While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what little advantage you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the last few years! It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you know 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
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer designs compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- 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 boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the user is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are preset for specific settings.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Noise filters reduce unwanted noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
Frequent battery replacement
Price is always a factor 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 costly also. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss important information or guidelines.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with replacing 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 consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Contact us for a consultation.