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 substantial advancements. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now 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 planning. A hearing exam to determine how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will start to be narrowed down when we identify your present degree of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
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 anytime you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- 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. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific situations.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss important information or guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. 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 unobserved by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Call us today to discuss your options.