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 lot in the past few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. A hearing exam to determine how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down after we determine your current degree of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of strategies to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
Frequent battery replacement
Price is always a factor with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly as well. 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-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unobserved 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. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.