While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what little benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Hearing aid technology has advanced 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.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to identify how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Every once in a while you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be significantly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily focused on correcting the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies used by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a consideration with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Out-dated hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research reveals that people with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Naturally, your career would be improved by 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 worry about whether you will miss significant information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower during discussions anymore. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few shapes, styles, 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.
If you’re thinking about investing in 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 contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.