If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might 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 considerable advancements. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to pick the best 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 are aware of how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your choices. 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 problems, like that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what 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 diminished with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy environments or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous strategies to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters decrease undesired noise while directional microphones are made to detect sound right in front of you. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are set for specific settings.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You will hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You don’t have to sit by yourself during conversations anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those old hearing aids. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
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 few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.
