When is it Time to Replace Your Hearing Aid?

You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-fashioned ear trumpets. Making that call when you have conventional hearing aids is trickier, however, so how do you know? Your ten year old hearing aids still function, right?

While it could 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 price. In the past few years, hearing aids have advanced substantially. Some of the functions of modern hearing aids hadn’t even been designed 10 years ago. For starters, they’ve advanced from analog to digital. Why should you be considering an upgrade? Here are some good reasons.

Your Old One Isn’t That Dependable

Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues like that irritating buzz you hear every now and again. And it’s always a good time when you get near a phone and your hearing aid starts to feedback. That loud feedback sometimes happens for no obvious reason. Now why is it feeding back?

You’ve Gotten Complacent With Its Failings

You’ve become accustomed to pondering why the sound of traffic is so noisy or to going off quietly while everyone else has engaging conversation. Do you remember when your hearing aid kept dropping out while you were attempting to listen to your grandchild sing a song and you could only hear some of what they were singing. You still clapped, though.

These are all failings connected with old hearing aids. Raising the volume was the main goal in hearing aids a decade ago. Nowadays, unwanted noise can be filtered out and modern hearing aids can do many other truly awesome things.

The Old Ones Are Wasting Money

Cost is always an issue when it comes to an upgrade. You will have to make an initial purchase with new hearing aids but old ones will also be expensive over time. You will be continually replacing batteries with an analog hearing aid. If you are buying new batteries on a daily basis, or even more than once a day, the costs add up.

Out of date hearings aids can potentially need repair, also. If you picture your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the repair shop.

Nowadays, we Have Smart Tech

Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology that has revolutionized hearing aid functionality. You won’t get that in an analog unit. Your phone, tablet, and even your computer can be connected, using Bluetooth, to your hearing digital aid.

Communication is The Secret to Everything

Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. So it’s apparent that it would be an asset to your career if you had newer hearing aids. It will be easier to hear what your boss and customers are saying. You won’t have to stress out about missing some crucial information or if your hearing aid battery will die when you need it most.

And obviously you will have an improved quality of life if you have strong communication skills. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.

You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid

How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror with that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? Does this make me look old? One of the most substantial perks that come with upgrading old hearing aids is design and flexibility. You can get hearing aids in numerous colors, sizes, and shapes these days. You can have one concealed so tight into your ear that no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with an out of the ear hearing aid in your favorite color.

Signs That It’s Time

Now you understand all the reasons why you should want a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device is at risk of being called an antique. Here are some telltale signs that the time has come:

• There are changes in your hearing. Even when you have your hearing aids in, it seems as if you don’t hear as well.
• Your outdated hearing aid just can’t keep up with your evolving life. Every time you need to use the phone, you have to take it out and background noise has become a real issue.
• Your hearing aid intermittently quits working. You really can’t rely on it functioning when you most need it.
• It’s clear that you have an analog device. Ouch, go digital fast.
• Your hearing aid is heavy. Clunky, old technology weighs a lot.
• Your hearing aid juts out like a sore thumb. Back when that old hearing aid was made, technology was much bigger.
• You need to replace the batteries constantly. Modern hearing aids are often rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.

It’s an easy choice. If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than seven years, it’s time to upgrade and hear better.