While it could 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 substantial advancements. It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take a little planning. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down when we determine your present level of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Your feedback will be greatly decreased with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters reduce undesirable sounds 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 higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is speaking softly.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction 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. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Dive in and engage 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? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has advanced significantly in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Give us a call today to talk about your options.