Can Hearing Aids Be Upgraded?
Before you rush out for a new set of hearing aids, consider upgrading your present aids. Although most retail hearing aid locations would prefer to sell you a new set of hearing aids, there are often a number of things that can be done to most hearing aids to improve their results.
Option 1 - Improve The Fit And Stop Feedback
If the problem is feedback or loss of sound due to a poor fit, the shell (the custom piece that is made to fit your ear) of a hearing aid can be remade to fit your ear correctly and stop the feedback. We can make a new shell for your hearing aid at Hearing Haven, and in many cases we can repair a broken shell to near new condition.
Option 2 - Refurbish Your Old Aid
Often what people perceive as their hearing getting worse is actually the performance of their hearing aids decreasing. If you suspect your hearing aid is not functioning up to par, send it to Hearing Haven for an evaluation.
If it is a failing component - such as a weak microphone or speaker - we can replace it and return your hearing aid to its previous condition for much less than the cost of a new hearing aid.
When you send your hearing aid to Hearing Haven for a repair, we replace all defective parts with brand new parts, and repair any frayed or broken wiring.
Option 3 - Upgrade To New Technology
It is possible to take a hearing aid that is several years old and upgrade it to newer technology for much less than a new hearing aid. If cannot find a local hearing aid dealer to do this, consider sending it to Hearing Haven. You do need to include a copy of your hearing loss, and information on what problems you are experiencing with your hearing aid.
Why do hearing aids need to be upgraded?
Hearing loss changes
If the hearing aids are one year or more old, it is very possible there have been changes in hearing that need to be compensated for.
Hearing aid components degrade
Moisture and age effect hearing aid function - microphones get weaker, clarity decreases. Because it is gradual, many people think their hearing is worse when it's their hearing aid that needs repair or a response change!
Ears continually change size and shape
Your ear is one of the few parts of your body that continues to grow and change. Often a tighter or better fitting hearing shell can make a dramatic improvement in hearing.
Poor fitting results from the start
A hearing aid has sometimes been fit incorrectly from the beginning because of a technician's mistake, poor communication, a bad initial ear impression, a wrong box checked on the order form, even a computer error.
Improved technology
There have been many improvements in the last few years, especially in circuitry that reduces background noise. Old technology can be replaced with new for dramatic improvements in hearing without the full investment new hearing aids require.