If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable developments. A decade 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 correct one will take some preparation. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your options will begin to be narrowed down after we identify your current degree of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. What about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a variety of techniques to minimize 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 sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features like multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
Price is always a consideration when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, also. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in the shop 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 neglected hearing loss will earn less. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
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 replace those outdated hearing aids. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern 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 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 impossible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.
