How to Know When It Is Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can help improve your daily life, but they don’t last forever. Over time, your hearing needs may change, or your devices may not work as well as they once did. Knowing when to upgrade your hearing aids can help you maintain good hearing and take advantage of newer technology.

Deciding to replace your hearing aids isn’t always simple and depends on factors like your lifestyle, the condition of your current devices, any changes in your hearing and advancements in hearing aid technology. Some people continue wear their hearing aids longer than they should, not realizing how much newer devices could improve their hearing. Here are a few things to look out for when deciding if you should upgrade your hearing aid.

You Notice a Buzzing Noise

If you hear a constant buzzing or whistling sound from your hearing aids, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced. This noise, often called feedback, can happen if the device doesn’t fit properly, if there’s damage to the internal parts or if the technology is outdated. While some feedback issues can be fixed with adjustments or repairs, ongoing buzzing may mean your hearing aids are no longer working as they should. Upgrading to a newer model can help eliminate these issues and provide clearer, more comfortable hearing.

You Struggle to Hear in Loud Settings

If you have trouble hearing in busy places like restaurants, family gatherings or crowded events, it may be a sign that your hearing aids are no longer meeting your needs. Older hearing aids may not filter background noise as well as newer models, making it harder to focus on conversations. If voices sound muffled or you find yourself straining to understand speech in noisy settings, your current devices might not be providing enough support.

Advancements in hearing aid technology have improved how devices handle background noise. Newer models can adjust automatically to different environments, making it easier to hear clearly in loud places. If your hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, upgrading to a newer model with better noise reduction features could make a big difference in how well you hear in social settings.

You Struggle to Hear on the Phone

If you have trouble hearing phone conversations, it might be time to upgrade your hearing aid. Older or outdated hearing aids may not pick up speech clearly, especially over the phone, where sound quality can already be reduced. You might notice that voices sound muffled, distorted or too quiet, even when the volume is turned up. If you find yourself avoiding phone calls or relying more on speakerphone to understand, your hearing aid may not be meeting your needs anymore.

Newer hearing aids come with features designed to improve phone conversations. Many models now have Bluetooth, which allows sound to stream directly from your phone to your hearing aids for clearer speech. Some also have settings that reduce background noise, making voices easier to hear. If your current hearing aid doesn’t have these features or isn’t working as well as it used to, an upgrade could make phone calls much easier and more enjoyable.

Increased Hearing Aid Repairs or Malfunctions

If your hearing aid needs frequent repairs or isn’t working like it used to, it may be time for an upgrade. Over time, hearing aids can wear down from daily use, leading to problems like weak sound, static or sudden shutoffs. If you often have to replace batteries, clean out moisture or fix broken parts, your hearing aid may be reaching the end of its lifespan. Repairs can add up, and at some point, it might make more sense to invest in a new device rather than continue fixing an old one.

Newer hearing aids are designed to be more durable and reliable. Many have rechargeable batteries, better moisture protection and stronger materials to handle daily wear. Upgrading to a new model could mean fewer breakdowns and less frustration. If you find that your current hearing aid is spending more time in the repair shop than in your ear, a new device could help you hear more clearly without the hassle of constant fixes.

You Haven’t Had a Hearing Test Recently

If you haven’t had a hearing test in a while, your hearing needs may have changed without you realizing it. Hearing loss can gradually worsen over time, and the settings on your current hearing aids might no longer be right for you. If voices seem less clear, background noise feels more overwhelming, or you need to turn the volume up higher than before, your hearing aids may not be keeping up with your hearing loss. A hearing test can show whether your hearing has changed and if your devices need to be adjusted or upgraded.

Newer hearing aids come with advanced technology that can better match your hearing needs. If your test results show a significant change, an upgrade might help you hear more clearly in different situations. Modern hearing aids offer improved sound processing, better noise reduction, and features like Bluetooth streaming. Scheduling a hearing test is the best way to find out if your current hearing aids are still working well for you or if it’s time for an upgrade.

You Think You Need Different Hearing Aid Features

If your hearing aids could benefit from more advanced features, it might be a good time to consider an upgrade. Modern hearing aids come with helpful options like background noise reduction, rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and streaming. Some models even adjust automatically based on your surroundings, making it easier to hear in various situations. If you find yourself wishing for better performance in noisy environments, during phone calls or want more convenience, a newer model with upgraded features could enhance your hearing experience.

If you have noticed any of these signs or have noticed a change in your hearing, you may need to upgrade your hearing aids. An audiologist will be able to guide you in finding the right hearing aids and features to support your needs. If you want to learn more about upgrading your hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.