If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial advancements. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little planning. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we determine your current degree of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, like that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. How about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer models compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer 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. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in noisy settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by modern hearing aids. Noise filters minimize undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a consideration. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, also. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss critical information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few shapes, styles, 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 unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to talk about your options.