How Often Do Hearing Aids Need Replacement?

1. How Often Do Hearing Aids Need Replacement? Hearing aids don’t come cheap, so the idea of replacing them can be an undesirable one. Thankfully, there really isn’t a definitive answer to this question. It’s how well you look after your hearing aids that dictates how long they’ll last for you. There’s also some other factors that may influence you to upgrade. However, without a pressing need to upgrade, getting a new hearing aid is essentially like getting a new car – your old one probably works fine. It gets you from A to B; but it could be more comfortable, or use newer technology, and look nicer. This is why some people decide to upgrade their hearing aid every few years as technology and designs improve. Apart from wanting to have the latest tech, there’s also the following reasons why people get a replacement.

2. If Your Aid Starts Glitching… Of course, if you’re experiencing problems with your hearing device then it might be time for a replacement (especially if yours is more than a few years old). Before you throw out your old hearing aid, check if it works by turning it on and cupping your hand around it –listen for a whistling sound. If you can’t hear one, check for signs that the battery is dead, or of earwax build-up in the moulding, or moisture in the tubing. These are simple fixes – your hearing healthcare provider can easily show you how to resolve these problems (and there are plenty of resources online too). However, if your device still won’t work after troubleshooting these common problems, it might be a more serious glitch that requires a replacement. If Your Hearing Loss Changes… Over time, hearing loss can become more severe due to the natural aging process or noise damage. Whilst most hearing aids can cater to a range of different hearing abilities and complexities, it’s good to get re-evaluated by an audiologist to see if your old hearing aid is still right for you and your changing needs. Your audiologist might suggest a new device with superior technology or shape that might improve your life quality, which is always worth the investment. If You’re A Part of a Government Program… The Hearing Services Program in Australia provides eligible participants with free or subsidised hearing aids every 4–5 years (sooner if there is a significant change or clinical need). However, only people who meet a certain criteria can access this support as it is taxpayer funded and designed for those who truly need it.

3. Getting The Most Out of Your New Device As stated, it’s a big financial decision getting a new hearing aid; although sometimes it’s unavoidable. To look after your new device, or the one that you currently own, always make sure you’re following these tips. ● Use a dry aid kit or store your aid near a dehumidifier ● Keep your aid dry (unless it’s water resistant) – take it out for showering or swimming. ● Remove your aid for sleeping (to prevent any physical damage) ●Switch it off while it’s not in use to save battery life Attune is a hearing healthcare provider committed to delivering the highest quality care to its clients. We listen to each patient and provide top quality services with our team of qualified and knowledgeable audiologists and experts. Book a consultation with us today by enquiring online.