If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also could be costing you in some ways. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do in order to pick the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we identify your present degree of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, like that annoying buzz you hear every once in a while. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Today, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- 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.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of strategies to reduce background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters minimize unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- 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 intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged 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 because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries frequently. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
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 concept. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss significant information or instructions.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Noticeable? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are style and flexibility. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one tucked into your ear so nobody will ever notice 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 unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us today to talk about your options.