While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them comes at a cost. 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 currently that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down when we determine your present degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the wearer is attempting to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
- 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 accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of techniques to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a consideration. You might think that updating your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research reveals that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss important information or guidelines.
Clearly, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go undetected by others.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Give us a call today to discuss your options.