While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, chances are what small benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made considerable developments. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to choose the right ones for your needs. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating 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 noise that seems to come out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be considerably diminished with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of techniques to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is picked up and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much higher sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently feature custom programs that are preset for specific settings.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time at the shop, also. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss important information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t need to sit by yourself during discussions anymore. Dive in and connect with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think 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 outdated hearing aids. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. 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 your favorite color.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.