While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial developments. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to pick the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you recognize how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your choices. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, like that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be greatly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have a lot 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. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a consideration in terms of a hearing aid upgrade. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. 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 lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have important discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked 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.
If you’re thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.