How to Know When It Is Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are a lifeline for people with hearing loss. They allow you to live a full life without any of the hurdles that you would otherwise face. However, hearing aids have a finite lifespan and need to be upgraded from time to time. In some cases, hearing aids need to be replaced because they are not working as effectively as they should be. But even if they are still functioning well, it may be worth speaking to an audiologist about an upgrade because there are better options out there for you. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to tell when it is time for an upgrade and they don’t realize when their hearing aids aren’t functioning like they should. If you are unsure, speak to an audiologist and they will be able to advise you. In the meantime, watch out for these common signs that it is time to upgrade your hearing aids.

Changes to your hearing

Hearing loss is a degenerative condition and most people that experience hearing loss will notice changes as they get older. So, it is important to take notice of your hearing and be aware of any changes. In some cases, your hearing aids may simply need to be adjusted by your audiologist. However, if your hearing has changed beyond the range of your current hearing aids, you may need an upgrade. Your audiologist can recommend new, more powerful hearing aids that are better suited to your changing needs. A change to your hearing may also be caused by damage to the hearing aids themselves. Even if your hearing loss has not changed, you may have difficulty hearing because your hearing aids are old and they are starting to wear out. Again, this can be fixed by making Hearing aids are a lifeline for people with hearing loss. They allow you to live a full life without any of the hurdles that you would otherwise face. However, hearing aids have a finite lifespan and need to be upgraded from time to time. In some cases, hearing aids need to be replaced because they are not working as effectively as they should be. But even if they are still functioning well, it may be worth speaking to an audiologist about an upgrade because there are better options out there for you. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to tell when it is time for an upgrade and they don’t realize when their hearing aids aren’t functioning like they should. If you are unsure, speak to an audiologist and they will be able to advise you. In the meantime, watch out for these common signs that it is time to upgrade your hearing aids. Changes to your hearing Hearing loss is a degenerative condition and most people that experience hearing loss will notice changes as they get older. So, it is important to take notice of your hearing and be aware of any changes. In some cases, your hearing aids may simply need to be adjusted by your audiologist. However, if your hearing has changed beyond the range of your current hearing aids, you may need an upgrade. Your audiologist can recommend new, more powerful hearing aids that are better suited to your changing needs. A change to your hearing may also be caused by damage to the hearing aids themselves. Even if your hearing loss has not changed, you may have difficulty hearing because your hearing aids are old and they are starting to wear out. Again, this can be fixed by making adjustments to your current hearing aids, in some cases, but they may need to be replaced entirely. Lifestyle factors When you are first fitted with hearing aids, your audiologist will make recommendations based on your lifestyle. So, if you live a relatively quiet life and you are unlikely to be in situations with lots of loud background noise, your hearing aids will be different from somebody that lives or works in a loud environment. If your lifestyle changes in any way, your hearing aids may need to be upgraded to accommodate that change. For example, if you start a new job that requires you to talk on the phone a lot and participate in conference calls, your current hearing aids may not be adequate. Working in a busy environment, like a shop or restaurant, where there is a lot of background noise can also put extra strain on your hearing aids. Non-work-related lifestyle changes should be taken into account as well. For example, if you are starting a family or moving in with other people when you previously lived alone, your hearing aids may need to be changed. Similarly, some hobbies require more precise hearing ability. If your lifestyle is changing in some way and you think that it might affect your hearing needs, you should speak to your audiologist about other hearing aid options. Advances in technology Hearing aid technology is always advancing, which means that you have access to new features that were not available when you were first fitted with your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are better at picking out and separating specific sounds, making it far easier to follow conversations in busy environments. Many new hearing aids also connect to devices like TVs, computers and phones to improve functionality. If you have an old set of hearing aids, you should consider an upgrade so you can take advantage of these new features. You should also consider the aesthetics of your hearing aids. For example, if you are currently wearing behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, ask your audiologist about in-the-ear (ITE) options instead. These are worn inside the ear canal and come in a variety of skin colors, so they are less noticeable. It’s a good idea to stay up to date with any technological advances, so you can ask your audiologist about new features and upgrades as they are developed. Your hearing aid needs are always changing and new technological advances mean that you have more options available than ever before. That is why it is so important that you see an audiologist on a regular basis and upgrade your hearing aids when necessary. If you have concerns about your hearing aids and you want to speak with an experienced audiologist about them, get in touch with Clifton Springs Hearing Center today at 315-496-4314.

Lifestyle factors

When you are first fitted with hearing aids, your audiologist will make recommendations based on your lifestyle. So, if you live a relatively quiet life and you are unlikely to be in situations with lots of loud background noise, your hearing aids will be different from somebody that lives or works in a loud environment. If your lifestyle changes in any way, your hearing aids may need to be upgraded to accommodate that change. For example, if you start a new job that requires you to talk on the phone a lot and participate in conference calls, your current hearing aids may not be adequate. Working in a busy environment, like a shop or restaurant, where there is a lot of background noise can also put extra strain on your hearing aids. Non-work-related lifestyle changes should be taken into account as well. For example, if you are starting a family or moving in with other people when you previously lived alone, your hearing aids may need to be changed. Similarly, some hobbies require more precise hearing ability. If your lifestyle is changing in some way and you think that it might affect your hearing needs, you should speak to your audiologist about other hearing aid options.

Advances in technology

Hearing aid technology is always advancing, which means that you have access to new features that were not available when you were first fitted with your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are better at picking out and separating specific sounds, making it far easier to follow conversations in busy environments. Many new hearing aids also connect to devices like TVs, computers and phones to improve functionality. If you have an old set of hearing aids, you should consider an upgrade so you can take advantage of these new features. You should also consider the aesthetics of your hearing aids. For example, if you are currently wearing behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, ask your audiologist about in-the-ear (ITE) options instead. These are worn inside the ear canal and come in a variety of skin colors, so they are less noticeable. It’s a good idea to stay up to date with any technological advances, so you can ask your audiologist about new features and upgrades as they are developed. Your hearing aid needs are always changing and new technological advances mean that you have more options available than ever before. That is why it is so important that you see an audiologist on a regular basis and upgrade your hearing aids when necessary. If you have concerns about your hearing aids and you want to speak with an experienced audiologist about them, get in touch with Clifton Springs Hearing Center today at 315-496-4314.