If you’re still using your older hearing aids, they may 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 significant advancements. It’s changed to digital from analog, for one thing, and there are features currently that weren’t even on the drawing board 10 years ago.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, there are a number of things you’ll have to do to pick the right ones for your needs. First, you’ll need to have a hearing test to find out if your degree of hearing loss has changed. Your options will begin to be narrowed down after we identify your present degree of hearing loss. Here are some reasons why it’s most likely time to upgrade.
Hearing aid dependability
Every now and then you’ll get an annoying buzz or other issues with older or low-quality hearing aids. What about when you get near a phone and your hearing aids start to feedback? In some cases, there’s a shrill feedback noise that seems to happen out of nowhere, too. Newer designs compensate for common problems so that you hear feedback less often.
Volume isn’t enough
A decade ago hearing aids primarily specialized in correcting the volume. Hearing aids have a lot more technology and functionality nowadays.
- Background noise reduction: Contemporary hearing aids use a number of techniques to decrease background noise, and that includes directional microphones, noise filters, and feedback cancellation. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the front of the wearer, while noise filters minimize unwanted sounds from all directions. When your hearing aid isn’t correctly fitted, a whistling sound can happen which will be eliminated by feedback cancellation.
- Voice focus: With some newer models the wearer can use a voice focusing feature that allows them to focus on particular voices they want to hear. The sound of the intended voice is detected and amplified by directionally set microphones. When somebody is talking quietly or in a noisy setting, voice focus can be really helpful.
- Bluetooth capability: Tvs, cellphones, and other equipped devices can now be connected to your hearing aid. Making phone calls or listening to music becomes easy with this.
- Improved sound quality: Older hearing aid models had far lower quality of sound than modern-day models. Signal processing has become digital, which duplicates and amplifies sound in a more accurate way. Additionally, many hearing aids now offer features like multiple programs that can be tailored to different listening environments.
Frequent battery replacing
Price is always a consideration in terms of upgrading your hearing aids. The new technology isn’t cheap, but neither is wearing old, outdated hearing aids. Analog devices need new batteries a lot. The expenses will add up, especially if you have to switch out batteries daily or more.
Old hearing aids can oftentimes spend more time getting repaired, also. If you view your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you get the concept. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and the repairs aren’t cheap.
You’re not capable of hearing at work
Research has shown that hearing loss can lead to a lower income. Naturally, your career would be improved by wearing better hearing aids. You will hear your boss and customers clearer. You won’t have to worry about whether you will miss significant information or instructions.
And with stronger communication, you will have a better quality of life. You’ll be capable of communicating with people again. Jump in and connect with the people around you.
You’re looking for something more subtle
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 considerable reasons to replace those old hearing aids. Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 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 think about upgrading your hearing aids if you’re not happy with the results you’re getting from your old pair. The things that contemporary technology has allowed hearing aids to do wasn’t even possible before. Call us today to discuss your options.
