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. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant developments. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your choices. Here are a few reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be considerably decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific environments.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous strategies to decrease background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When someone is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You might think that updating your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you need to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. 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 capable of hearing at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have essential conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.