While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what little advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial developments. A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do to choose the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to narrow down your options. Here are some reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. What about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous techniques to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters decrease unwanted sound while directional microphones are designed to detect sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
Frequent battery replacement
Price is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly as well. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced a lot. The expenses will add up, especially if you need to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss important information or instructions.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.