While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the past few years! It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little planning. A hearing exam to find out how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your current degree of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation 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. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy environments or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease undesirable sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a factor with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive as well. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time at the shop, too. Consider 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 individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked 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.
It’s time to consider 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. Get in touch with us for a consultation.