If you still have an old-school ear trumpet at hand than obviously, it’s time to upgrade. Coming to that realization when you wear conventional hearing aids is trickier, though, so how do you know? You purchased your hearing aids 10 years ago, and they still do the job, right?
While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little advantage you get from them comes at a price. In the last few years, hearing aids have dramatically advanced. Some of the functions of contemporary hearing aids hadn’t even been invented 10 years ago. For one thing, they’ve gone from analog to digital. Why should you be considering an upgrade? Here are a few good reasons.
Old Hearing Aids Are Unreliable
Cheaper or older hearing aids often have an irritating buzzing noise. How about that feedback every time you get close to a phone, that’s enjoyable. That noisy feedback occasionally happens for no noticeable reason. Now why is it feeding back?
You’ve Gotten Complacent With Its Failings
You’ve become accustomed to wondering why the sound of traffic is so noisy or to sitting quietly while everyone else has stimulating conversation. Remember the time your grandchild performed a beautiful song for you, but you only heard every other word because your hearing aids kept going out. But you still clapped.
Old hearing aids have all of these kinds of issues. Raising the volume was the main objective in hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids do magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Outdated Hearing Aids Will Cost You More Money
When you’re considering upgrading your hearing aid, cost is a big factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, obsolete hearing aid. Analog hearing aids need new batteries frequently. You can understand how expensive it will be, purchasing new batteries at least once every day.
Old hearings aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would understand where we are coming from. Repairs are expensive and it’s always in the shop.
Nowadays, we Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology that has revolutionized hearing aid capability. You won’t get that in an analog device. Your phone, tablet, and even your computer can be connected, using Bluetooth, to your hearing digital aid.
The Secret to Everything is Communication
Studies reveal that hearing loss can mean a reduced paycheck. So it’s obvious that it would be an asset to your career if you had newer hearing aids. It will be easier to hear what your boss and customers are saying. You won’t need to worry about missing some important information or if your hearing aid battery will die when you need it most.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You won’t have to go sit by yourself when people are talking. Jump right in and engage with the people around you.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
What do you think when you check yourself out in the mirror wearing that old hearing aid? Embarrassing? Totally obvious? Does this make me look old? One of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids is design and flexibility. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked so tight into your ear that nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with an out of the ear hearing aid in your favorite color.
Indications That It’s Time
Now you understand all the reasons you should want a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. The time has come and here are the signs:
- Your hearing has changed. Even when you have your hearing aids in your ears, it seems as if you can’t hear as well.
- Your outdated hearing aid just can’t keep up with your changing life. Whenever you have to talk on the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a big challenge.
- Your hearing aid intermittently cuts out. You just can’t count on it functioning when you need it most.
- It’s clear that you have an analog hearing aid. You need to go digital as soon as you can.
- Your ears feel heavy. Clunky, old technology weighs more.
- Your hearing aid is the only thing you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology occupies a lot of space, also.
- You constantly need to replace the batteries. Contemporary hearing aids are often rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s not rocket science. It’s time to upgrade your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.