You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re walking around with one of those old-fashioned ear trumpets. Making that call when you have conventional hearing aids is trickier, however, so how do you know? You bought your hearing aids ten years ago, and they still get the job done, right?
While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what little advantage you get from using them comes at a price. In the last few years, hearing aids have dramatically advanced. Some of the functions of modern-day hearing aids hadn’t even been designed 10 years ago. For one thing, they’ve advanced to digital from analog. Why should you be contemplating an upgrade? Here are some good reasons.
Your Old One Isn’t That Dependable
Older or even poor-quality hearing aids have serious problems like that aggravating buzz you hear every once in a while. What about that feedback every time you get near a phone, that’s a lot of fun. That noisy feedback occasionally occurs for no apparent reason. Now why is this happening?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Poor Quality
You’ve become accustomed to wondering why the sound of traffic is so loud or to sitting quietly while everybody else has interesting discussions. Do you remember when your hearing aid wouldn’t stop cutting out when you were attempting to hear your grandson sing a song and you only heard some of what they were singing. Of course, you still clapped.
All of these are failings associated with outdated hearing aids. Raising the volume was the primary objective in hearing aids a decade ago. These days, hearing aids perform magic tricks like filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Older Hearing Aids Will Cost You More Money
Cost is always an issue in relation to an upgrade. Newer tech is not cheap, but neither is using an old, out-of-date hearing aid. You will be constantly replacing batteries when you have an analog hearing aid. If you are purchasing new batteries on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the costs add up.
Old hearings aids can potentially need repair, too. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would get the point. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the repair shop.
Smart Tech is a Thing Now
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology that has transformed hearing aid capability. You won’t find that in an analog device. Having Bluetooth integrated into your digital hearing aid means that it connects to your phone, your computer, maybe even your tv (unless they’re a decade old, too.)
The Secret to Everything is Communication
It has been revealed by research, that you will earn less money if you have hearing loss. Doesn’t it make sense then that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will be able to hear customers and your boss better. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important interactions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And obviously you will have an improved quality of life if you have good communication skills. You won’t have to go sit by yourself while people are having conversations. Don’t hesitate to get right in and connect with others.
You Just Want Your Hearing Aid to be More Stylish
How do you feel when you check yourself out in the mirror wearing that old hearing aid? Clunky? Totally obvious? Does this make me look old? Versatility and style are some of the more significant reasons to upgrade your hearing aid. You can purchase hearing aids in many colors, shapes, and sizes these days. You can have one hidden so tight in your ear that no one will even see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
Signs That It’s Time
Now you recognize why a hearing aid upgrade is important, so it’s time to find out what makes a hearing aid outdated. Here are a few telling indications that the time has come:
- There are changes in your hearing. Even when you have your hearing aids in your ears, it seems as if you can’t hear as well.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your evolving life. Every time you have to talk on the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a real challenge.
- Your hearing aid keeps quitting. It’s simply not reliable anymore, and that’s problematic.
- It’s clear that you have an analog device. Ouch, go digital right away.
- Your ears feel weighted down. Analog hearing aids weigh a lot.
- Your hearing aid is all you see when you look in a mirror. Back when that old hearing aid was made, technology was much bigger.
- You need to replace the batteries constantly. Modern hearing aids are frequently rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It isn’t rocket science. If you’ve had your hearing aids for seven years or more, it’s time to trade up and hear better.