Updated June 20, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Do you remember when you first got your hearing aids? Conversations were easier to understand, the family may have asked YOU to turn the television volume up, you heard the birds again, or it may have been being able to hear well on the phone when a friend called. If you’ve had your hearing aids for a few years, are you sure you’re still hearing that well?
If it has been a while since you’ve purchased your hearing aids or seen your audiologist, here are some questions to consider:
- How old are your current aids? Hearing devices last an average of five to seven years. Most people replace their hearing aids every four to five years. The hearing aids themselves will last longer, but technology significantly improves about every four years. Like other electronics, hearing aids are rapidly advancing while becoming less expensive. You can often purchase lower-priced new hearing devices with a wider frequency response and better sound quality than a premium technology pair bought just a few years ago. Manufacturers typically stop making parts for devices after about five years and some will not even service devices that are more than seven years old.
- Has your hearing worsened? Your audiologist should be monitoring your hearing yearly (sooner if a change is suspected) even after you have purchased hearing aids. We expect some changes in hearing over time and often this can be compensated for by adjusting the hearing aids. If you feel your hearing aids aren’t working as well as they used to, the hearing aids may be fine but your hearing may have decreased. Your audiologist will be able to work with you to get the most from your current aids, but if your hearing has significantly worsened it might be time for stronger devices.
- Do you want to hear your “best” or “just better”? There are now non-customized devices that make sound louder; some can be found online and others are being sold by insurance companies. It may sound like a great financial deal, but be sure to consider: Can a thorough hearing evaluation and ear exam to rule out medical concerns be done online? And, how can you get custom fit hearing instruments without accurate ear impressions for one’s hearing loss and lifestyle when no verification testing can be done in the office? There are other considerations that include providing the right size receiver wire and dome fit on open-ear style hearing aids. What if your hearing aid needs repair or a programming adjustment? How easy is that going to be to send it in? Will you be provided with a loaner device? There is no substitute for personalized time, attention, and care that an audiologist can provide.
- Have you experienced a change in health, vision or dexterity? If you are not as easily able to clean your devices or replace batteries, it might be a good idea to change to a different model that is more easily used and maintained. Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries and certain styles are easier to maintain than others.
- Do you find yourself taking your hearing aids out when enjoying your favorite hobbies? Woodworking, biking, snorkeling and horseback riding are all examples of activities that can cause trouble with hearing aids. Now hearing aids in all different levels of technology can be waterproof, dust-proof or shockproof.
- Do you have a new attitude about hearing aids? With experience comes wisdom. Priorities may have shifted since your first set of hearing aids. You may place more value on sound quality and performance in noise and less on style or price. Noise reduction may be more important or you may realize hearing aids with Bluetooth capabilities would be more helpful than you thought previously.
If it’s been a while since your last “tune-up” or you are interested in finding out if you are hearing as well as you should be, call your audiologist and schedule an appointment. Hearing ability is a quality of life issue and affects not only the person with hearing loss, but everyone they come in contact with. It is worth your time to make sure you are hearing as well as you can be.
Sources:
Bernstein, Adam. "How Do I Know It's Time for New Hearing Aids?" The Hearing Professionals. 7 April 2014. Web. Accessed 19 June 2014.
"What You Should Know Before Buying Hearing Aids Online." American Speech Hearing and Language Association. Web. Accessed 19 June 2014.
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