Hearing Aid Upgrades - What are the signs that you need to upgrade your hearing aids?

How do you know when to upgrade your hearing aids?

The signs to look out for

Upgrading hearing aids

It’s time to upgrade your hearing aids when they no longer meet your hearing needs, new models offer significantly better technology, or your current hearing aids are old and unreliable. Also, consider upgrading if your lifestyle has changed and you need better performance in different environments or improved connectivity features.

How often should you get new hearing aids?

Hearing aids are complex devices and this is why it is good to know and understand when to consider upgrading them and purchasing a new pair.  Generally, hearing aids are best upgraded every three to five years to enjoy the most recent and best technology the industry has to offer.

This might be when your hearing aids can't be repaired by a professional or when you have had your hearing aids for a while and they are not supporting your hearing like they used to.  Hearing aids age over time and eventually become outdated.

Whatever the reason may be for considering an upgrade, even if they are working fine, here are some signs to look out for when it might be time to think about replacing your hearing aids:

Signs I should be upgrading my hearing aids

Guidance from our audiologists

There is a change in your overall health or hearing health

As our eye prescription changes, so do our hearing needs.  As I mentioned earlier, you might find that your current hearing aids aren't supporting your hearing like they used to.  For example, if you currently wear standard hearing aids and now you have a more profound hearing loss - your hearing needs would have changed and might be better supported with power or superpower hearing aids.

In regards to overall health, this can instigate hearing aid upgrades too.  For example, you might now have arthritis and, therefore, dexterity might be an issue.  If you currently have In-Ear hearing aids, this requires a certain amount of fiddling with small battery changes.  Putting them in your ears might also be a challenge.

In these scenarios, you might find that Behind-Ear hearing aids will be easier to put on, manage and maintain.  Rechargeable hearing aids are also worth considering, as they require no battery changes at all and would give you the confidence you need - knowing you have the power you need all day.

You have had your hearing aids for five years or more

As a rule of thumb, most hearing aids are due for an upgrade in around three to five years.  If you're wondering why they don't last longer, it really is all down to the natural wear and tear of the devices.  However, lifespan does often depend on how well you maintain your hearing aids and how well they are built.

In reality, after three to five years, your hearing aids become old technology and there are simply better, more efficient and advanced hearing aids out there.  The advanced hearing aids of today are more fun too.  They easily connect to all your favourite Bluetooth devices, and there are also more discreet styles, fits and colours available.

Other advanced technology examples might be:

• Connecting to multiple Bluetooth devices
• Hear a full soundscape with 360-degree directionality technology
• Compatible and programmable with smartphones
• Better amplification for speech in front of you
• Better processing power for wind and background noise reduction
• New beneficial features and settings to personalise your hearing experience

Replacing Your Hearing Aids

When should I upgrade my hearing aids?

Your financial position or lifestyle has changed

There might be a lifestyle change that has prompted the consideration of new hearing aids.  For example, your current hearing aids might not meet your new needs and expectations.  Such as you're now more active and need your hearing aids to keep up in different environments - especially wind noise.

However, your lifestyle might be more slow-paced or you spend most of your time indoors and you might now need to switch to more simple hearing aids, such as a basic model.  This means you won't be paying for the features you don't use.

Or perhaps you are now able to afford more advanced hearing aids that will suit your needs better and replace the current ones you bought a few years ago on a smaller budget.  On the other hand, your perception of hearing aids might have changed since you purchased your current ones.  

From experience, people are a lot more reluctant and wary when they buy their first hearing aids.  Now you might find that you've gained more confidence and know how it feels to hear your best and now have a better idea of what you want.

Conclusion

If you are considering upgrading your hearing aids, it is important to consult with your audiologist to determine the best solution for your individual needs. They can help you evaluate your current hearing needs and recommend hearing aids that are appropriate for your level of hearing loss and lifestyle.

It is also important to consider the cost of upgrading your hearing aids. Newer models may be more expensive than your current devices, and you may need to pay for any additional features or technology that you want. Be sure to discuss the cost of upgrading your hearing aids with your hearing healthcare professional and consider any warranty coverage that may be available.

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