If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the past few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
When you determine it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will start to be narrowed down once we identify your present degree of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in loud settings or when the user is trying to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features such as numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower income. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.