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 last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial progress. A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to determine if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you know how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, such as that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be significantly diminished with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly focused on correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters reduce unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You may think that updating your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Think of 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 demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have a better 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 being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Clearly, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You want something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
