While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small advantage you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. 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 number of things you’ll have to do to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Your options will begin to be narrowed down when we identify your present level of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever 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
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- 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.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. 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 methods utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters decrease undesired sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly too. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, too. 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. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have essential discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. 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 consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to talk about your options.
