Hearing aids can greatly improve your quality of life if you are experiencing auditory problems. They can improve your physical safety, your social life and your career. While they last a long time, hearing aids don't last forever. They may need to be replaced eventually, either because you have a new prescription or because your hearing aids no longer work as well. Alternatively, you might decide to replace your hearing aids because you want to benefit from a more discreet style or new technology.

So how often should you change or replace your hearing aids? Hearing aids are an investment, so it's not something that people tend to do too often. However, there are times when you need new hearing aids for various reasons.

Recommended times to replace hearing aids

Hearing aid manufacturers and hearing experts will often recommend a certain time span within which you should get new hearing aids to replace your existing ones. You will often see recommendations of between three and five years. However, this recommendation is only a guideline. If you're happy with your existing hearing aids and they still work, you don't necessarily have to rush out and buy new ones if you've had them for five years. Still, there are plenty of reasons you might start to think that it's time to get new hearing aids.

Signs you need new hearing aids

While there is no set lifespan for your hearing aids, there are definitely some signs that it's time to get new hearing devices.

Your hearing aids keep failing

Even when you're dealing with problems with your hearing aids, you might not consider getting new ones. Maybe you get used to them failing or having to fiddle about with the settings, but you don't have to put up with unreliable, outdated heating aids. New hearing aids can solve these problems for you and give you better quality hearing assistance.

You want something more stylish or discreet

As hearing aid technology develops, hearing aids get smaller and can pack more technology into them. One of the reasons you might start to think about new hearing aids is that you're thinking about something a little more stylish or discreet. You can take a look at some smaller styles of hearing aids, such as completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids and invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids and check if they are suitable styles for you. Sometimes you might need to compromise between the style of the hearing aids and the technology that you want.

You want new features and technology

Hearing aid technology has also come along in leaps and bounds regarding the features that are now available. You can get hearing aids with a broad range of features, from Bluetooth connectivity to rechargeable batteries. Technology moves so quickly that if you last bought new hearing aids five years ago, they could already be pretty out of date. Take some time to look at what's out there and what features you can now get with your hearing aids. You might be surprised by what they can do for you now.

You have a new hearing prescription

If your hearing prescription changes, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to get new hearing aids. If your current hearing aids are fairly new, you can have the settings changed so they match your new prescription. However, if your latest hearing test has revealed changes in your hearing, it could be a good time to consider getting new hearing aids. It's a good excuse to look at the new products on offer and find out what new technology might be available.

Is it time to replace your hearing aids?

It might be time to replace your hearing aids soon, but everyone has their own preferences. Some people say that they used to replace them every time there was significant new technology to enjoy, but eventually stopped doing that and kept the same hearing aids for longer. Others continue to replace their hearing aids every three to five years, even if their existing hearing aids still work. You can take a few things into account when making your decision: if you can afford it, whether your hearing aids still work, if they still provide the features that you want and need and if you still like their style.

ENT Physicians Inc. can help you to make an informed decision if you're thinking about new hearing aids. Contact us by calling (419) 318-4987 to find out more about how we can help.