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 advancements. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. A hearing exam to establish how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your present level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Newer designs compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly specialized in correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific environments.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many strategies utilized by modern hearing aids. Noise filters decrease undesired sound while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not properly fitted.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-dated 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 concept. 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. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
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 advanced significantly in the past few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
