If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant developments. Ten years 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 determine how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we determine your present degree of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many methods utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are preset for specific settings.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the user is attempting to hear someone who is talking softly.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, too. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one 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 last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Contact us for a consultation.