If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to pick the right ones for your needs. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will start to be narrowed down once we determine your present level of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, such as that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly focused on fixing the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of techniques to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are set for specific settings.
- 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.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a consideration with regard to upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is using old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement frequently. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids malfunction 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. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it seem sensible 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 be concerned about whether you will miss important information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. 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 modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
