If you still have an old-fashioned ear trumpet in hand than clearly, it’s time to upgrade. Coming to that realization when you have conventional hearing aids is more difficult, though, so how do you know? Your ten year old hearing aids still function, right?
While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what little advantage you get from them comes at a price. Hearing aid tech has progressed in the past several years. Some of the functions of contemporary hearing aids hadn’t even been invented 10 years ago. For one thing, they’ve advanced to digital from analog. Consider some reasons why it’s time for you to be considering an upgrade.
Old Hearing Aids Are Not Very Reliable
Lower quality or older hearing aids often have an irritating buzzing noise. How about that feedback every time you get close to a phone, that’s enjoyable. That deafening feedback occasionally happens for no obvious 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 noisy or to sitting quietly while everyone else has stimulating discussions. Remember when your hearing aid wouldn’t stop cutting out while you were attempting to hear your grandchild perform a song and you only heard parts of what they were singing. But you still clapped.
These are all weaknesses linked to outdated hearing aids. Ten years ago the emphasis was on raising the volume. Today, hearing aids do magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Old Hearing Aids Can be Expensive
Expenses are always an issue when it comes to an upgrade. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, out-of-date hearing aid. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. You can imagine how expensive it will be, replacing batteries at least once a day.
Old hearings aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you picture your hearing aid like a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the shop.
Today, we Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology which has transformed hearing aid functionality. An analog hearing aid won’t have that feature. Having Bluetooth built into your digital hearing aid means that it connects to your computer, your phone, perhaps even your tv (unless they’re ten years old, as well.)
Communication is The Key to Everything
Studies reveal that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it seem sensible then that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear customers and your boss better. You will be capable of following directions without wondering if you heard it right and have critical discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Needless to say, better communication means an improved quality of life, as well. You won’t need to go sit alone while people are having conversations. Jump right in and get involved with the people around you.
You Just Want Your Hearing Aid to be More Stylish
What do you think when you look at yourself in the mirror wearing that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? Oh my god? Flexibility and style are some of the more significant reasons to replace your hearing aid. You can purchase hearing aids in many colors, sizes, and shapes nowadays. You can have one concealed so tight into your ear that nobody will even notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
Indications That It’s Time
Now you know all the reasons why you should get a hearing aid upgrade, but not what you should specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. The time has come and here are the indications:
- Your hearing has changed. Even when you have the hearing aids in your ears, it seems like you can’t hear as well.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your changing life. Every time you have to use the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a big challenge.
- Your hearing aid randomly cuts out. You really can’t count on it functioning when you need it most.
- You know for sure that your hearing aid is analog. Ouch, go digital fast.
- Your hearing aid is heavy. Analog hearing aids weigh more.
- Your hearing aid juts out like a sore thumb. Back when that old hearing aid was made, technology was a lot larger.
- You need to replace the batteries every day. Modern hearing aids are often rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s an easy choice. It’s time to upgrade your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.