If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant progress. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing exam to determine how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to narrow down your choices. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, like that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be significantly diminished with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- 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.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by modern hearing aids. Noise filters decrease unwanted noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. The costs will add up, especially if you need to switch out batteries every day or more.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research demonstrates that people with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those old hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked 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 pair. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Contact us for a consultation.
