If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to select the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to determine if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down once we identify your current degree of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, such as that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific settings.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many methods used by modern hearing aids. Noise filters decrease undesired noise while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, too. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations 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 don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Quite a few shapes, styles, 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 discrete enough that it will go undetected 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 wasn’t even possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.
