While it could 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 advanced a great deal in the past few years! A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do to select the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you know how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids start 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
A decade ago hearing aids primarily focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When someone is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific environments.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of techniques to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. 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 happen which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. You might think that updating your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss critical information or instructions.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has come a long way in the past few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Give us a call today to talk about your options.