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 them comes at a cost. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial progress. It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take a little planning. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your current level of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
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.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing 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 user is trying to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are set for specific situations.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a factor. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive too. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss critical information or instructions.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Give us a call today to discuss your options.
