It's time to consider new hearing aids if you're experiencing a noticeable decline in performance, changes in your hearing needs, or if there are newer advancements in technology. It can be hard to tell which of these might apply to you.
If you’re having significant difficulty hearing, particularly in noisy environments, or if you're finding it hard to follow conversations, it’s time to visit your hearing care professional to have a discussion. Specifically, if you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, have difficulty understanding what others are saying, or find yourself turning up the TV or radio volume higher than others, it's a good indication that it’s time to get your hearing re-tested.
In general, if your hearing aids are less than 5 years old, a new hearing test and adjustments to your current devices should improve your hearing quickly and with no need to buy new hearing aids.
Signs indicating you might need new hearing aids:
- Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy places: This can include trouble following group conversations, understanding people in restaurants, or hearing over the phone. Especially if you’ve already visited your hearing care provider for a tune-up, and you’re still having a lot of trouble in these situations, it may be time for new technology.
- Frequent requests for repetition: If you often ask people to repeat themselves, it suggests you're having trouble picking up on speech clearly. The latest hearing aids have better speech clarity than ever before – your local HearingLife would love to have you come in for a demonstration.
- Social withdrawal or isolation: Difficulty hearing can lead to reluctance to participate in social situations or conversations. Especially if you’re trying new hobbies or are out and about more than you used to be, new hearing aids may be in order for your new lifestyle.
- Changes in your life that require clearer hearing: If your hearing aids are not suitable for your daily activities, such as working in noisy environments or engaging in outdoor hobbies, it might be time for new ones. A new job, more social activities, or a move to a new living situation can put fresh demands on your hearing.
- Frequent adjustments: If you frequently need to adjust the settings on your current hearing aids, it could indicate that it’s time for an upgrade. Today’s technology will automatically adjust to your surroundings in most situations, so the need to manually adjust programs and volume is no longer necessary.
- Battery issues: If your hearing aids are not lasting as long as they used to or you haven’t tried rechargeable hearing aids yet, check out the options available now. Oticon Intent™ hearing aids last up to 20 hours on a single charge!
- Technological updates: If you find that your hearing aids lack advanced features or are not compatible with modern technology, such as Bluetooth® or an app to help you track usage and battery level, it may be time to upgrade.
The decision to upgrade your hearing aids starts with a conversation with your hearing care provider. They should offer you a demonstration of the newest technology, and at HearingLife, you’ll have 30 days** to return your devices if you decide they aren’t quite right. Schedule an appointment online to discuss your hearing needs with your local HearingLife professional.
