While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what little advantage you get from them comes at a cost. Hearing aid technology has progressed a great deal in the past few years! Ten years ago many of the features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board, going digital for instance.
When you decide it’s time to update, choosing the right one will take some preparation. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to identify if your level of hearing loss has changed. Your choices 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.
Hearing aid reliability
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real problems, such as that aggravating buzz you hear every now and then. How about when you go near a phone and your hearing aids begin to feedback? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be greatly reduced with newer models which have functions that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids chiefly specialized in fixing the volume. Hearing aids have much more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback nullification, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques utilized by modern hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters decrease undesirable sounds 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 provide voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they choose to hear. This is done by utilizing directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in loud environments or when the user is trying to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids offer much higher sound quality than older models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Modern hearing aids also frequently offer custom programs that are set for specific situations.
- 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 easy with this.
Frequent battery replacement
Cost is always a factor when it comes to a hearing aid upgrade. You might think that updating your hearing aid will cost too much, but old outdated hearing aids can be costly also. The batteries in analog devices die and need replacement frequently. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids malfunction and need to go to the shop for repair more often. Consider 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’re not capable of hearing at work
Research demonstrates that individuals with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Doesn’t it seem sensible then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow instructions without wondering if you got it right and have important conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, also. You’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially engaged.
You want something more subtle
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to upgrade those outdated hearing aids. A number of styles, shapes, and sizes are available in modern hearing aids. 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 your favorite color.
It’s time to think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do was never possible before. Contact us today to discuss your options.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
