If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may 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 significant advancements. It’s gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you decide 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 level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down when we identify your current level of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer designs compensate for prevalent problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and capability nowadays.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be quite helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are preset for specific environments.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce unwanted sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not cheap.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a reduced income. 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 directions without wondering if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Clearly, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and engage 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 replace those outdated hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a 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 not happy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Call us today to talk about your options.