While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial developments. A decade 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 update, choosing the correct one will take some planning. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down after we determine your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be greatly decreased with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific environments.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
Price is always a factor with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. You may think that updating your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly too. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you need to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates that people with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss critical information or guidelines.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, too. You don’t need to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. 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 think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.