If you still have an old-fashioned ear trumpet at hand than obviously, it’s time to upgrade. Coming to that realization when you wear conventional hearing aids is trickier, however, so how do you know? Your ten year old hearing aids still function, right?
While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from using them comes at a price. Hearing aid technology has advanced in the last few years. Some of the features of modern-day hearing aids hadn’t even been invented 10 years ago. For one thing, they’ve advanced from analog to digital. Consider some reasons why you should be thinking about an upgrade.
Your Old Hearing Aid is Not That Dependable
Cheaper or older hearing aids frequently have an aggravating buzzing noise. And it’s always a good time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid begins to feedback. At times that high pitched feedback comes from nowhere, too. What caused it this time?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
You’ve become accustomed to pondering why the sound of traffic is so loud or to sitting quietly while everybody else has interesting discussions. Don’t forget the time your grandchild sang you a great song she learned at school, but you could only hear parts of her song because your hearing aids kept going out. You still clapped, though.
All of these are weaknesses associated with old hearing aids. Raising the volume was the main goal in hearing aids a decade ago. Today, hearing aids perform magic tricks like filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Older Hearing Aids Will Cost You More Money
When you’re considering a hearing aid upgrade, cost is a big factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is using an old, obsolete hearing aid. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you are purchasing new batteries every single day, or even more than once a day, the costs can get very high.
Repair costs can also be very high with older hearing aids. If you picture your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you’ll get the point. Repairs are expensive and it’s always in the shop.
Nowadays, we Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth capability is a newer technology that has transformed hearing aid functionality. You won’t find that in an analog unit. Having Bluetooth built into your digital hearing aid means it connects to your phone, your computer, maybe even your tv (unless they’re ten years old, as well.)
The Key to Everything is Communication
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a reduced paycheck. So it’s obvious that it would be a benefit to your career if you had better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to stress out about missing some important piece of information or if your hearing aid battery will quit when you need it most.
Obviously, stronger communication means an improved quality of life, as well. You won’t have to go sit alone while people are having conversations. Feel free to get right in and connect with others.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
When you look at your old hearing aid in the mirror, how do you feel? Awkward? Totally obvious? Oh my god? Versatility and style are some of the more considerable reasons to replace your hearing aid. Contemporary hearing aids come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. You can wear a visible one in your favorite color or a discrete one hidden from sight inside your ear.
How to Know When it’s Time to 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. The time has come and here are the signs:
- Your hearing has changed. You don’t hear as well as you once did even with the hearing aid in.
- Your life has evolved, and your hearing aid has a difficult time keeping up. It’s a chore to take it out just to use the phone, or perhaps you’ve changed jobs and now have to deal with more background noise.
- Your hearing aid randomly cuts out. It’s just not dependable anymore, and that’s problematic.
- It’s clear that you have an analog device. You need to go digital as soon as you can.
- Your hearing aid is heavy. Awkward, old technology weighs more.
- Your hearing aid sticks out like a sore thumb. Back when that old hearing aid was new, technology was a lot bigger.
- You are replacing the batteries every day. Modern hearing aids are often rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It isn’t rocket science. It’s time to replace your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.
