If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the past few years! It’s gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will begin to be narrowed down once we identify your present degree of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, such as that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Newer models compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud environments or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous strategies to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Noise filters decrease unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to detect sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features such as numerous programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a factor with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss important information or guidelines.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, too. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go unseen by others.
It’s time to think about 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 was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.