Visit Sound Advice Hearing Doctors for Hearing Aid Replacement
Hearing aids are crucial devices for those with hearing loss because of their ability to amplify sound and enable the user to communicate and interact with the world around them. However, just like any other technology, hearing aid problems can arise after years of constant use. No matter which type of device you buy, they all have a limited lifespan and will eventually require repairs or replacement. But how often should you replace your hearing aids? That depends on various factors, but we can explain what affects reliability, proper cleaning and maintenance techniques, common issues with hearing aids, and how to tell when you need new hearing aids.
Modern Hearing Aid Technology
Hearing aids have come a long way in recent years, with technological advancements leading to smaller, more discreet devices offering better sound quality. Generally, hearing aids last anywhere from three to seven years. Much like a car, how many years you get out of a hearing aid depends on the mileage you put on it and how closely you follow the maintenance schedule. With these devices, every aspect plays a role in its longevity, including the technology used, how often it is worn, and how well it is maintained. Even though today’s products use modern materials, such as silicon, plastic, metal, and nano-coatings, to withstand moisture and wear and tear, they aren’t indestructible. They’re more durable than products from decades ago but can degrade over time.
Where and How Do You Use Your Hearing Aid?
An active person who uses a hearing aid for work puts their device under more stressful circumstances than another who wears it for leisure or around the house. At Sound Advice Hearing Doctors, we’ve seen how these conditions and others affect how often or when hearing aid problems arise. Common sources of issues can be:
- Battery Type – If the device uses replaceable batteries and those used aren’t strong, it can lead to distortion and may not provide the best experience.
- Humidity Levels – High humidity can cause malfunctioning, shortening the device’s lifespan.
- Hours Used – The more you use your hearing aid, the more wear and tear it will experience, which can diminish its life
Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and upkeep of hearing devices can increase how long they last. You should always perform maintenance care following the manufacturer’s instructions, which often include cleaning the device with a dry cloth, changing the batteries regularly, and avoiding exposure to water. The hearing aid should also be stored in a dry, cool place and not subjected to extreme temperatures. At-home cleaning is an easy and essential part of maintenance. As the device is worn, it’s regularly exposed to skin oil, sweat, dust, ear wax, and other debris in the environment. Every few months, we recommend you bring in the device for a professional cleaning to address portions a home cleaning doesn’t cover.
Signs It’s Time for Hearing Aid Replacement
Several signs may indicate you need new hearing aids, and there are numerous benefits of having your device replaced. This is an excellent opportunity to have an updated hearing evaluation, take advantage of recent technology, and ensure a replacement device takes any changes in hearing or ear shape into account. We will first check to see if any issues are covered under your hearing aid warranty if it’s a relatively new purchase. If it’s a few years old, common problems that signal it’s time for a replacement include:
- Decreased sound quality
- Frequent need for hearing aid repairs
- It’s passed the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan
- Your hearing needs change
The Importance of Choosing a Quality Product
When selecting hearing aids, choosing a device that best suits your needs and preferences is important. You don’t always have to select the most innovative and advanced model, but comparing the recommended lifespans from manufacturers can give you a good idea of what to expect. We work with the leading names in the industry to offer quality products. Our audiologists will help you understand the benefits of different choices and share customer reviews and ratings before you purchase a hearing aid to help you gain insight into the device’s performance and durability.
Visit Us for Help with Hearing Aid Replacement
People with hearing loss depend on new hearing aids to stay connected with family and friends. With proper use, maintenance, storage, and the help of the audiologists at Sound Advice Hearing Doctors in MO, AR, and OK, your hearing aids should last several years. Common issues can often be resolved by troubleshooting or seeking professional help. If the time has come for replacement hearing aids, visit one of our hearing care centers, and we’ll ensure you find a high-quality, durable device that will benefit you for years to come.
