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. Within the past few years, hearing aid technology has made substantial progress. 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. A hearing test to ascertain how your hearing has changed will be required first. Your choices will begin to be narrowed down once we identify your current level of hearing loss. It’s most likely time for an upgrade for the following reasons.
Reliability of hearing aids
Older or even low-quality hearing aids have real issues, like that annoying buzz you hear every now and then. And, what about feedback anytime you get close to a phone? Occasionally, there’s a shrill feedback sound that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for prevalent issues so that you hear feedback less frequently.
Volume isn’t enough
Volume control was about the only function of hearing aids ten years ago. Today, hearing aids are equipped with much more advanced technology.
- Background noise reduction: Modern hearing aids use numerous strategies 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 minimize undesirable noises from all directions. When your hearing aid is not correctly fitted, a whistling sound can occur which will be eliminated by feedback nullification.
- Voice focus: Some hearing aids also offer voice focus, which helps the user to focus on the voices they want to hear. This is accomplished by using directional microphones to detect the sound of the desired voice and then amplify it. Voice focus can be helpful in noisy environments 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 helpful for streaming music or making phone calls.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. This is the result of advances in digital signal processing, which allows hearing aids to more precisely reproduce sound. Modern hearing aids also often feature custom programs that are set for specific situations.
You have to switch out the batteries – a lot
Cost is always a consideration when it comes to upgrading your hearing aids. You may think that upgrading your hearing aid will be too expensive, but old antiquated hearing aids can be costly also. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. If you’re replacing the battery every day, or even more often than that, the cost adds up.
Old hearing aids can potentially spend more time getting repaired, too. Consider what a 1990 Chevy would be like and apply that idea to hearing aids. It’s in for repair more than it’s in your ear and the repairs are not inexpensive.
You’re not able to hear at work
Research reveals that individuals with neglected hearing loss will earn less. Obviously, your career would benefit from wearing better hearing aids. You’ll hear your boss and customers better. You will follow directions without wondering if you got it right and have important 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’ll be able to communicate with people again. Get right back into being socially connected.
You’re looking for something more discreet
What do you think when you look in the mirror and see that outdated hearing aid? Clunky? Noticeable? OMG? Style and flexibility are some of the most considerable reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Quite a few 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 small enough that it will go unobserved 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 pair. The things that modern technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Get in touch with us for a consultation.