You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-fashioned ear trumpets. When you use conventional hearing aids, coming to that realization is more difficult. You purchased your hearing aids 10 years ago, and they still do the job, right?
While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what little benefit you get from using them comes at a price. In the past several years, hearing aids have advanced dramatically. Some of the functions of contemporary hearing aids hadn’t even been invented 10 years ago. For starters, they’ve advanced from analog to digital. Think about some reasons why it’s time for you to be thinking about an upgrade.
The Old Hearing Aid is Not That Dependable
Cheaper or older hearing aids frequently have an annoying buzzing sound. And it’s always a great time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid starts to feedback. That loud feedback sometimes occurs for no noticeable reason. Now why is this happening?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
You’re now used to wondering why the sound of traffic is so loud or to going off quietly while everybody else has engaging discussions. Recall the time your grandchild performed a beautiful song for you, but you could only hear every other word because your hearing aids kept going out. Of course, you still clapped.
Outdated hearing aids have all of these types of problems. A decade ago the emphasis was on raising the volume. These days, hearing aids do magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
The Old Ones Are Wasting Money
When you’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is a big factor. You will have to make a preliminary purchase with new hearing aids but older ones will also be costly with time. Analog hearing aids need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the batteries every single day, or even more than once a day, the costs add up.
Repair costs can also escalate with out dated hearing aids. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would get the point. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the shop.
Today, we Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth capability is a newer technology that has transformed hearing aid capability. An analog device won’t have that feature. Having Bluetooth built into your digital hearing aid means it connects to your computer, your phone, perhaps even your television (unless they’re a decade old, as well.)
Communication is The Key to Everything
Studies reveal that hearing loss can mean a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it seem sensible then that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will be able to hear your boss and customers better. You won’t need to be concerned about missing some essential piece of information or if your hearing aid battery will die when you need it most.
Obviously, better communication means an improved quality of life, too. You won’t need to go sit alone while people are having conversations. Feel free to get right in and connect with others.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
What do you think when you check yourself out in the mirror with that old hearing aid? Awkward? Totally obvious? Oh my god? One of the most significant benefits that come with upgrading old hearing aids is flexibility and style. Contemporary hearing aids come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. You can have one tucked so tight in your ear that no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
How to Recognize When it’s Time to Upgrade
Now you understand all the reasons you should get a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. Here are some telling indications that the time has come:
- There are changes in your hearing. Even when you have the hearing aids in, it seems like you don’t hear as well.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your evolving life. Whenever you have to use the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a big challenge.
- Your hearing aid randomly quits working. You really can’t rely on it functioning when you need it most.
- It’s clear that you have an analog hearing aid. Ouch, go digital right away.
- Your hearing aid is heavy. Awkward, old technology weighs a lot.
- Your hearing aid is the only thing you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology takes up a lot of space, too.
- You constantly need to switch out the batteries. Contemporary hearing aids are more energy efficient, and many are rechargeable.
It’s an easy choice. It’s time to upgrade your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.