While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to pick the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, like that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily specialized in fixing the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many methods utilized by modern hearing aids. Noise filters decrease undesired sound while directional microphones are made to detect sound right in front of you. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features such as multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a consideration. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, 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. If you think of 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 aren’t inexpensive.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. 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 stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those old hearing aids. 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 unnoticed by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.
