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 lot in the last few years! Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you know 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
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly focused on correcting the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- 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 precisely reproduce sound. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features such as multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be useful in noisy settings or when the user is attempting to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous techniques to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce 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 take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- 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.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly as well. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to switch out batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You’re not able to hear at work
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled 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 consider 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. Get in touch with us for a consultation.