Ahhh… technology: We love it. We’re sometimes frustrated by it. But let’s face it—we all can name at least one techno-gadget that makes life simpler or more enjoyable.
Maybe it’s our car GPS—helping us get to wherever we want to go with a simple tap or voice command. Or our smartphone, that “right hand” that helps keep us in constant communication by allowing us to take calls, have meetings, or answer emails anytime—anywhere.
Or…it might even be our hearing aids. Think about it: The latest devices not only help us hear better, but also stream calls and entertainment, monitor physical activity, and much more.
But just like the other sleek, cool, and beneficial digital technology out there, there comes a point where hearing aids run their course and will need to be replaced.
Which leads us to the fair question:
“How long do hearing aids last?”
The answer: Five years* is a sensible time to consider investing in new hearing aids versus fixing our old ones. At this point in ownership, it’s not unusual for the devices to require more repairs, which will likely be due to the inner components breaking down from exposure to the elements of daily life.
Think of a hearing aid’s inner components like a car engine: Both ensure the technology does what it’s designed to do and are protected by an outer casing, or body. And both go through continuous wear-and-tear through daily usage.
For a car, it could be a combination of high mileage, bumpy terrain, flying pebbles, weather elements, and so forth. For a hearing aid, it might be a mix of earwax, perspiration, dust, jostling, and drops over time.
And just as we take our car to a mechanic for tune-ups or tire replacements, we take our hearing devices to our hearing care professional for regular clean-and-checks to keep them working their best for as long as they can.
But as a natural part of the depreciation process, our technology eventually stops working the way it’s supposed to—OR we realize a change in our hearing (or driving circumstances) could benefit from newer, more advanced technology. And under the guidance of a professional, we decide to upgrade.
Why you should upgrade your hearing aids
Truth be told, there are advantages to upgrading our hearing aids:
1. Hearing technology gets better every year
In the time we wore our old hearing aids, hearing aid technology will have advanced significantly.
“Just when I think hearing technology can’t get any better, it truly gets better,” says Justin Osmond, inspirational speaker, best-selling author, producer, and Starkey hearing aid wearer, who upgrades his hearing aids every few years. “It’s legit and the sound quality is unreal. I feel as though I’m getting closer and closer to what normal hearing sounds like.”
Learn all of the reasons why Osmond invests in new hearing aids every few years, here.
To Osmond’s point, continuous hearing aid advancements include:
- Better sound quality
- Improved hearing in noise, wherever we go
- Bolstered wireless technology
- Waterproofing and other reinforcements in durability
- More accessory options
- More life-enhancing features targeting health, wellness, and convenience
Discover the current standard of advanced hearing aids, here.
2. Our hearing changes as we grow older
It’s no secret that our hearing changes as we age. Age-related hearing loss (or presbycusis) gradually impacts our hearing over time, most commonly due to changes in the inner ear that occur as we grow older. However, loud noise, family history and medical conditions can also play a role.
This is where our hearing care professional can really make all the difference: They not only can adjust our current hearing aids to accommodate our hearing as needed but also help us determine the right time to upgrade to technology that can address our changing hearing needs.
And ultimately, help us hear better.
3. New technology provides added boost and benefits
Let’s be real: In the same way we relish that “new-car smell,” what’s not to love about the boost we’ll get from sporting the shiny, latest-and-greatest hearing technology—and all the features that go with it—in style?
But most importantly, new hearing aids give us the reliability and comfort in knowing we’ll have the best possible hearing every moment of the day. And when we think about how much this affects our quality of life and overall happiness, the investment in hearing aids is priceless.
Remember, you can try before you buy
Ready to upgrade your hearing aids or trying to decide if it’s right for you? Talk to your hearing care professional. They can test your hearing, walk you through your options, and even demo the latest hearing aid technology.
In the meantime, know that you’ve already “upgraded” your life by getting hearing aids in the first place. May you continue to enjoy better hearing and living into the future.