Better sleep, reduced stress, better memory recall, decreased depression, and a more active, independent, and rewarding lifestyle are benefits of wearing hearing aids.
Those with hearing loss can enjoy these benefits when their hearing device performs as designed regardless of their age.
Many of our patients take great care of their hearing devices, extending the service life of their instruments beyond their average lifestyle. However, there are many advantages to upgrading your device, which you should consider.
How Long Does a Hearing Aid Usually Last?
Depending on how well you take care of your hearing aids, in-the-ear (ITE) style devices have an average life expectancy of four to five years, while behind-the-ear (BTE) style instruments last between five and six years.
We consider four to five years the maximum service life for your device and recommend upgrading within this time period in order to receive the most benefit from wearing hearing aids.
When Is the Right Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?
Poor performance is an obvious reason to upgrade your hearing aids, but even when your hearing aids still function perfectly, there are additional reasons to trade-in your existing device for a more advanced and better-performing instrument. Circumstances that might cause you to consider replacing your hearing aids include:
• An expired warranty. Under warranty, both repairs and replacement costs, should they be misplaced, are covered. They become out-of-pocket expenses once it expires.
• Changes to your occupation or lifestyle. A more effective hearing care solution to fit your career or lifestyle can come from upgrading to a different style or different level of technology. Your old hearing aids might not be the best fit to accommodate these changes.
• Your hearing needs have changed. Like occupation and lifestyle changes, various styles and levels of technology may provide better results as health factors and age alter your hearing needs. Adapting to these needs usually requires upgrading to a new device.
• When your device spends a lot of time in the shop. A hearing aid with an extensive repair history is not only frustrating but can become a major financial drain, especially after the warranty expires.
• Keep up with new technology. Like cell phones, hearing aid technology changes rapidly. To take advantage of the best sound clarity, performance, and most advanced features, it is a good practice to upgrade your hearing aids every three to five years.
The Hearing Center MCC Helps with Your Better Hearing Goals
Your hearing aids provide a number of physical and mental health benefits while improving your overall quality of life.
Even if they still work well, more advantages can be had by upgrading to more advanced technology. In addition, within our all-inclusive program service plan, a trade-in program is available that provides a credit towards new aids when your current aids are donated to the Speech and Hearing Board at the end of your initial service plan.
Participation in this program benefits those in the community who are unable to afford devices while helping you stay up-to-date.
If a hearing aid is the best means of accomplishing your better-hearing goals, rest assured that The Hearing Center at Medical Center Clinic has access to the most advanced hearing aid technology available.
If you or a loved one is ready to upgrade their devices or simply want advice on your options, contact us today to find out more.
