You have made an important step in taking care of your hearing health by wearing hearing aids. Whether you are a long-time user or have started your hearing journey recently, you may be asking yourself how to know when it is time to upgrade your hearing aids. Below are some tips on how to know the right time to upgrade your hearing aids.
There have been improvements in technology
Hearing aid research focuses on improving technology to help the consumer be a more successful hearing aid user. This can range from making hearing aids smaller and less visible, work better with phone connectivity or be smarter at differentiating speech from that pesky background noise. Check out more information on smart hearing aids 1. Ask your audiologist if your current hearing aid manufacturer has come out with new technology that you can listen to and see if the difference warrants an upgrade in technology.
Your current pair is out of warranty
Hearing aids tend to come with a warranty from the manufacturer that covers repairs that may need to be done over time. This warranty usually lasts 3 years and can sometimes be extended an extra year or two depending on your hearing aid manufacturer. After the warranty is over, hearing aids can be costly to repair and instead of putting money into an old pair of hearing aids, it can be recommended to put that towards a new pair. Ask your audiologist about your options when your hearing aid warranty runs out and discuss the options on what is available at that time.
You have a new insurance benefit
Hearing aid insurance benefits may be available every 3-5 years depending on your insurance. It is a good idea to check with your insurance when your benefit will be available again and ask your audiologist if there is an option for an upgrade at that time.
Your audiologist recommends it
Your audiologist knows your hearing needs and the limitations of your current technology best. Your audiologist will work with you to set up your hearing aids to help you hear as best as possible in your current environments. Hearing aid technology, just like any other technology, has limits and oftentimes your audiologist will be the first to know of a new technology upgrade made available that will be beneficial for your hearing environment(s) and your hearing concerns.
Regardless of how long you have been wearing your current pair of hearing aids, it is never a bad idea to ask your audiologist to review the new technology options. You may even be able to take a listen to the new technology and see if you notice the hearing improvements made by the manufacturer. Do not hesitate to call us to discuss new hearing aid technology as well as any current hearing concerns!
1. https://myhearingpartners.com/hearing-aids/smart-hearing-aids/
- Delray: 561-638-6530
- Boynton: 561-736-6002
- Jupiter: 561-888-7260
