In 2019, 7.1% of adults aged 45 and older wore a hearing aid.[1] When you get your devices, we’ll program them to meet your hearing needs. As time goes on, your hearing needs may change, and the devices that worked perfectly when you first received them may eventually need some adjustments. Luckily, that doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace them.
Many people can continue using their existing hearing aids as their hearing changes. A new hearing test and professional reprogramming may be enough to restore the clarity and volume you need.
Adjusting Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing aids can be fine-tuned in several ways. You can make some changes from your phone, while others should be handled by a hearing professional.
Adjusting Settings on Your Phone
Many current hearing aids pair with an app that allows you to control volume and other listening settings. Depending on the model, you may also be able to select different programs for different environments, like busy Grapevine restaurants or quiet dinners at home.
At Heard It Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC
When home adjustments don’t help, we can perform another hearing test and use your results to update your hearing aids. During the same appointment, we can inspect the devices, clean them and check for moisture or other issues that could interfere with performance.
Three Reasons You May Need an Upgrade
There are a few reasons why we may recommend you upgrade your hearing aids, including:
- Your hearing requires more power. Hearing aids come in different styles and power levels. In-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) devices are often appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing loss has progressed, you may need a more powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) device.
- Your current hearing aids are damaged. Some hearing aid problems are easily repaired. Others are more extensive. If your devices have damage that our team or the manufacturer can’t repair, replacing them may be the most practical solution.
- You want newer technology. Your older hearing aids may still work, but that doesn’t mean they offer the latest features. Newer devices can include technology such as Bluetooth® connectivity, tinnitus masking and AI-assisted sound processing that can make your experience even better.
A change in hearing could mean your devices need to be reprogrammed, cleaned or repaired. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Heard It Through The Grapevine Audiology, PC, and we can evaluate both your hearing and your hearing aids to determine the best next step.
[1] Madans, J. H., Weeks, J. D., & Elgaddal, N. (2021). Hearing difficulties among adults: United States, 2019 (NCHS Data Brief No. 414). National Center for Health Statistics. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:107540