If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has advanced a great deal in the past few years! It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently 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 some preparation. A hearing exam to determine how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly reduced 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: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters reduce unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound right in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific settings.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a consideration. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement a lot. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, also. 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’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider 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 never possible in the past. Give us a call today to discuss your options.