When Do Hearing Aids Become Obsolete?

Few things are more frustrating than the release of new computer technology that renders personal computer hardware and software obsolete. It is now reasonable to expect a computer to become "obsolete" within a few years of its purchase. Yearly releases of new operating systems and software application updates make it difficult to use a computer that is over 3 years old without serious limitations and, sometimes, costly hardware upgrades. 

 

We often assume that this type of obsolescence also applies to hearing aids. However, a careful examination of hearing aid technology proves otherwise.

• While hearing aid manufacturers release new technology twice a year (April and November), these advances do not make "older" hearing aid models obsolete. Changes in hearing usually happen slowly and incrementally. Because of this, an audiologist will recommend a hearing instrument with enough "head room" to reflect an individual's hearing changes over time. Should hearing change, the audiologist "dials in" more amplification to keep pace with the changes.

• Therefore, while newer hearing aids may contain features not available in a user's current model of hearing instrument, it does not impact the device's ability to compensate for reasonable changes in hearing for several years.

• Proper care and maintenance of the hearing aids, bi-annual hearing evaluations, and a skilled audiologist will enable maximal benefit for years to come.

• Some advances in hearing technology come in the form of firmware and software upgrades for the devices. These upgrades are installed by linking the current instruments and/or accessories to the audiologist's computer

IMPORTANT:

The introduction of new technology may not apply to everyone's hearing loss or hearing needs. Most advances in hearing aid technology apply to the most common type of hearing loss: mild to moderate sensorineural, especially in the higher frequencies. Less frequently, improvements are released after FDA review for people with severe to profound hearing loss, single-sided deafness, ultra high frequency loss, infants with severe to profound hearing loss, etc. 

 

The take-away message should be: what is the "latest and greatest" may not apply to your hearing needs. When a new device is released that could benefit an individual, it does not make the current hearing aid less effective. It merely means that the user will have yet another option when the time comes to purchase new hearing aids. 

 

With this in mind, how do we know when it's time to purchase new hearing aids? When does a hearing aid become "outdated"? Next blog...

Photo provided courtesy of nuttakit of freedigitalphotos.net