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. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable progress. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take some preparation. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be greatly diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly specialized in fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be useful in noisy settings or when the user is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous strategies to decrease background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Noise filters reduce unwanted sound while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features such as multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
Price is always a consideration when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries every day or more.
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. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. 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.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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 your favorite color.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly 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.