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. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the past few years! A decade ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to upgrade, choosing the right one will take a little preparation. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your options will start to be narrowed down when we determine your present level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
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 anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids mainly focused on correcting the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Noise filters minimize unwanted noise while directional microphones are made to focus on sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids are not fitted properly.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be useful in loud settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features including numerous programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
Frequent battery replacing
Cost is always a consideration when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement a lot. The expenses will add up, especially if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more often. 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 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 advantage? You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, stronger communication means a better quality of life, too. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want a smaller hearing aid
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most considerable reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide 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 thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, think about upgrading to a newer model. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to talk about your options.