While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small benefit you get from them may be costly. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial advancements. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
When you determine it’s time to update, choosing the correct one will take some planning. A hearing exam to find out how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Your options will begin to be narrowed down once we establish your present level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Sometimes, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to come out of nowhere, also. Your feedback will be considerably decreased with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more precise way. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features including multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening situations.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable sounds from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to pick up the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. The batteries in analog devices die and need to be replaced a lot. The costs will add up, especially if you have to replace batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. If you think of your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can mean a lower income. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you will miss significant information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to replace those old hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You can have one nestled 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.
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. Technology has advanced significantly in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.
