If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has advanced a great deal in the past few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to select the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will start to be narrowed down once we determine your current level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features such as numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally set microphones. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many methods used by modern hearing aids. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-dated hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower paycheck. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important 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 during discussions anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few 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 undetected by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has come a long way in the past few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.