If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial developments. Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you understand 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.
Hearing aid dependability
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- 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 set microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher 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 preset for specific environments.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous strategies to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters decrease undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, also. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by 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 important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump 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? Some of the most significant advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Today’s 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 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. Give us a call today to discuss your options.
