How Often to Replace Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing aids are your lifeline to the world around you. They allow you to have conversations with family or enjoy your favorite media, but they don’t last forever.
Like with any piece of technology, hearing aids have a typical lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. But when is it time to get new hearing aids?
Understanding the Lifespan of Hearing Aids
The average lifespan of hearing aids is three to seven years, but several factors can impact it. Daily use, environmental exposure, and how well you maintain them affect how long your hearing aids will last. For instance, people who wear their hearing aids on a daily basis may notice a shorter lifespan than those who wear them only occasionally.
Technological advancements also affect the lifespan of your hearing aids. Older models become outdated as technology improves, making it harder for them to keep up with your hearing needs or lifestyle. In some cases, even if your hearing aids are still working, they may no longer offer the same clarity, comfort, or features that new hearing aids have.
When to Replace Your Hearing Aids
Not sure if your hearing aids are still doing their job? Here are some common signs it may be time for an upgrade:
Reduced Sound Quality
One of the first signs that it may be time to get new hearing aids is if the sound quality is declining. Over time, internal components can degrade or become damaged, which affects how well they work. If your hearing aids sound muffled, distorted, or inconsistent, even after adjustments or cleaning, they may be losing their ability to process sound and need to be replaced.
Needs Constant Repairs
While occasional maintenance is expected, frequent repairs are a sign that your hearing aids may be reaching the end of their life. Older hearing aids are also harder to service due to discontinued parts or outdated software. Replacing your hearing aids with a newer, more reliable model will save you money on repairs.
Struggles in Noisy Settings
If you have trouble hearing in places like restaurants or loud gatherings, your hearing aids may not be performing as well as they should. This is especially important if you’re frequently in social situations where you need to be able to understand speech in crowded settings. If your current aids can’t keep up, it might be time to upgrade to a model with more advanced noise-handling features.
Visible Wear and Tear
Hearing aids are built to be durable, but years of daily wear can take a toll. Cracks, loose parts, or battery issues could indicate that your hearing aids are nearing the end of their life. If you're seeing visible signs of deterioration, that's a good indication that your hearing aids aren't as reliable anymore.
Outdated Features
If your hearing aids are more than a few years old, they may be missing features that are now considered standard. Older models may lack features like Bluetooth streaming, noise reduction, or custom environmental settings. If your current devices don’t offer these features, it may be a good time to consider whether upgrading could significantly improve your quality of life.
Changes in Your Hearing
As your hearing evolves, your device may no longer meet your needs. If it has declined since your last evaluation, your current hearing aids may no longer be able to give you the assistance you need, especially if they cannot be reprogrammed to match your needs. A hearing care professional can help determine if new hearing aids would work better for your current hearing level.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hearing Aids
While replacements are inevitable, a little care can go a long way in keeping your hearing aids in good condition so you can get the most from your devices:
- Clean your hearing aids regularly to remove earwax, dirt, and moisture that can interfere with performance.
- Replace or recharge batteries as needed, and routinely check for corrosion or buildup in the battery compartment.
- Schedule routine professional check-ups to monitor your hearing health and catch hearing aid issues before they lead to major repairs.
Ready to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?
Whether you’re wondering when to replace your hearing aids or just want to ensure they’re still performing at their best, Beltone DFW is here to support you at every stage of your hearing journey. Our experts offer comprehensive hearing tests at any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations and provide guidance on upgrading when the time is right. If new hearing aids are your best option, we’ll help you find the perfect fit, with personalized recommendations, fittings, and training to ensure you can use your new hearing aids easily and confidently.
Not quite ready for an upgrade? We also provide professional maintenance and repairs to help extend the life of your current devices and keep them working at their best, so you have the hearing support you need.
