While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do in order to select the right ones for your needs. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Newer designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters minimize unwanted sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features such as multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced a lot. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. 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
Research has shown that hearing loss can mean a reduced income. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? 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’ll miss critical information or instructions.
Clearly, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, too. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked 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.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to talk about your options.