If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant developments. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. A hearing test to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down after we establish your current level of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, such as that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- 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. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in noisy settings or when the user is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many techniques utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unobserved by others.
It’s time to think about 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 was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.