If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial progress. A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some preparation. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, such as that irritating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of techniques to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
- 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 boosted by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a factor with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, also. If you view 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 capable of hearing at work
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during conversations anymore. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go undetected by others.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.