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 advanced a great deal 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.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your options will start to be narrowed down once we determine your current degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer models compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily focused on fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. 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. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features like multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to minimize 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 minimize unwanted sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a factor. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have essential conversations without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of discussions anymore. 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 old hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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 think about 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 last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Give us a call today to discuss your options.