As we age, our bodies change and so does our hearing. Hearing aids are a great way to improve hearing and quality of life, but like all technology, they require updates to ensure optimal performance. In this blog post, we will discuss signs that it may be time to update your hearing aids, technological advances, lifestyle changes, the importance of regular checkups, and financial considerations.
Signs of Hearing Aid Wear and Tear
Hearing aids are durable and can last for many years with proper care, but they do experience wear and tear over time. Here are some signs that your hearing aids may need to be updated:
- Decreased sound quality: If you find yourself turning up the volume more often than usual or if conversations sound muffled, your hearing aids may not be performing as well as they used to.
- Feedback or whistling: Hearing aids may produce feedback or whistling sounds when they are not fitted properly or if there is a buildup of wax or debris.
- Difficulty understanding speech: If you find that you are struggling to understand speech in noisy environments, it may be time to update your hearing aids to models with advanced noise reduction features.
- Malfunctioning parts: If your hearing aid is frequently malfunctioning, it may be time to replace it. Sometimes, parts such as batteries or tubing may need to be replaced rather than the entire devices.
- Physical damage: Accidents happen, and hearing aids can be damaged by drops or exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. If your hearing aid has physical damage, it may need to be replaced.
Technological Advances
Hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years, and newer models offer many benefits over older ones. Here are some technological advances in hearing aids:
- Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth technology allows you to connect your hearing aids to your smartphone or other devices, so you can stream audio directly to your hearing aids.
- Rechargeable batteries: Many newer models have rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
- Artificial intelligence: Some models have artificial intelligence that can adapt to different listening environments, making it easier to hear speech and reducing background noise.
- Directional microphones: Directional microphones focus on sounds in front of you, making it easier to hear speech in noisy environments.
How to Determine if Newer Technology Could Benefit You
If you are experiencing difficulties with your hearing aids or if you are interested in the latest technology, it is worth considering updating your hearing aids. A hearing healthcare professional can help you determine if newer technology could benefit you. They can also explain the different features and help you choose the best model for your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes in hearing ability and lifestyle can also impact the type of hearing aids you need. Here are some examples:
Changes in hearing ability: If your hearing has changed since you last purchased hearing aids, you may need to update your hearing aids to a different model that can better accommodate your current hearing needs.
Changes in lifestyle: If you have experienced changes in your lifestyle, such as retiring or traveling more, you may need hearing aids that are more suitable for your current lifestyle.
Need for different features: Depending on your lifestyle and hearing needs, you may need different features in your hearing aids, such as a telecoil for use with hearing loops in public places or a remote control to adjust settings.
Hearing Healthcare Professional Checkup
Regular checkups with a hearing healthcare professional are important to ensure your hearing aids are working properly and to address any issues that may arise. During a checkup, your hearing healthcare professional can determine if your hearing aids need to be updated and can help you choose the best model for your needs. They can also clean and maintain your hearing aids to ensure optimal performance.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your hearing aids or are interested in updating them, contact our hearing practice today. Our team of experienced hearing healthcare professionals can help you determine if it is time to update your hearing aids and can guide you through the process of selecting the best model for your needs. With our help, you can enjoy better hearing and a better quality of life.
