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 great deal in the past few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to select the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer models compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be useful in noisy settings or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much 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 duplicate sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features including numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, also. Consider 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 can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
Clearly, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of 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 small 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, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
