If you’ve had your hearing aids for a while, you might be wondering if it’s time for an upgrade. Like any device, whether it’s a cell phone, TV, or computer, hearing aids sometimes break or stop working correctly.

Also, our hearing abilities change over time, requiring an upgrade to hear clearly. Perhaps the most exciting reason to upgrade is the tremendous advancement of hearing technology over the last 5 years.  Hearing aids now have remarkable features that enhance nearly every aspect of your life.

Physicians Hearing Care is thrilled to offer these helpful features to our friends in Tennessee. Here’s how to know when you’re due for an upgrade.

When Your Hearing Aids Are 4+ Years Old

Four years is a good rule of thumb for upgrading hearing aids since that time span will incorporate significant technological advances. The average hearing aid lasts between 3 and 7 years, depending on the quality of construction and wear and tear.

Hearing aids are subjected to heat, cold, moisture, ear wax, and frequent cleaning and handling. Not to mention, they’re often in use for most of the day, every day. Proper care will prolong their life, but even the best devices won’t last forever.

Also, each year, new features are introduced to improve the wearer’s sound quality and their connection to the world around them.

Bluetooth streaming, background noise suppression, automatic whistling cancellation, fitness tracking, and remote adjustments are just a few perks of newer devices.

As your audiologist, I love informing patients of the latest advances in hearing care. And I also take great care to recommend the best suited to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Some patients want all the bells and whistles, while others want a more straightforward device that still provides optimal sound. We offer the full range of options at Physicians Hearing Care in East Tennessee.

When Medical Reasons Warrant an Upgrade

Just like our vision, our hearing changes over time. It’s important to schedule regular hearing assessments to ensure your hearing aid is meeting your needs. Are you having trouble hearing on the phone?

Do you feel more tired after listening to conversations than you used to? Are you hearing buzzing, feedback, or whistling? It might be time for an upgrade.

Difficulty hearing contributes to everything from dementia to depression, so it’s important to keep your hearing aids current.

With improved technology, we can more effectively stimulate the auditory nerve, which enhances cognition.

This cognitive improvement helps you enjoy life more engagingly. In addition, if you donate your old hearing aids to Physicians Hearing Care, we’ll fit them on someone in need.

By updating your device, you’ll improve your own quality of life, as well as someone else’s. 

Ready to See What New Hearing Aids Can Do for You?

New technology helps hearing aids cooperate better with your brain to improve the soundscape, silencing background noise and enhancing the sounds you actually want to hear.

They improve comprehension and minimize the strain on your brain as it tries to process and filter sounds.

They’re also more connective than ever before, seamlessly linking to TVs, smartphones, cars, and iPods to facilitate optimal sound wherever you are.

Physicians Hearing Care customizes size, fit, colors, features, and styles, to create a device that’s exactly what you need. If you or a loved one is ready to upgrade their device or want advice on your options, call us today to find out more.

We won’t recommend upgrading if it’s not necessary. As always, we provide trustworthy recommendations to our patients and only suggest what’s best for you.  

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Dr. Kalyn Bradford Au.D.

Dr. Kalyn Bradford is the director of hearing aid services here at Physician's Hearing Care. She completed her externship with Physician's Hearing Care in 2013 and subsequently joined the practice in 2014 after graduating with her doctoral degree in audiology from Louisiana Tech University. She joined PHC as a clinical audiologist, where she performed comprehensive audiological exams and specialized in helping patients to hear better using the latest hearing aid technology available. She has carried that experience into her current role as director of hearing aid services, where she does an excellent job managing the audiologists to ensure that all patients are treated with the best hearing care possible.