If you’re suffering from hearing loss, hearing aids offer exceptional hearing solutions to those of all ages. The advancements in hearing technology mean that hearing aids are extremely effective, subtle, and proficient in restoring and aiding hearing loss. However, whether you’re new to the market of hearing aids or you need to replace your existing hearing aids, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that hearing aids have a limited life span. Like when buying any medical devices like hearing aids, it helps to understand how long your hearing aids will last before they eventually need to be replaced.
How long do hearing aids normally last for?
Quality Hearing aids usually last between five to seven years before needing to be replaced. This lifespan is dependent on how well hearing aids are maintained, but there are also other factors that can affect the effectiveness of the technology over time.
Battery life, wearing frequency, and even the type of hearing aid style (in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear) can impact the lifespan of a hearing aid.
How often should hearing aids be tested and checked?
If within the first year of use, hearing aids should be tested and checked by an audiologist at least three times throughout the year. This frequency is to ensure that hearing aids are functioning as intended and will address any troubleshooting issues that are usually encountered by those who are new to wearing hearing aids.
For those that have worn hearing aids for over a year, it’s still recommended that a hearing aid check-up be done at least once a year, or anytime there are issues with the quality of hearing aid sound.
How often is hearing aid technology changing?
New hearing aids may be required simply due to the fact that an existing model is no longer up to date with modern hearing aid technology. Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving, and there have been major leaps in the quality of sound and features available to users today as compared to five or six years ago. As a general guide, consider replacing an existing hearing aid model four to five years after its introduction as hearing aid technology has more than likely advanced significantly since then.
To add to this, manufacturing support is usually phased out for older models after several years. As hearing aid companies improve on the technology, they typically divert resources to newer models from older ones, meaning that the parts needed to repair an older hearing aid model may not always be available.
What are the signs hearing aids need replacing?
Issues experienced with hearing aids typically become more common over time and if your hearing aids are no longer working as well as they once did, it’s time to look at repairing or replacing the devices. Here’s what to look out for:
Changes to how you are hearing
Any change to how you are hearing with your hearing aid is typically a sign that your hearing health and condition need to be reassessed or there may be a degraded performance of the hearing aids. Different types of hearing aids are suited to address different types of hearing issues, and you may need a new type of hearing aid to adapt to the change in your hearing. The best way to go about this is to book a hearing test with an audiologist to find out what is causing the issue. The audiologist will then be able to provide a recommendation for a suitable type of hearing aid to meet your hearing needs.
No longer comfortable/properly fitting
If your hearing aids don’t fit as well as they once did it’s possible that they are no longer suitable for use. Not only will they be uncomfortable to wear, but having hearing aids in a poor position can also affect the quality of the sound produced. If they feel out of place, visit an audiologist to either get them adjusted or get fitted for a new pair.
Constantly needing to adjust volumes
Sudden drops in volume, strange static noises, or muffled sounds are annoying to deal with. If you find yourself having to constantly adjust the volume for different environments or media, it could be a sign that your hearing aids have a problem. Take them to an audiologist who will be able to figure out what the problem is.
Battery life is deteriorating
Rechargeable hearing aids are fitted with lithium batteries that can be charged over and over, but as time goes on, they will naturally lose their capacity. You may find that your hearing aids that once lasted 2-3 days on a single charge are now barely lasting the day. Sometimes the in-built batteries can’t be replaced and the best option is to look for a new pair of hearing aids.
With the right care, hearing aids can last a long time — but there will eventually come a time when you will need a new pair that meets your hearing needs. At Harmony Hearing, we’re here to do just that. Our team of audiologists can help you test your hearing and find the best model among our collection of quality hearing aids in Perth to meet your budget and needs. Book an appointment with us today to start your journey towards better hearing!