If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the last few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to pick the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to determine if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will start to be narrowed down when we identify your current level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, such as that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many methods utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features including multiple programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a consideration when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to replace batteries every day or more.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and engage 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 old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us today to talk about your options.
