While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little planning. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your current degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be greatly decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
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.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a variety of strategies to minimize 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 decrease unwanted sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- 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 such as multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. 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 can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss important information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has come a long way in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Give us a call today to discuss your options.