While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable advancements. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take some preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your options will begin to be narrowed down when we establish your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of strategies to decrease background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features like multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a factor with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss critical information or instructions.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You want something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most significant reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.