You know it’s time to upgrade your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-school ear trumpets. When you use conventional hearing aids, coming to that realization is more tricky. You bought your hearing aids 10 years ago, and they still get the job done, right?
It’s possible that you are better off using older hearing aids than having none, what’s the real price? Hearing aid technology has progressed in the last few years. Some of the features of modern-day hearing aids hadn’t even been designed 10 years ago. For one thing, they’ve advanced to digital from analog. Think about some reasons why you should be thinking about an upgrade.
The Old One Isn’t That Dependable
Lower quality or older hearing aids often have an irritating buzzing sound. And it’s always a fun time when you get near a phone and your hearing aid begins to feedback. At times that shrill feedback comes from nowhere, too. What caused it now?
You’ve Gotten Used to Its Failings
You’ve become accustomed to pondering why the sound of traffic is so loud or to going off quietly while everybody else has interesting conversation. Recall the time your grandchild performed a beautiful song for you, but you could only hear parts of what she sang because your hearing aids kept cutting out. You still clapped, though.
All of these are drawbacks associated with old hearing aids. Ten years ago the attention was on turning up the volume. Now, unwanted noise can be filtered out and modern hearing aids can do many other really amazing things.
Old Hearing Aids Are Bleeding Money
When you’re considering upgrading your hearing aid, expense is a major consideration. Newer technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, obsolete hearing aid. You will be continually buying new batteries when you have an analog hearing aid. You can imagine how costly it will be, purchasing new batteries at least once every day.
Repair costs can also be very high with out dated hearing aids. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would get the point. It’s in the shop more than it’s in your ear and repairs are not cheap.
Smart Technology is a Thing Now
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology which has transformed hearing aid capability. An analog hearing aid won’t have that feature. Having Bluetooth integrated into your digital hearing aid means it’s compatible with your computer, your phone, possibly even your tv (unless they’re ten years old, too.)
Communication is The Key to Everything
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a lower paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then that newer hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear customers and your boss better. You will follow directions without wondering if you heard it right and have critical conversations without worrying about whether your hearing aids will cut out or not.
Needless to say, better communication means a better quality of life, too. You don’t have to sit like a wallflower in the middle of conversations anymore. Jump right in and engage with the people around you.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
How do you feel when you check yourself out in the mirror with that old hearing aid? Clunky? Obvious? Does this make me look old? Flexibility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade your hearing aid. You can buy hearing aids in many colors, shapes, and sizes now. You can wear a visible one in your favorite color or an internal one hidden from sight inside your ear.
How to Recognize When it’s Time For an Upgrade
Now you see why a hearing aid upgrade is worthwhile, so now it’s time to find out what makes a hearing aid outdated. The time has come and here are the signs:
- Your hearing has changed. Even when you have the hearing aids in your ears, it seems as if you don’t hear as well.
- Your life has evolved, and your hearing aid has a hard time keeping up. It’s a chore to take it out just to use the phone, or perhaps you’ve changed jobs and now have to deal with more background noise.
- Your hearing aid intermittently cuts out. You just can’t rely on it functioning when you most need it.
- It’s clear that you have an analog device. Ouch, go digital fast.
- Your hearing aid seems heavy. Analog hearing aids weigh more.
- Your hearing aid juts out like a sore thumb. Back when that old hearing aid was made, technology was much larger.
- You constantly have to replace the batteries. Modern hearing aids are frequently rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It isn’t brain surgery. If you’ve had your hearing aids for more than seven years, it’s time to upgrade and hear better.