Replacement Hearing Aids UK

Replacement Hearing Aids in the UK

What should you do if you lose your hearing aids? How can you get replacement hearing aids? When is it time to upgrade?

Replacing hearing aids

Replacing hearing aids can significantly enhance your hearing experience. Newer models offer advanced technology, improved sound quality, and better comfort. Whether upgrading for better performance, replacing lost devices, or addressing changes in your hearing, choosing the right replacement can make a world of difference, helping you reconnect with the sounds around you.

Small devices, but big investments to lose

Hearing aid devices can be small and discreet - especially some ITE models - and are commonly lost.  Losing something valuable to us is one of life’s vexes.  Chances are we’ve all had episodes of misplacing car keys, jewellery and mobile phones.  You might have even had the unfortunate experience of losing a hearing aid in the past. 

Digital hearing aids are commonly one of the most expensive devices and investments we own and need every day.  This is why we must do everything we can to keep them safe and regularly carry out maintenance checks to keep them in optimum shape and performance.

Replacement Hearing Aids UK

Upgrading your hearing aids

When is the right time to upgrade your hearing aids?

Like other complex technologies, we upgrade when we feel that there are better and more advanced devices out there on the market.  Hearing aids are no different and it is important to know when to think about upgrading yours.

How often should I upgrade my hearing aids?

As a rule of thumb, hearing aids need to be upgraded every few years - usually around 3 or four - due to many reasons, not just because your old devices can't be repaired.  Consider replacing your hearing aids if:

Your hearing has changed

Our hearing changes just like our eyes do and over time you'll realise that your hearing aids aren't powerful enough to assist you.  You'll notice this deterioration especially if your hearing alters and becomes more profound and you are currently wearing hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.  This is when your hearing will be supported more beneficially with power aids.

Your health has changed

Health changes can also be a reason why you should think about replacing your existing hearing aids.  This is generally a dexterity issue, as often people who contract arthritis in their hands can make putting in ITE hearing aids very difficult.

You might also struggle to put in and take out batteries.  This is when BTE hearing aid styles might be better suited to your new needs - or even rechargeable hearing aids - when battery replacement isn't needed.

You've had your existing hearing aids for a long time

As we stated earlier, hearing aids should be replaced around every four years.  So if your hearing aids are older than that - consider an appointment with your audiologist to discuss other more advanced options.

The reason for this is, usually, between three and seven years is the life span of hearing aids.  You wear them every day and naturally, they go through a lot of wear and tear.  They are constantly working and connecting and adjusting to help you to hear better.  Regular maintenance does help keep your hearing aids going, but it is the new technology that makes the difference.

For instance, your older hearing aids simply won't deliver the best hearing performance for you as a newer device on the market.  Technology is continuously being modernised - offering more efficiency, refined listening experiences and more.

There are many hearing aids today that incorporate artificial intelligence, so they are constantly learning about your hearing specifications and adjusting automatically.  Another hearing aid breakthrough is the use of motion sensors within aids.  These are designed to understand and adapt based on your movements, so you always hear at your best wherever you are.

Modern hearing aids are offering great technology as standard in today's market, which you are not benefiting from with your current aids.  Newer hearing aids will likely be able to...

• Detect, understand and manage background or wind noise.
• Amplify speech in noise.
• Enhance speech focus in conversation.
• Connect to smartphone apps and other Bluetooth devices.

Your lifestyle has changed

You might have adapted to a life that is more active and now need your hearing aids to keep up.  Alternatively, you aren't as active as you used to be and may need a simpler model that is less complicated.

Your wants and needs have changed

When you originally purchased your hearing aids, you might have got a more basic model because it felt new and too complex a device.  You might now feel more confident in wearing your hearing aids and have found that you would like to tap into more connectivity and advanced features that modern hearing aids can provide. 

Or you have a better idea of what you want and perhaps your priorities have changed.  For instance, the universal connectivity of Phonak Paradise hearing aids or the artificial intelligence seen in Oticon More might now sound more appealing than a basic model.  Consumer expectations are growing and with it, technology has had to adapt and bring out new worlds first, which offer you and your hearing loss more.

How to Get Replacement Hearing Aids

How can my audiologist help me with upgrading my hearing aids?

How to get replacement hearing aids

Your local audiologist will go through the features you are benefitting already from your hearing aids, and what works well and what doesn't work as well.  They will show you what is now on offer and how these advancements can complement your hearing and lifestyle.

They will go through every step of how to use your hearing aids, so you always get the most out of them.  You should never leave a fitting appointment without good knowledge of your new devices.  Your audiologist will also make any adjustments needed in your follow-up appointment - based on your hearing needs and how you've adapted to your new aids.

Your audiologist can also help you with:

• Faulty and damaged hearing aids:  Small damage to your hearing aids can often be repaired by your audiologist.  If they can't assist you, they will send them off to the manufacturer.
• Replacement batteries: Audiologists usually have a good stock of hearing aid batteries, which you can purchase as and when you need them.  Most of our patients choose to have their batteries posted out monthly by direct debit, so they don't need to worry about remembering to order fresh ones.
• Hearing aid replacement parts:  There might be certain cases where your audiologist has spare parts available in their clinic, or they might be able to order them.  For more complex parts, they may need to send your hearing aids off to the manufacturer.
• Other troubleshooting issues that your audiologist could resolve:  Replacement hearing aid buds, replacement hearing aid battery door, replacement hearing aid charger, replacement tubes for hearing aids and more.

NHS replacement hearing aids

NHS hearing aids are free and provided on a long-term loan basis, therefore you don't own your hearing aids.  Repairs and batteries are also free, but you will be charged if you damage or lose your hearing aids.  

How to make a claim and receive replacement hearing aids, as well as replacement hearing aids cost

The main process for claiming lost or stolen hearing aids is to contact your insurance provider and they will first explain the process to you in detail and then support you in receiving your replacement hearing aids.  The cost you will need to cover would all depend on your insurance policy and the excess you agreed to.

Hearing aid insurance and hearing aid warranty

So, is a hearing aid warranty or hearing aid insurance worth it?  Whilst some people can get their digital hearing aids covered under their household insurance, many insurance companies these days either don’t offer this or can charge a hefty premium to do so.

Some people are also concerned that they may lose their no-claims discount on their household insurance should they need to make a claim.  Due to this, we as a company, give hearing aid wearers more flexibility around this issue, we now offer two options: hearing aid insurance and hearing aid warranty.   You can learn more about the differences here