While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take some preparation. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to determine if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you know how much hearing loss you have, you can start to get a clearer look at your choices. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Occasionally, 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 a decade ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters minimize undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a factor. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries a lot. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. If you think of 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
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
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 want something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Quite a few shapes, styles, 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 unnoticed by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has come a long way in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Call us today to discuss your options.
