If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a great deal in the last few years! Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little planning. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your present degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, such as that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. 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. Newer designs compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in noisy environments or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to 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 situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters minimize undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly too. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the expense 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. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates 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 be concerned about whether you will miss important information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern 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 pair. Technology has come a long way in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Contact us today to discuss your options.