When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are significant investments in your health and quality of life. Devices from the leading manufacturers are very reliable but like any technology, they have a lifespan and eventually need to be replaced. At Hearing Consultants, we often have patients ask when they should consider upgrading their current devices. While there's no single answer that applies to everyone, several factors can help determine if it's time for new hearing aids.

The Average Lifespan of Hearing Aids

Most hearing aids last between 5-7 years with proper care and maintenance. However, this timeline can vary based on several factors:

• How well you maintain your devices
• Your wearing environment (exposure to moisture, dust, etc.)
• The quality and technology level of your current devices
• How your hearing needs have changed

Even with excellent care, all hearing aids eventually reach a point where repair costs outweigh the benefits of investing in newer technology.

Signs It May Be Time to Upgrade

Your Hearing Has Changed Significantly

Our hearing naturally changes over time. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your hearing aids or they no longer seem as effective, it might indicate that your hearing needs have evolved beyond what your current devices can provide.

Regular hearing tests (ideally every 1-2 years) help track these changes. At Hearing Consultants, our audiologists can assess whether your current hearing aids can be reprogrammed to accommodate these changes or if new technology would better serve your needs.

Frequent Repairs Are Needed

If your hearing aids require increasingly frequent repairs, this often signals that the devices are approaching the end of their useful life. When repair costs and downtime begin to accumulate, upgrading to new devices typically makes more financial sense than continuing to invest in aging technology.

You're Missing Out on New Technology

Hearing aid technology advances rapidly, with significant improvements coming every few years. If your current devices are several years old, newer models likely offer substantial benefits that weren't available when you purchased your existing aids.

Some notable advancements in recent hearing aid technology include:

Improved Speech Clarity in Noise

The newest hearing aids from leading manufacturers feature advanced noise reduction and speech enhancement capabilities that far surpass older models. For example, ReSound Vivia uses AI technology trained on 13.5 million spoken sentences to provide exceptional clarity even in challenging environments.

Better Connectivity Options

Modern hearing aids offer seamless connectivity with smartphones, televisions, and other devices. The Widex Allure features advanced Bluetooth capabilities that allow direct streaming from various devices, enhancing your overall listening experience.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Many current models use AI to learn your preferences and automatically adjust to different environments. The Starkey Edge AI hearing aids utilize a G2 Neuro Processor with neural processing unit to provide clearer sound by swiftly processing signals in real-time.

Rechargeable Batteries

Most newer hearing aids offer rechargeable options, eliminating the need for frequent battery changes. The Oticon Intent provides up to 20 hours of battery life with just a 30-minute charge delivering up to 8 hours of use.

Advanced Sound Processing

The Signia IX features RealTime Conversation Enhancement Technology, which allows you to follow multiple conversation partners clearly in noisy environments. This kind of technology simply wasn't available in older devices.

Your Lifestyle Has Changed

Changes in your lifestyle, work environment, or social activities might mean your current hearing aids no longer meet your needs. For instance, if you've become more active, started a new job, or increased your social engagements, newer technology might better accommodate these changes.

Comfort and Fit Issues

Over time, your ear shape can change, or your hearing aids may not fit as comfortably as they once did. Newer hearing aids are generally smaller, lighter, and designed for greater comfort.

The Benefits of Upgrading

Improved Hearing in Challenging Environments

Recent advancements like the Phonak Infinio's Spheric Speech Clarity offer up to 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement, making it much easier to understand speech in noisy settings.

Enhanced Connectivity

Modern hearing aids connect easily to smartphones and other devices. The ReSound Vivia is equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio technology, allowing you to stream calls, music, and other audio directly to your hearing aids with excellent sound quality.

Better Sound Quality

The Widex Allure uses the new W1 chip which offers 4 times faster processing speeds and 4 times more memory than previous generations, providing a more natural listening experience with improved clarity.

Health Monitoring Features

Some newer hearing aids like the Starkey Edge AI offer health tracking capabilities, including step counting, fall detection, and activity monitoring—features that transform hearing aids into comprehensive health devices.

Longer Battery Life

Improved battery technology means longer usage time between charges. For example, the Signia IX provides all-day battery life with a reliable rechargeable battery and a wireless charging case for on-the-go charging.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

At Hearing Consultants, we perform comprehensive hearing tests and Real Ear Measurements to ensure proper fitting and programming of hearing aids. Real Ear Measurements are a critical part of our fitting process, as they verify that your hearing aids deliver the prescribed amplification directly to your eardrum.

When considering an upgrade, our audiologists Dr. Timothy Teague and Dr. Amanda Hoffman can help evaluate your current devices and hearing needs. They can demonstrate the latest technology and explain how new features might benefit your specific situation.

Financial Considerations When Upgrading

Upgrading hearing aids is a financial investment. However, when considering the cost, it's important to factor in:

• The impact of better hearing on your quality of life
• The cost of ongoing repairs for older devices
• Potential insurance coverage or financing options
• The value of improved technology in daily functioning

At Hearing Consultants, we work with patients to find hearing solutions that fit their budget while meeting their hearing needs. Many manufacturers also offer trade-in programs that may help offset the cost of new devices.

Which New Hearing Aid Might Be Right for You?

Choosing the right hearing aid depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are some of the latest models we offer at Hearing Consultants:

ReSound Vivia

The ReSound Vivia is powered by AI technology trained on 13.5 million spoken sentences. Its Intelligent Focus feature prioritizes sounds based on where you're looking, with up to 30 hours of battery life. It's excellent for tech-savvy users who want advanced noise reduction.

Oticon Intent

Oticon Intent uses 4D Sensor technology to capture your listening intentions through conversation activity, head and body movement, and acoustic environment inputs. With up to 20 hours of battery life and Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, it's perfect for active lifestyles.

Starkey Edge AI

The Starkey Edge AI features a G2 Neuro Processor with neural processing unit that classifies soundscapes, enhances speech, and reduces noise in real time. With 51 hours of battery life and Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity, it's ideal for those wanting powerful AI processing.

Signia IX

The Signia IX combines RealTime Conversation Enhancement Technology with advanced noise reduction. Available in both Pure Charge&Go IX and Silk Charge&Go IX models, it excels in enhancing speech within noisy group conversations, making it great for social settings.

Schedule Your Hearing Aid Consultation Today

If you've been wearing your current hearing aids for several years or are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to explore your options. At Hearing Consultants in Cincinnati, we can help you determine if an upgrade would benefit your hearing health and quality of life.

Our audiologists will evaluate your current hearing status using comprehensive testing including Real Ear Measurements, discuss your lifestyle needs, and demonstrate the latest technology that might benefit you. We'll provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation—whether that means continuing with your current devices or exploring new options.

Contact us today at 513-916-3656 to schedule your hearing consultation and discover how the latest hearing aid technology might transform your listening experience. Our office is conveniently located at 10766 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.