You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-fashioned ear trumpets. When you use conventional hearing aids, making that call is more tricky. You bought your hearing aids 10 years ago, and they still do the job, right?
While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from them comes at a price. Hearing aid tech has progressed in the last several years. Some of the functions of modern-day hearing aids hadn’t even been invented a decade ago. For one thing, they’ve gone from analog to digital. Think about some reasons why you should be thinking about an upgrade.
The Old Hearing Aid is Not That Dependable
Older or even poor-quality hearing aids have serious problems like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And it’s always a fun time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid starts to feedback. Occasionally that shrill feedback comes out of nowhere, too. Now why is it feeding back?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
You are used to sitting in quiet self-reflection while everyone around you take part in conversation or wondering why the air conditioner is so noisy. Recall the time your grandchild performed a beautiful song for you, but you could only hear parts of what she sang because your hearing aids kept cutting out. But you still clapped.
Old hearing aids have all of these types of issues. Ten years ago the emphasis was on turning up the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids do magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so no more noisy air conditioner.
Old Hearing Aids Will Cost You More Money
Cost is always a factor when it comes to an upgrade. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, obsolete hearing aid. You will be constantly buying new batteries with an analog hearing aid. If you are buying new batteries on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the costs add up.
Repair costs can also escalate with older hearing aids. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would understand where we are coming from. It’s in the repair shop more than it is in your ear and repairs are not cheap.
Smart Tech is a Thing Now
Most modern hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities. You won’t find that in an analog device. Having Bluetooth integrated into your digital hearing aid means it’s compatible with your computer, your phone, possibly even your television (unless they’re a decade old, too.)
Communication is The Key to Everything
Studies reveal that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will be able to hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to be concerned about missing some important information or if your hearing aid battery will quit when you need it most.
Obviously, stronger communication means a better quality of life, too. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Don’t hesitate to get right in and engage with others.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror with that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? Does this make me look old? One of the most significant advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids is versatility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a number of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can have one concealed so tight in your ear that nobody will even notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
How to Know That it’s Time For an Upgrade
Now you know all the reasons you should get a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. Here are some telling signs that the time has come:
- There are changes in your hearing. Even when you have your hearing aids in your ears, it seems like you can’t hear as well.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your changing life. Whenever you have to talk on the phone, you have to take it out and background noise has become a real challenge.
- Your hearing aid intermittently cuts out. It’s simply not dependable anymore, and that’s problematic.
- You know for a fact your hearing aid is analog. You should go digital as soon as possible.
- Your hearing aid feels heavy. Awkward, old technology weighs a lot.
- Your hearing aid is the only thing you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology takes up a lot of space, also.
- You are replacing the batteries every day. Modern hearing aids are usually rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s an easy decision. If you’ve had your hearing aids for seven years or more, it’s time to trade up and hear better.
