve had a significant lifestyle change, such as a new job in the city or perhaps more time spent outdoor playing sport. This may affect your ability to navigate the new environment, making it hard for you to adjust.

And finally, technology is improving daily, and the latest advancement may give you more control over your hearing aid settings and functionality. It can even adapt to the rural and urban environments, such as focusing on the person in front of you at a coffee shop or in a conference room at work!

As we know, hearing is a primary brain function. Providing the clearest signal to the hearing system in the brain is what will help preserve long term speech discrimination.

This allows us to enjoy an active lifestyle as we age, improving our cognition and mental health.

In essence, it is so much more than just hearing; it is a major life change that will see your overall wellbeing improve, which is why an upgrade is always beneficial.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY OLD HEARING AIDS?

Hearing aids are very sacred in the community and will widely be appreciated by many people.

Consider donating them to your local lions’ club charity, where they will be recycled or donated to someone in need.

If you are unsure of what to do with your old hearing aids, contact a member of our team, and we will be happy to guide you with the options.

Above all, hearing aids are not one size fits all. With multiple styles, technology levels, and price-points, the best option for you is heavily dependent on variants such as your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and unique circumstances.

At Hearing at Home, we understand that hearing aids are only a small part of caring for your overall hearing health, with your level of care being equally critical.

If you or a loved one is ready to upgrade their devices or want advice on your options, contact us today to find out more.