If you’re still wearing 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 great deal in the last few years! It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do in order to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound 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
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly specialized in correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in loud environments or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- 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. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features like multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync 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
Cost is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that updating your hearing aid will be too costly, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive too. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower paycheck. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss significant information or guidelines.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, too. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during conversations anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unseen by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has advanced significantly in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.