While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what little benefit you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the past few years! Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. A hearing exam to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to get a clearer look at your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be greatly diminished 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 ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be useful in loud settings or when the user is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters minimize unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features including numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- 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.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Price is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, too. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept 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 lead to a lower income. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Clearly, stronger communication means a better quality of life, as well. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go undetected by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Give us a call today to discuss your options.