While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what little 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 modern 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 in order to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be considerably decreased with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize 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 decrease unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be useful in noisy environments or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
Frequent battery replacement
Price is always a factor when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly also. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to switch out batteries every day or more.
Out-dated hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you think of 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
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss important information or instructions.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.