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. Within the last few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial progress. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features now that weren’t even on the drawing board a decade ago.
If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to choose the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to establish how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your options will begin to be narrowed down once we determine your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback whenever you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Newer models compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids mainly focused on fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature lets hearing aids sync to other devices, including smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes simple with this.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a variety of strategies to reduce background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Noise filters minimize unwanted noise while directional microphones are designed to detect sound directly in front of you. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is picked up and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy environments or when the wearer is trying to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
Price is always a factor in terms of a hearing aid upgrade. The new technology is not inexpensive, but neither is wearing old, out-of-date hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. The expenses will add up, particularly if you need to replace batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids break down and need to go to the shop for repair more frequently. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that concept to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a reduced income. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers better. You won’t have to worry about whether you’ll miss critical information or guidelines.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Get right back into being socially engaged.
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 style and flexibility. Modern hearing aids come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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.
If you’re considering getting new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re not happy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.