If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has advanced a great deal in the last few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be significantly decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly specialized in fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and capability nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features including numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease unwanted sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When someone is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly too. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Naturally, 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 will miss critical information or guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.
