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. Hearing aid technology has advanced a great deal in the last few years! It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to choose the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to determine how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down when we determine your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, like that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. How about when you go next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be greatly decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by modern hearing aids. Noise filters reduce undesired sound while directional microphones are made to focus on sound right in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function 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 speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much better sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
You have to replace the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, cost is always a consideration. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be expensive too. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced a lot. The costs will add up, particularly if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time at the shop, also. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that individuals with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss critical information or instructions.
Clearly, better communication means a better quality of life, also. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? 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 modern hearing aids. You can have one nestled into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
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 come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Call us today to talk about your options.