If you’re still wearing 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 decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some preparation. A hearing exam to find out how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your options will begin to be narrowed down when we determine your current degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of strategies to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- 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 intended voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud environments or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are preset for specific settings.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. 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 has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary 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 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 set. Technology has come a long way in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.