While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down once we establish your present level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be considerably decreased 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. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- 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. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally set microphones. When someone is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a factor. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive as well. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to 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 better. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Clearly, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever notice 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 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 in the past. Contact us for a consultation.
