While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what little advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Hearing aid technology has progressed a great deal in the past few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to choose the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to determine if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to narrow down your choices. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Newer models compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous techniques to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters reduce unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- 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 desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features like multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
Price is always a consideration in terms of a hearing aid upgrade. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly as well. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. The costs will add up, particularly if you need to switch out batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept 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 reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss important information or instructions.
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 connected.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody 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 not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Call us today to talk about your options.