While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what little advantage you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable advancements. Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s probably 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 now and then. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific settings.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of strategies to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a factor. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. The costs will add up, particularly 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 frequently. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has advanced significantly in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
