If you wear hearing aids, you might be wondering when it is time to replace your current hearing aids. The average person replaces their hearing aids every 5 years or so. While some may replace them sooner, others may go longer. While there is no solid rule, there are some things to consider.
- Frequent repairs: If your hearing aids are out of warranty and are breaking down, it might be more cost effective to replace them. Out of warranty repairs typically run around $400 per hearing aid. If the shell has broken does not fit anymore, it may be higher than that.
- Significant change in hearing: If your hearing has worsened significantly, you might require a stronger hearing aid. Normal year-to-year changes can typically be accommodated by reprogramming your current hearing aids, but a major change may require more.
- Changes in health may suggest changes in hearing aid style: For instance, decreased dexterity may limit the ability to change batteries and require rechargeable hearing aids. Full time use of oxygen may interfere with your behind the ear hearing aids and changing to custom in the ear hearing aids might be called for.
- Your hearing aids do not function as well as they used to: Even with regular maintenance, hearing aids will not last forever. They are computers and sooner or later they will lose efficiency. While parts can be replaced for a while, there will come a time when you may have difficulty having your hearing aid repaired due to parts availability.
- Technology is improving: Continuous research leads to improvements in hearing in noise, processing speed, Bluetooth connectivity, and durability. Today’s rechargeable batteries are far superior to those from 5 years ago.
- Lifestyle change: Perhaps when you got your hearing aids, you were more limited in your activities, but now you are in more social situations. You may have been a caregiver and not going out very often. Perhaps you have changed jobs and are in more challenging listening environments now. Whatever the reason, your current hearing aids may not match your current lifestyle.
If you think it may be time for new hearing aids, schedule an appointment at one of our 8 locations to discuss your options. We work with all major hearing aid manufacturers and are in network with most insurance plans. Call Gardner Audiology today to schedule an
