If you’re still using 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 lot in the last few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you are aware of 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 for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. What about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer designs compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are set for specific settings.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are made to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. 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 able to hear at work
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant 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 could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go undetected by others.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.