While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to select the best ones for your needs. A hearing exam to identify how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you are aware of how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer models compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much better technology.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a variety of techniques to decrease background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce undesired noise 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 are not fitted properly.
- 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. Additionally, many hearing aids now provide features such as multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When someone is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a factor in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced frequently. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-dated hearing aids break down 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 idea. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research reveals that individuals with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss important information or guidelines.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has advanced significantly in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible in the past. Contact us for a consultation.