If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial advancements. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do in order to choose the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to narrow down your options. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent 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. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be useful in loud settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific situations.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly too. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. The costs of the continual 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 lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss important information or guidelines.
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 something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.