If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some preparation. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we establish your present degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of techniques to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features including numerous programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When someone is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
Frequent battery replacement
Price is always a consideration with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss important information or guidelines.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, too. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re not happy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Get in touch with us for a consultation.