While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what small advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant progress. A decade ago many of the features of current 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 pick the right 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 know 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 for an upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, such as that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. What about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques utilized by modern hearing aids. Noise filters reduce undesired sound while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and amplified by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- 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 including multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive too. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. 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 directions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned 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 in the middle of conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unobserved by others.
It’s time to consider 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 wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.