Ask an audiologist: When is it time to replace my hearing aids?

Many people start to notice hearing problems as they get older. And wearing hearing aids could make a big difference. Whether you’re new to the world of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing these devices for a while now, it’s normal to have some questions. In this new series, an expert audiologist at UnitedHealthcare Hearing gives real-world answers to common concerns.

Question

I’ve been wearing the same hearing aids for several years. How do I know when it’s time to upgrade to new ones?

Answer

The average lifespan of hearing aids varies from 3 to 7 years. But how long someone wears them before replacing them really depends on the individual. For example:

• It might be time to get new hearing aids if your hearing loss has gotten worse. 
   
• Technology advances are another thing to consider. Many new hearing aids have features that older models don’t, and for some people that may be a reason to upgrade.

How well you take care of your hearing aids also comes into play. This is where it gets tricky, because I’ve seen people wear the same hearing aids for 10 years and do fine with them. And other people can’t go 2 years without new hearing aids.

A good analogy is to think of hearing aids like a car. How hard are you on your car? Are you someone who takes meticulous care of your car, cleans it and keeps up with regular maintenance and service? Or are you someone who doesn’t do much? Just like cars, hearing aids need regular tune-ups.

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That’s why it’s important to see your hearing care professional at least once a year. They can retest your hearing and monitor any changes in your hearing loss. They will also clean and adjust your hearing aids. If your test shows a change in hearing loss, your hearing care professional can reprogram your devices based on the results. Reprogramming means they’ll adjust the settings to match your specific hearing needs. This may help your current devices work better for you.

Curious about some of the newer hearing aid features? Your yearly appointment is a great chance to talk to your audiologist about it. They’ll be able to answer your questions, explain the latest technology and help you determine whether it’s time to make a change.

On the other hand, if your hearing aids are working well and still delivering good sound quality, then you probably don’t need to upgrade yet. Hearing aids are a big investment, and you want them to last.

So keep on taking care of your devices and get your annual hearing test appointment on the calendar. And know that your hearing care professional is always ready to help.

(Did you know that you may be able to request a no-cost hearing exam and consultation through AARP® Hearing Solutions™ for UnitedHealthcare Hearing? Request an appointment.)

Meet the expert
Monica Murray, Au.D., is senior director of program development at UnitedHealthcare Hearing and a nationally recognized hearing health expert.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

AARP Hearing Solutions is available to all AARP members and does not require a health insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. The AARP hearing program discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, coupons or hearing aid benefit plans unless noted herein. Products or services that are reimbursable by federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid are not available on a discounted or complimentary basis. AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. UnitedHealthcare Hearing is provided through UnitedHealthcare, offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific hearing aid discounts. This is not an insurance nor managed care product, and fees or charges for services in excess of those defined in program materials are the member’s responsibility. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse nor guarantee hearing aid products/services available through the hearing program. This program may not be available in all states or for all group sizes. Components subject to change.

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