While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant progress. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to choose the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to determine if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you know how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be significantly 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. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters reduce undesired sound while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. 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 are not cheap.
You’re not able to hear at work
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower income. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions 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 better 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’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. A number of 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 discrete enough that it will go unnoticed by others.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to discuss your options.