While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what small advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the last few years! A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to choose the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have functions 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 functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to detect 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.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous strategies to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific settings.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that updating your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement a lot. The expenses will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that individuals with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss significant information or instructions.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, too. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one nestled 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 think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has advanced significantly in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Get in touch with us for a consultation.