People in San Rafael with hearing aids are already taking the most important step they can in treating their hearing impairment. For the majority of patients with hearing loss, these devices help restore the ability to communicate and promise significant quality of life improvements. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever; eventually, you’ll need to upgrade your hearing aids. The sooner you recognize the need, the less disruption you’ll face in your daily routine and the better your overall health will be.
The Lifespan of Hearing Aids
Today’s hearing aids are quality devices built to exacting standards. They are rugged and durable – but not indestructible. With daily exposure to a harsh environment where heat, moisture and earwax all take their toll, performance will inevitably suffer at some point. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your hearing aids to last anywhere from five to seven years on average.
Your hearing aids are powered by increasingly sophisticated electronic circuitry. Advances in technology have led to significant improvements in functionality, but nothing is impervious to everyday wear and tear – especially electronic equipment. Mechanical problems are a fact of life – and so too is obsolescence. Even if your hearing aids are working well, future advances might deliver better performance or desirable features. Your hearing will also change over time; as great as hearing aids are, they can’t cure hearing loss – and may eventually fail to deliver the performance you require.
So, When is it Time for New Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are a major investment (albeit a worthwhile one). You’ll understandably want to take steps to ensure they perform to the best of their ability for many years. To extend their lifespan, be sure to clean them on a daily basis and take advantage of regular clean-and-check appointments provided by your audiologist.
Other signs it may be time to upgrade your hearing aids:
- They are 5+ years old.
- They have visible physical damage
- They do not work as efficiently as before.
- They have already been repaired at least once.
- Your hearing loss worsens, and your current hearing aids no longer powerful enough to compensate for your impairment.
- Newer, better technology is available that will benefit your specific hearing needs and/or lifestyle.
When you’re ready to buy new hearing aids, schedule an appointment with your San Rafael audiologist, who is happy to assist you in selecting a device perfect for your needs.