While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made significant advancements. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll need to do to pick the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down after we identify your current degree of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Newer models compensate for common issues so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids chiefly focused on correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by utilizing directional microphones to pick up 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.
- 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. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features such as numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many techniques utilized by modern hearing aids. Noise filters decrease unwanted noise while directional microphones are made to focus on sound right in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
You have to change the batteries – a lot
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a factor. You might think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too costly, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive also. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, too. If you view 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 aren’t cheap.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll have a better time hearing what clients, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss critical information or instructions.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most compelling reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled 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 considering getting new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.