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 last few years! It’s gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to establish how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease unwanted noises 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: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, too. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
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 engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary 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 unobserved 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 advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Contact us today to talk about your options.