If you’re still wearing 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 gone to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features today that weren’t even in the design phase 10 years ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do in order to pick the best ones for your needs. A hearing test to find out how your hearing has changed will be necessary first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down after we identify your present level of hearing loss. Here are a few reasons why it’s probably time for an upgrade.
Dependability of hearing aids
Every now and then you’ll get an aggravating buzz or other problems with older or low-quality hearing aids. And, how about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, also. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Ten years ago hearing aids chiefly focused on fixing the volume. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Improved sound quality: Today’s hearing aids provide much better sound quality than older models. This is because of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more accurately duplicate sound. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features like numerous programs that can be customized to different listening situations.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the user can use a voice focusing function that allows them to focus on specific voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When someone is speaking quietly or in a loud setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use numerous techniques to minimize background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones center on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters decrease undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t properly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other enabled devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
Frequent battery replacement
When we’re talking about a hearing aid upgrade, price is always a factor. The new technology isn’t inexpensive, but neither is using old, out-of-date hearing aids. The batteries in analog devices go dead and need replacement a lot. If you are replacing the battery every day, or even more frequently than that, the expense adds up.
Old hearing aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. The costs of the constant repairs can get quickly out of hand.
You can’t hear your coworkers
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Naturally, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important conversations without being concerned about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And with better communication, you will have a better quality of life. You don’t have to sit by yourself in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You want something more discreet
What do you think about when you look in the mirror and see that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? OMG? Flexibility and style are some of the most compelling reasons to replace those outdated hearing aids. A number of shapes, styles, and sizes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You could either get one in your favorite color and make a fashion statement or get one small enough that it will go undetected by others.
It’s time to consider upgrading your hearing aids if you’re unhappy with the results you’re getting from your old set. Technology has come a long way in the past several years, and there are now hearing aids available that can do things that were never possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.