If you’re still wearing your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the past few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to determine if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we determine your present degree of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant issues, such as that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. What 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 designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily focused on correcting the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and amplified by directionally set microphones. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features including multiple programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize undesirable sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be prevented by feedback nullification.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, like smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a factor. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to replace batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
If you’re thinking about getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.