While it might be true that older hearing aids are better than nothing, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has progressed a lot in the last few years! It’s changed from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll have to do to select the best ones for your needs. First, you’ll have to get a hearing test to find out if your level of hearing loss has changed. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can start to narrow down your options. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have significant problems, such as that irritating buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be greatly diminished with newer models which have features that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Nowadays, hearing aids are loaded with much more advanced technology.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to connect to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters reduce undesired noise while directional microphones are made to detect sound directly in front of you. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can occur when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and amplified by directionally arranged microphones. When someone is talking 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. Signal processing has become digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. In addition, many hearing aids now offer features like numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
You have to change the batteries – frequently
Cost is always a consideration with regard to a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more frequently than that, the cost adds up.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. 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 inexpensive.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
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 won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss significant information or instructions.
Of course, stronger communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower during conversations anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most compelling advantages that come with replacing old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Today’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one nestled into your ear so no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in a color you love.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Contact us for a consultation.