How Often Should You Replace Your Hearing Aids in Waterloo, IA?

June 25, 2018

Hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all devices, nor are they designed to last forever. One of the most common questions patients with hearing aids ask is how often they’ll need to replace them. Since hearing loss is typically a degenerative disease that gets worse with age, many hearing aid users already anticipate needing a new device down the line.

The question is not that easy to answer, though. In general, hearing aids last approximately five years. However, they may last as few as three or as many as seven for a particular person without needing to be upgraded.

If you wear hearing aids in Waterloo, IA, you’ll want to stop and examine your hearing and current devices to determine whether or not it’s time to replace them.

Factors for longevity

The longevity of your hearing aids is largely due to how well the devices are taken care of. With proper care, hearing aids can last many years past what they are expected to. Unfortunately, your batteries will need to be replaced much more often, although some more recent devices have long-lasting and rechargeable battery options.

To get the most life out of your hearing aids in Waterloo, IA, make sure you’re cleaning your devices once a day using a wax pick, bristle brush and dry cloth. You should also take your hearing aids in to your provider to have them cleaned professionally at least once a year.

Most importantly, keep your hearing aids as far away from water as possible. Moisture is the top cause of malfunction in hearing aids, largely because moisture builds up naturally in the ear canal. Unfortunate accidents with swimming pools and bathtubs are also common causes of water damage.

Signs it’s time for an upgrade

If you’ve had your hearing aids for a few years, you may be wondering when it will be the right time to replace them. Hearing aids don’t usually just shut off unexpectedly, but rather slowly decrease in performance—a gradual process that is not always noticeable to the wearers.

However, there are some signs that can indicate it’s time for an upgrade to a newer model:

You can’t hear well: While this one is obvious, there are many people who get used to the gradual decline in their hearing aids’ functionality until they realize they can barely hear better than they do when their hearing aids are not in. If you notice any signs of low-quality hearing, you might need a stronger prescription and a new device.
They need constant attention: Hearing aids usually need to go in for some sort of cleaning and maintenance once throughout their lifespan. If you find that you’re constantly taking them in for repairs and tune-ups, though, something bigger might be wrong and you could benefit from new devices.
New technology is available: With technology constantly evolving, hearing aids consistently get better and better. New models might come with extra features such as waterproofing, Bluetooth or Apple connectivity. If this technology is appealing to you or you have a need for it, now might be a good time to make the switch.

Is it time for you to replace your hearing aids in Waterloo, IA? Visit Potter’s Hearing Aid Service! We have over 30 years of experience providing top-quality hearing aids and services to people of all ages. From hearing aid sales, fittings, cleanings and repairs to hearing tests, we do it all. Visit us to get a hearing test and consultation!