Hearing aids are complex medical devices that are subjected to the rugged environment of your ear on a daily basis. If they are properly cared for and maintained, they can last up to about seven years; however, even if your devices are still functional, you may want to invest in a new device much sooner. Below are some signs you may be due for an upgrade.
Your Lifestyle Changed
One of the factors your audiologist uses to determine a hearing aid recommendation is your lifestyle habits. For example, if you spend most of your time at home gardening or reading, you’ll require a much lower-tier technology level than if you work in a bustling office every day. If you’ve changed jobs, retired or taken up a new hobby, your device may not be working for you in the way you need it to.
Your Financial Situation Improved
If you were in a precarious financial situation when you purchased your current hearing devices, you may not have invested in the level of technology that would best benefit your degree of hearing loss. If your financial situation has improved, consider looking into other models of hearing aids you can afford with features that make listening – and your life – easier.
Your Health Changed
If your hearing loss has progressed significantly, a model of hearing aid that worked for you before may no longer be effective. Other conditions can also affect your ability to use your devices. For example, if you’ve developed arthritis, you may have less dexterity in your fingers and be unable to use the tiny buttons on your hearing aid, and instead need a model that can be more easily controlled with a smartphone.
Your Devices Are More than Five Years Old
Even if your devices are in working order, the technology in newer devices is more streamlined and state-of-the-art than ever before, boasting features such as sound directionality, where multiple microphones work together to focus on sounds directly in front of you, speech enhancement for optimum clarity and wind/feedback suppression to cut out the obnoxious whistling/screeching.
For more information about the latest hearing technology or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, contact the experts at Mt. Hood ENT today.