How Often Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are complex devices that assist us with hearing and enhancing the noises around us. As they are often used every day, they can go through a lot. But, the question of when you should replace them can be a tricky one. There are many possible reasons that might make you want to change your hearing aid.

What is a Hearing Aid?

In simple terms, a hearing aid is a device which is placed in your ear to help you hear the world around you. They are wearable electronic devices that have a variety of technical features. There are many different types of hearing aid available and they can vary according to your needs. Despite the electronic nature of the device, the first hearing aids were invented in 1898 by Reese Hutchinson.

However, the first commercially available hearing aids would not be on the market until 1913. These first devices were not very good as they were large and difficult to use. It was not until the 1950’s that the technology caught up and the hearing aid that we know today was produced. Since then, there have been many advancements that have made them easy to use and wear all day long.

How Does a Hearing Aid Work?

Hearing aids are small devices that have a three-part system to deliver a sound from the outside world to the inside of your ear so that you can hear it. This system is as follows:

• A sound passes through a mini microphone where it is converted to an electronic signal.
• A small computer processes the sound and boosts it according to the user’s needs.
• A mini loudspeaker emits the sound through the earpiece and at the desired volume and frequency so that the user can hear it efficiently.

Although this is the basic principle, not all hearing aids work in the same way. Some had advanced features, some were suitable for certain lifestyles. But, each hearing aid is calibrated so that the user gets the best possible experience.

When Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids?

There are no hard or fast rules about when you should change your hearing aid but there are circumstances that make it necessary.

Some of the reasons include:

• Your hearing aid has come to the end of it’s life: Generally, a hearing aid can last between five to seven years depending on the make and how it is used. The simple fact is this is a small device that is used all day and every day. There is a lot of wear and tear that can happen. For comparison, mobile phones are generally upgraded every two to three years in order to give the user the best experience. Hearing aids get used a lot more than a mobile phone so it should be expected that they need to be changed after a few years.
• Your lifestyle has changed: You might be surprised to learn that hearing aids are not a one size fits all. They are all designed for different reasons. For example, if you are self-conscious about wearing a hearing aid, you can choose one that hides inside your ear. There are all types of features that are used for certain lifestyles. A basic model would not be suitable for someone who likes to hike, and an advanced wind blocking model would not suit someone who likes to cross-stitch at home.
• Better finances: If you have decided to buy a hearing aid, the options that you have available to you may be dependent on the money you have. However, if you discover after a while that you can invest in a newer and more expensive model, this can be a wonderful investment for your hearing.
• Change of opinion: What type of hearing aid you choose can also depend on the opinion that you have about hearing aids. The average person can take around 10 years to decide to get assistance with their hearing. Once they have discovered the options, they can change their views on what works best for them.

As you can see, the hearing aid that you choose and how much use you get out of it are dependent on a number of things. If you would like to learn more about New Hartford Hearing Center and what they can do for you, call us today at 315-801-2991. Our friendly staff are ready and waiting to take your call to discuss your hearing needs today.