If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable progress. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take some planning. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to narrow down your options. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters reduce unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the user is attempting to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features such as multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time at the shop, also. Consider 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 are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can mean a reduced income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important 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’ll be able to communicate with people again. 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? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern 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 notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Give us a call today to talk about your options.