If you have hearing loss, hearing aids give you the opportunity to go from struggling to keep up in conversations to being able to clearly understand those closest to you. Hearing aids keep you more connected to life than ever before.
Yet, like most technology, eventually hearing aids have to be replaced. But new hearing aids can be a significant investment in time and money. How do you know when the right time to replace them is?
Here are a few signs it’s time to visit the MedRx Hearing Center to replace your hearing aids:
They Don’t Work Like They Used To
Over time, your hearing aids are exposed to water, ear wax, dirt, and debris. The general wear and tear of everyday life can cause their performance to decline. Feedback noise, poor amplification, and battery malfunctions can all be signs your hearing aid is on its way out.
Dr. Amanda Kluzynski at the MedRx Hearing Center uses a device called a Hearing Instrument Test Box to run tests to determine if there are any technical issues with your hearing aid and the best way to solve them. Whether you need a simple part changed or a complete replacement, your annual appointment provides an opportunity for your audiologist to catch any issues.
You’ve Had Them For 3+ Years
The average lifespan of a hearing aid varies between models, but most last somewhere between 3-10 years. If you haven’t made it to your audiologist in a few years, schedule an appointment to get them checked out ASAP.
It can be difficult to detect when your hearing aids aren’t working correctly because you can easily become accustomed to small changes. Regular appointments with your audiologist ensure they have the opportunity to catch any issues you miss, so you always receive the maximum benefits from your hearing aids.
Your Hearing Changed
Even with hearing aids, your hearing can continue to change or decline, requiring more out of your hearing aids. The hearing aid model you received when you first started hearing treatment may not meet your ear’s needs now.
For example, newer hearing aids are more powerful and provide better sound quality than hearing aids from 10 years ago. Some new models also have special microphones to pick up speech from different directions.
Many patients also benefit from hearing aids that use custom ear molds, to keep them firmly in place, while others prefer a dome-tip receiver, like an earbud. If you or your loved ones notice your hearing changing, Dr. Kluzynski can help you discuss your new options and help you upgrade to the latest technology.
You Want New Hearing Aid Features
Nowadays, hearing aids come with a myriad of new features that are not available in older models including:
- inclusive and stylish colors
- smaller, more discreet sizes
- Bluetooth connection to your mobile devices and TV
- rechargeable batteries
Hearing aids have changed a lot in recent years, allowing hearing aid users more flexibility than ever. If you’re interested in upgrading your technology to the newest features, get in touch with your audiologist to see which options are available for you.
OTC Hearing Aids Aren’t Working
Over-the-counter hearing aids are a convenient and cost-effective option for many people with mild hearing loss, but they rarely produce the same quality of sound as hearing aids fit by a professional audiologist.
OTC hearing aids are not fit for your unique ear shape and come with problems that are usually mitigated by professional fittings and follow-up adjustments. If your OTC hearing aid isn’t performing like you thought it would, it may be time to replace it with a prescription hearing aid from your local audiologist.
The MedRx Hearing Center can provide you with custom-fit hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing loss for better sound quality and amplification.
Get Help Replacing Your Hearing Aids at the MedRx Hearing Center
Dr. Amanda Kluzynski at the MedRx Hearing Center is a trained audiologist specializing in hearing loss evaluations and hearing aid fittings. With her expert help, you can determine when you’ll need to replace your hearing aids to ensure the best hearing aid experience.
Don’t let your hearing aids fall past their prime, if you notice any of the signs above, contact the MedRx Hearing Center to schedule your hearing evaluation.
Already a patient? Annual appointments help your audiologist ensure that your hearing and your hearing instruments are normal. Book your next appointment with Dr. Kluzynski at the MedRx Hearing Center by giving us a call at (727) 584-9696!