If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may be better than no hearing aids, but they also may be costing you in some ways. Hearing aid technology has progressed a great deal in the last few years! Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do to select 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. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid dependability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Your feedback will be greatly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that lets them focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and boosted by directionally set microphones. Voice focus can be useful in loud settings or when the user is trying to hear someone who is talking softly.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a variety of strategies to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Noise filters decrease undesired noise while directional microphones are made to detect sound right in front of you. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can take place which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better 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 provide features like numerous programs that can be customized to different listening environments.
Frequent battery replacing
When we’re talking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a factor. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement frequently. The expenses will add up, especially if you need to switch out batteries every day or more.
Out-of-date hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. Think of what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that individuals with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll have a better time hearing what customers, coworkers, and your boss are saying to you. You will follow instructions without questioning if you got it right and have important discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Clearly, stronger 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 something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most considerable benefits that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. 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 thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you’re already wearing them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us for a consultation.
