You know it’s time to upgrade your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-school ear trumpets. Coming to that realization when you wear conventional hearing aids is trickier, though, so how does one know? Your decade old hearing aids still work, right?
It’s possible that you are better off having older hearing aids than not having one, what’s the real cost? Hearing aid technology has progressed in the past several years. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are functions now that weren’t even invented a decade ago. Why should you be thinking about an upgrade? Here are some good reasons.
Old Hearing Aids Are Not Very Reliable
Lower quality or older hearing aids frequently have an annoying buzzing noise. And it’s always a fun time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid begins to feedback. That loud feedback sometimes happens for no noticeable reason. What caused it this time?
You’ve Become Used to Its Failings
You’re used to sitting in quiet self-reflection while everyone around you engages in conversation or questioning why the air conditioning unit is so noisy. Remember when your hearing aid kept dropping out while you were attempting to hear your grandchild sing a song and you only heard parts of what they were singing. Of course, you still clapped.
These are all failings associated with outdated hearing aids. Raising the volume was the main objective in hearing aids ten years ago. Now, unwelcome noise can be filtered out and modern hearing aids can do lots of other truly amazing things.
Older Hearing Aids Can be Expensive
Expenses are always a factor in relation to an upgrade. Newer tech is not cheap, but neither is using an old, obsolete hearing aid. Analog hearing aids need new batteries a lot. You can understand how costly it will be, purchasing new batteries at least once every day.
Repair costs can also soar with older hearing aids. If you picture your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you’ll get the idea. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the repair shop.
Smart Technology is a Thing Now
Bluetooth capability is a newer technology which has transformed hearing aid functionality. You won’t get that in an analog unit. Having Bluetooth integrated into your digital hearing aid means that it connects to your computer, your phone, maybe even your television (unless they’re a decade old, as well.)
The Secret to Everything is Communication
Studies show that hearing loss can mean a lower paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then that newer hearing aids would be a career asset? It will be easier to hear what customers and your boss are saying. You will follow directions without wondering if you heard it right and have essential interactions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
And obviously you will have an improved quality of life if you have strong communication skills. You won’t have to go sit alone when people are talking. Don’t hesitate to get right in and engage with others.
You Really Want a Sleeker Looking Hearing Aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Embarrassing? Totally obvious? Oh my god? One of the most substantial perks that come with replacing old hearing aids is style and versatility. Today’s hearing aids come in a number of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can wear a visible one in your favorite color or a discrete one tucked invisibly inside your ear.
Clues That It’s Time
Now you understand all the reasons you should get a hearing aid upgrade, but not what to specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. Here are some telltale signs that the time has come:
- Your hearing has changed. You don’t hear as well as you once did even with the hearing aid in your ear.
- Your outdated hearing aid just can’t keep up with your changing life. Whenever you need to talk on the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a real challenge.
- Your hearing aid randomly quits working. It’s just not dependable anymore, and that’s a problem.
- It’s obvious that you have an analog hearing aid. You need to go digital as soon as possible.
- Your hearing aid seems heavy. Analog hearing aids weigh a lot.
- Your hearing aid is the only thing you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology takes up a lot of space, also.
- You are replacing the batteries every day. Contemporary hearing aids are usually rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s an easy decision. If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than seven years, it’s time to trade up and hear better.