While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable developments. Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down once we determine your present degree of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be considerably 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 ten years ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features such as numerous programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be useful in loud environments or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many methods used by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly too. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
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 concept. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a reduced income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have an easier time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Of course, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more discreet
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most compelling benefits that come with replacing 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 unnoticed by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us today to talk about your options.
