If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they might be better than no hearing aids, but they also could 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 today that weren’t even in the design phase a decade ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to select the right ones for your needs. A hearing test to determine how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will start to be narrowed down after we determine your present level of hearing loss. It’s probably time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Hearing aid reliability
Every once in a while you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Frequently, they will squeal with feedback for no apparent reason. Your feedback will be considerably decreased with newer models which have features that compensate for common problems.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume regulation was about the only function of hearing aids a decade ago. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- 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. In addition, many hearing aids now provide features such as numerous programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. This can be helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of strategies to minimize background noise, including directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback nullification. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the user, while noise filters reduce unwanted noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not properly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also provide voice focus, which helps the wearer to focus on the voices they choose to hear. The sound of the desired voice is detected and boosted by directionally arranged microphones. Voice focus can be helpful in loud settings or when the wearer is attempting to hear somebody who is speaking softly.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aid, cost is always a consideration. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. The expenses will add up, particularly if you have to switch out batteries every day or more.
Old hearing aids break down 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 concept. The costs of the continual repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Research demonstrates that people with untreated hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions without questioning if you got it right and have essential discussions without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
Clearly, stronger communication means a better quality of life, also. You don’t need to sit like a wallflower during conversations anymore. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can have one tucked 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.
If you’re thinking about investing in new hearing aids, or if you already have them but you’re unhappy with the results, consider upgrading to a newer model. Technology has advanced significantly in the last several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were impossible in the past. Give us a call today to discuss your options.