If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might 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 gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to choose the right ones for your needs. A hearing exam to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you know how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to get a clearer look at your choices. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be considerably diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- 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 boost it. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease unwanted sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features like numerous programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Price is always a consideration with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time at the shop, too. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. 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 guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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 think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has come a long way in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Call us today to talk about your options.