If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable developments. Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take some planning. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down after we determine your present level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. What about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies used by modern hearing aids. Noise filters reduce unwanted noise while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When someone is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss significant information or instructions.
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 connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unseen by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has advanced significantly in the past few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Get in touch with us for a consultation.
