- How Fast Can Hearing Loss Progress? - April 10, 2024
- Movie Enjoyment for Hearing Aid Users - March 13, 2024
- Predicting the Future of Hearing Healthcare - February 14, 2024
Hearing aids are a serious investment, not only in terms of cost but also in terms of the necessary time to acclimate to them and incorporate them into your daily life. Once you have a set of aids that you are accustomed to using, you might feel resistant to change. Why would you fix something that isn’t broken? Indeed, that adage is a wise perspective when it comes to hearing aids, but there are a few instances in which you might want to check on the possibility of updating your devices. Let’s look at each of these opportunities one by one, remembering that an open mind needs to be wisely applied with a mind toward the best use of your finances, time, and hearing!
When Your Hearing Has Changed
One of the clear signs that you might be ready for new hearing aids is when your hearing ability has noticeably changed. If you know that you used to be able to hear a certain sound without hearing aids and that sound is no longer evident to you, then it is time for a hearing test. You may be able to continue using your current set of hearing aids without a problem, and the volume adjustment might be easy to make.
However, changes can occur in your individual hearing profile that would make another set of aids more suited to your needs. If you notice a change in your hearing ability, all you need to do is consult with your hearing health provider and most likely schedule a hearing test. When you get the test, you will be informed about the hearing aid options that are best suited to your needs as well as the adequacy of your current devices.
It might be possible to work with the settings and hearing profiles in your current set of hearing aids to adjust them appropriately, and your hearing health provider is there to help you in that way.
When Your Hearing Aids Are Malfunctioning
It might go without saying, but you should consider updating your hearing aids if the older pair are malfunctioning. You might be surprised how many people continue to make do with hearing aids that are operating subpar. In some cases, the aids might have a battery door that likes to swing open, which seems like a problem you can ignore. However, a loose battery door can allow moisture into your hearing aids that might cause a malfunction down the line.
In other cases, you might have trouble pairing your digital aids with Bluetooth devices or your smartphone app for settings. Although they might work to some degree, that malfunction means they might be playing the wrong sound back to you at any given time. When malfunctions come about, the first thing you can do is inquire about the possibility of repairs.
In some cases, your hearing health provider can do a simple fix in-house, and they might only need a cleaning or moisture removal to get back to working order. In other cases, you might need to send off your hearing aids to the manufacturer or a certified repair specialist.
These repairs can get your aids back in working order, but you always need to balance the cost of the repair against the possibility that you will need new aids down the road. In some cases, the wisest decision is to get new hearing aids that meet all of your needs.
When Additional Features Would Improve Your Life
Hearing aid manufacturers are always coming out with new features and functions that can transform the way you hear and integrate devices with your lifestyle. However, not all of these features are suited to your individual needs.
When new features come out, you can remain informed about how they work and what they offer. In some cases, you might think the features are unnecessary bells and whistles. In other cases, these features can actually improve your life and hearing ability, so take care to carefully consider your interest in these new technologies.
Before you write them off as unnecessary, contact us for a consultation and to see what these features can offer you. We look forward to hearing from you!