If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable advancements. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to choose the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out 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. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, such as that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Your feedback will be significantly diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the user is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many methods used by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features like multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Think of 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 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 advantage? You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Clearly, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t need to sit by yourself during conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern 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 unnoticed by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Give us a call today to talk about your options.