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. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial advancements. It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the correct one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will begin to be narrowed down once we establish your current degree of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be considerably reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of techniques to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce unwanted noise while directional microphones are made to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can take place when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be very helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Price is always a factor when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense 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. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Quite a few styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go unseen by others.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re not happy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.