While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the past few years! It’s gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little planning. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, such as that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be greatly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the user is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids break down 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 constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss significant information or instructions.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go unobserved by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.