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 progressed a lot in the past few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to select the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down when we establish your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, such as that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids chiefly focused on correcting the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- 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.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features such as multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters decrease undesired 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 are not properly fitted.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When someone is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly as well. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will have 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 clearer. 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.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
If you’re thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.