If you’re still using 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 progressed a great deal in the past few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some planning. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will start to be narrowed down after we identify your current level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer models compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features including multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a variety of techniques to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters minimize undesired sound while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy environments or when the user is attempting to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Think of 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’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever see 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 not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has come a long way in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.