As with all electronic devices with sensitive components, hearing aids do eventually start to fail. While some superficial damage can be repaired, it’s best practice to have old hearing aids replaced to receive the best quality sound. Looking after your hearing aids and regularly cleaning them will get the most use out of them, but you will need to replace them at some point. On average, hearing aids last around three to seven years. You may need to have some repairs and maintenance in that time, but really the main factor in how long they last is how well you look after them.
If you’ve had your hearing aids for a few years and have noticed a drop in quality, the chances are that they need to be replaced. A trip to your audiologist can confirm this and also check your hearing to look for any changes.
Introduction: The Importance of Safe and Effective Ear wax Removal
It could benefit you to have your hearing aids replaced even if they’re in working order. There are different reasons why you could change them. There could be newer aids available that can improve your hearing level and quality of life as a result. Your hearing could have also changed, meaning that you need a different type of hearing aid to adjust to your health changes.
Here are some signs that indicate that you need to replace your hearing aids.
1. Changes to your hearing
If you’ve noticed that you’re starting to have to turn the volume up on your hearing aids when watching TV, don’t ignore it. Upping the volume higher than the recommended level can be damaging to your hearing. The chances are you need to have a check-up with your audiologist to review what’s causing the change in your hearing. It could be age-related hearing loss that worsens when you wear hearing aids for a while or it could be a sign that your hearing aids are starting to fail.
Your audiologist will be able to determine the cause of the hearing change. If you need different hearing aids, they’ll be able to order in new hearing aids to adjust to your hearing changes.
2. Changes to your living situation
Your hearing aids might not be suitable for your day-to-day life if you’ve had a significant change to your circumstances. If, for example, you’ve recently started a job where you are around a lot of noise, you may need hearing aids that can adjust to the environment without damaging your hearing. You may also need to change the type of hearing aids you have to suit with any health changes you have. If you’re struggling to fit your hearing aids, it’s definitely worth speaking to your audiologist for alternatives.
3. Your hearing aids are making strange noises
Any unusual sounds that you hear from your hearing aids shouldn’t happen. If there’s any feedback, whistling or strange unexplained noises coming from the speaker, it’s a sign that your hearing aids need looking at. It could be a matter of an easy repair and replacing a part. However, if your hearing aids are older than three years, you could be due a new pair.
4. Advances in hearing aid technology
If your hearing aids have lasted a long time, it’s great that you’ve done a good job looking after them. However, technology advances in audiology. You could be benefiting from a better set of hearing aids that can improve your hearing quality and also come with features to help with your lifestyle. New hearing aids can come with Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair your hearing aids with your TV, mobile or computer to replace the need for headphones.
5. Your hearing aids don’t fit as well as they used to
If your hearing aids keep falling out, it’s a sign that you need a new set made. They should fit snugly in your ear if you have ITE hearing aids or behind your ear if you have BTE hearing aids. If they feel uncomfortable or don’t fit securely, you should see your audiologist to check on them. They could be in need of repairs or you may need a new prescription.
What affects your hearing aids’ life span?
There are a few things that can impact how long your hearing aids last. Here are some factors:
The type of hearing aid
Because ITE (in the ear) hearing aids are more exposed to wax and moisture from the ear canals, they tend to have a shorter life than BTE (behind the ear) hearing aids. As the delicate electrical components are housed outside the ear, they are more protected and so last longer.
Cleaning
Ear wax and moisture are your hearing aids bane so it’s very important to clean them as regularly as you can. Daily cleaning is the recommended frequency. You should also arrange to have them professionally cleaned as particles of ear wax can get inside the hearing aids where your cleaning tools can’t reach. Regular maintenance will also extend the life of your hearing aid. You should also make sure that you store your hearing aids in a clean, dry place overnight.
Battery type
Rechargeable lithium batteries start to lose their lifespan over a period of four to five years. If you have a rechargeable battery, you may notice that the charge starts to last for shorter periods of time. You may need to replace the batteries if this happens or the device itself. Hearing aids that use disposable batteries won’t have this issue.
Skin type
Some people have a naturally more oily skin type which means they produce more ear wax and sweat than other people. If you have more wax and have frequent build ups, you may need to have your ears cleans more regularly to prevent wax from damaging your hearing aids.
Replace or repair your hearing aids at Sussex Audiology Centre
Don’t wait for your hearing aids to give up completely before getting them replaced. If you’re hearing quality is getting affected or your batteries aren’t holding their charge, the impact on your daily life can easily be avoided by replacing your hearing aids. All owners of hearing aids will need to replace them at some point down the line. If you’re having problems with your hearing aids and you live in Sussex, you can visit one of our clinics. One of our audiologists can inspect your ears and your hearing aids, giving you advice on whether you need a replacement or if they can be repaired. You can book an appointment online or give any of our clinics a call.
