If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take a little planning. A hearing exam to find out how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Reliability 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 start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features including multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have essential conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go undetected by others.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. Technology has come a long way in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Contact us today to discuss your options.