While it could be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, it’s likely that what small advantage you get from them may be costly. Hearing aid technology has advanced a lot in the past few years! Ten years ago many of the features of current hearing aids weren’t even in development, going digital for instance.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to choose the right ones for your needs. A hearing test to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be required first. Once you understand how much hearing loss you have, you can begin to get a clearer look at your options. It’s probably 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. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? At times, they will squeal with feedback for no evident reason. Your feedback will be greatly diminished with newer models which have functions that compensate for common issues.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and capability nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Feedback cancellation, noise filters, and directional microphones are a few of the many techniques used by contemporary hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce undesirable noises from all directions. Feedback cancellation helps to counter the whistling sound that can manifest when hearing aids aren’t properly fitted.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had much lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is due to advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are preset for specific situations.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing function that lets them focus on particular voices they want to hear. This is done by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then boost it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear someone who is speaking softly.
- Bluetooth capability: This feature allows hearing aids to sync to other devices, such as smartphones, TVs, and other smart devices. This can be useful for streaming music or making phone calls.
You have to switch out the batteries – frequently
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, price is always a factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you’re replacing the battery on a daily basis, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids malfunction 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 idea. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research demonstrates that people with untreated hearing loss will have a lower income. Doesn’t it make sense then, that better hearing aids would be a career advantage? You will hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have important discussions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Of course, better communication means an enhanced quality of life, as well. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of discussions anymore. Dive in and engage with the people around you.
You want a smaller hearing aid
When you look in the mirror at your outdated hearing aid, what comes to mind? Clunky? Obvious? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most significant reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. A number of 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 consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Contact us today to talk about your options.