If you are walking around with an old-school ear trumpet in hand than clearly, it’s time to upgrade. When you use conventional hearing aids, coming to that realization is more tricky. Your decade old hearing aids still function, right?
Maybe you are better off using older hearing aids than not having one, what’s the real cost? In the last several years, hearing aids have dramatically advanced. It’s gone from analog to digital, to begin with, and there are functions now that weren’t even invented 10 years ago. Why should you be considering an upgrade? Here are a few good reasons.
Old Hearing Aids Are Not Very Reliable
Lower quality or older hearing aids frequently have an irritating buzzing sound. How about that feedback any time you get near a phone, that’s enjoyable. At times that shrill feedback comes out of nowhere, too. Now why is this happening?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
You are used to going to a quiet place while everyone around you participates in conversation or questioning why the air conditioner is so loud. Do you remember that time when your hearing aid wouldn’t stop dropping out while you were attempting to listen to your grandson perform a song and you could only hear parts of what they were singing. You still clapped, though.
All of these are drawbacks linked to old hearing aids. Raising the volume was the main goal in hearing aids a decade ago. Today, hearing aids do magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so no more noisy air conditioner.
The Old Ones Are Bleeding Money
When you’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, expense is a major consideration. Newer technology is not cheap, but neither is using an old, obsolete hearing aid. Analog hearing aids need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the batteries on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the costs add up.
Out of date hearings aids can potentially need repair, too. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the shop.
Today, we Have Smart Tech
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology that has revolutionized hearing aid functionality. An analog device won’t come with that feature. Having Bluetooth built into your digital hearing aid means that it connects to your computer, your phone, perhaps even your television (unless they’re a decade old, as well.)
Communication is The Key to Everything
Studies reveal that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then that newer hearing aids would be a career asset? You will be able to hear customers and your boss better. You will be capable of following directions without being concerned whether you heard it right and have essential interactions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Needless to say, stronger communication means a better quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Don’t hesitate to get right in and connect with others.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Clunky? Obvious? Oh my god? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to update your hearing aid. You can get hearing aids in numerous colors, shapes, and sizes now. You can wear a visible one in your favorite color or a discrete one hidden from sight inside your ear.
How to Recognize That it’s Time to Upgrade
Now you understand all the reasons you should want a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device is at risk of being called an antique. The time has come and here are the indications:
- Your hearing has changed. Even when you have the hearing aids in, it seems as if you don’t hear as well.
- Your life has changed, and your hearing aid has a hard time keeping up. Every time you have to talk on the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a big challenge.
- Your hearing aid keeps cutting out. You really can’t count on it functioning when you most need it.
- It’s clear that you have an analog hearing aid. You should go digital as soon as you can.
- Your ears feel heavy. Analog hearing aids weigh more.
- Your hearing aid sticks out like a sore thumb. That obsolete technology occupies a lot of space, as well.
- You need to replace the batteries every day. Contemporary hearing aids are more energy efficient, and many are rechargeable.
It isn’t brain surgery. If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than seven years, it’s time to upgrade and hear better.