If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we establish your present level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be greatly decreased with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily focused on correcting the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids are equipped with much better technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many methods utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be prevented by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the wearer is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features including numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a factor with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, also. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that people with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You’ll have an easier time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, stronger communication means a better quality of life, also. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those old hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go unobserved by others.
If you’re considering investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Contact us for a consultation.