If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a great deal in the last few years! Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little planning. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down once we identify your present level of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, such as that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. What about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be significantly diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, 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 used by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear somebody who is talking softly.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a factor with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. The costs will add up, particularly if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
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 concept. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss critical information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern 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 not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has come a long way in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Give us a call today to talk about your options.