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 progressed a lot in the last few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you determine it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some planning. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to determine if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Every once in a while you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous strategies to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters minimize undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a factor with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive as well. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, also. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that people with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. 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 outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go unnoticed by others.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.