Why Should you Have your Hearing and Hearing Aids Checked Regularly
Why Should you Have your Hearing and Hearing Aids Checked Regularly?
When you have a hearing loss, your hearing changes over time. When you get glasses, you must have your eyes checked regularly and get new glasses occasionally. Similarly, you need to get your hearing checked and have your hearing aids adjusted as required.
Why Does My Hearing Need to be Checked?
Hearing tends to deteriorate gradually as we age. The little hair cells in our ears wear out and stop working as they used to, meaning we don’t hear as we once did. This process does not stop when we get hearing aids but continues, meaning our hearing continues to deteriorate. By having a regular hearing test (usually about once a year), changes in hearing can be identified, and the hearing aids adjusted to keep you hearing well.
Do I Need to Get New Hearing Aids if My Hearing Changes?
Not usually. We know when we fit you with hearing aids, your hearing will likely deteriorate during the lifetime of the hearing aids. Hence, when buying your hearing aids, we recommend hearing aids with extra power within them to allow for the likely increase in power you will need from them during the five years or so that you will likely wear them. Modern hearing aids have a lot that can be adjusted as your hearing changes, and your hearing care professional can make adjustments based on the changes to your hearing and your experience. Sometimes, something unexpected can happen, and your hearing may deteriorate more than expected. In this case, you may need to change to stronger hearing aids, or in the case of receiver-in-canal hearing aids, we may change you to more powerful receivers (speakers) to meet the extra volume needs you have.
What About The Hearing Aids? Do They Need Maintenance?
When we see you for your check-up, we do not just check your hearing but also your hearing aids. There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, just like your hearing can slowly change over time, so can the function of your hearing aids. As this can happen slowly over time, you may not notice this or know whether it is your hearing or hearing aids causing the issues. When we see you for your check-ups, we can ensure your hearing aids are working optimally and carry out any required maintenance or make sure any needed repairs are done so that you are hearing optimally. There may also be some maintenance procedures we can do on your hearing aids that can help prevent issues with your hearing aids and stop you from having a hearing aid emergency, which is always a good thing!
You Mentioned Lifetime of Hearing Aids. What Does That Mean?
Hearing aids work really hard in a challenging environment that exposes them to moisture, wax, and dead skin. They do a good job, but they do not last forever. Eventually, they will need to be replaced. Generally, this is about five years, but it does vary between people, depending on the circumstances. There are several reasons why you might get new hearing aids. You can check out our blog on this topic here. When you are at your hearing check-up, we will let you know if we think your hearing aids are starting to reach the end of their life.
What if I feel I am Not Hearing Well but am Not Due for a Hearing Check-Up?
Anytime you feel you are not hearing well, you should always come to see us, even if you are not due for a check-up. Hearing check-ups are essentialto keep you hearing well, but sometimes things happen with your hearing or hearing aids at other times.Here at Focus Hearing, we always want you to hear your best, and we are here to help. So, any time you think you are not hearing as well as you were, make an appointment to come and see us, and we will help sort out what is happening. Don’t wait until you are due for your next appointment.
Focus Hearing is your local independent audiology clinic in Crow’s Nest, Erina (Central Coast), Mona Vale (Northern Beaches) and surrounding areas, dedicated to providing individualised hearing solutions. Contact us today on 8402 1202 for expert guidance, comprehensive evaluations, and personalised care. Let us help you on your journey to a healthier, happier life. Reach out now and discover the difference exceptional hearing care can make!
