Hearing aids can benefit your life in so many ways that go beyond hearing. They can improve your mental and physical health. They allow you to stay connected to your family and friends. They help you regain your confidence.
When you have that kind of powerful technology in your life, you want it to last a long time. Just like any other technology though, hearing aids have a shelf life. Sometimes upgrading to the next model is the best choice to meet your needs.
If you’re using hearing aids, chances are you have them on most if not all your waking hours. That adds up to about 18 hours a day of regular use. Over time the devices get worn out.
The average hearing aid should last between five or six years. Proper care and maintenance go a long way to ensuring that you get the most out of your hearing aids.
Caring for Your Hearing Aids 
Cleaning your hearing aids daily is a must to keep them performing well. No cleaning or sporadic cleaning will likely lead to earwax buildup on your device, causing them to malfunction. Cleaning tips include:
- Wiping down your hearing aids nightly with a dry cloth or cleaning with a brush.
- Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
- Use a drying box or dehumidifier if your hearing aids get wet or exposed to moisture.
- Schedule maintenance visits with your hearing aid specialist for thorough cleans and update checks.
Why Upgrading Your Hearing Aids is Important
You might be hesitant to upgrade your hearing aids, even if they aren’t working as well as they did in the past. However, by not doing so you are missing out on all the benefits properly functioning hearing aids offer you like:
- Enjoying a trip to the movies.
- Seeing your grandchild’s play.
- Going to church or other social gatherings.
- Having dinner with your spouse at Halls Chophouse.
Talk with Your Audiologist
Upgrading to a new device can feel overwhelming, especially if the technology is newer and different than what you are used to before. That is why it’s so important to talk openly with your audiologist about your needs and ask them any questions you might have.
During an online roundtable on hearing technology development hosted by The Hearing Journal, President of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Dr. Angela Shoup stated:
“Advances in technology that can offer additional benefits to patients are always an opportunity to positively impact their quality of life. However, I do think these do not replace the critical role of the audiologist. In many cases, there is an increased need for the person to have access to knowledgeable skilled providers who can review the many options and identify those best suited to meet the individuals’ hearing care needs.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.