While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what small advantage you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. It’s gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do to choose the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to find out how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you know how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to narrow down your choices. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
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? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- 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. The sound of the intended voice is detected and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the user is trying to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to decrease background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly too. Analog devices need new batteries 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 at the shop, too. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Studies show 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’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss significant information or instructions.
Clearly, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to discuss your options.
