While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what little advantage you get from them may be costly. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial developments. It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do to choose the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, like that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly decreased 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 ten years ago. Nowadays, 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 specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features like numerous programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of strategies to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters decrease undesired noise while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. You may think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive too. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need to be replaced a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries every day or more.
Old 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. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Dive in and connect 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? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to replace those old hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has come a long way in the past few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.