While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little benefit you get from them comes at a cost. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made significant progress. A decade ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some planning. A hearing exam to determine how your hearing has changed will be needed first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you’re dealing with, you can start to narrow down your choices. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time for an upgrade.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an irritating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you get next to a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no distinct reason. Your feedback will be greatly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are some of the many strategies utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to prevent the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t fitted properly.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When somebody is speaking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be synced to your hearing aid. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has gone to digital, which reproduces and amplifies sound in a more precise way. Modern hearing aids also often offer custom programs that are set for specific environments.
You have to replace the batteries – a lot
Price is always a factor when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will cost too much, but old antiquated hearing aids can be expensive as well. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, too. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that individuals with neglected hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to be concerned about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more subtle
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Some of the most significant advantages that come with updating old hearing aids are flexibility and style. Quite a few shapes, styles, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one discrete enough that it will go undetected by others.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. Technology has advanced significantly in the past 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.