You know it’s time to upgrade your hearing aid if you’re walking around with one of those old-school ear trumpets. Making that call when you have conventional hearing aids is trickier, though, so how do you know? Your decade old hearing aids still work, right?
It’s possible that you are better off using obsolete hearing aids than not having one, what’s the real price? In the past several years, hearing aids have dramatically advanced. It’s gone from analog to digital, to begin with, and there are functions now that weren’t even invented 10 years ago. Why should you be considering an upgrade? Here are a few good reasons.
Your Old Hearing Aid Isn’t That Reliable
Lower quality or older hearing aids often have an irritating buzzing sound. How about that feedback every time you get close to a phone, that’s a lot of fun. Occasionally that shrill feedback comes from nowhere, too. What caused it this time?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
You’ve become accustomed to wondering why the sound of traffic is so loud or to going off quietly while everybody else has stimulating discussions. Do you remember that time when your hearing aid wouldn’t stop cutting out when you were attempting to hear your grandson perform a song and you only heard parts of what they were singing. You still clapped, though.
Older hearing aids have all of these types of problems. A decade ago the emphasis was on raising the volume. Nowadays, hearing aids perform magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Outdated Hearing Aids Can be Expensive
When you’re thinking about a hearing aid upgrade, expense is a big factor. The new technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, out-of-date hearing aid. You will be continually replacing batteries when you have an analog hearing aid. You can understand how costly it will be, buying new batteries at least once a day.
Out of date hearings aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you picture your hearing aid like a 1992 Buick, you get the idea. It’s in the repair shop more than it’s in your ear and repairs expensive.
Nowadays, we Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth connectivity is a newer technology that has revolutionized hearing aid capability. An analog device won’t have that feature. Having Bluetooth built into your digital hearing aid means it’s compatible with your computer, your phone, maybe even your television (unless they’re ten years old, too.)
The Secret to Everything is Communication
It has been shown by research, that you could earn less money if you have hearing loss. Doesn’t it seem sensible then that newer hearing aids would be a career asset? It will be easier to hear what customers and your boss are saying. You won’t have to stress out about missing some important piece of information or if your hearing aid battery will die when you need it most.
Needless to say, better communication means a better quality of life, as well. You won’t have to go sit by yourself while people are having conversations. Jump in and engage with the people around you.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
When you look in the mirror at your old hearing aid, what words come to mind? Awkward? Obvious? Does this make me look old? Versatility and style are some of the most significant reasons to upgrade your hearing aid. Today’s hearing aids come in a number of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can have one concealed so tight into your ear that no one will ever see it, or you can make a fashion statement with an out of the ear hearing aid in your favorite color.
How to Know When it’s Time For an Upgrade
Now you recognize why a hearing aid upgrade is necessary, now it’s time to learn what makes a hearing aid obsolete. Here are a few telltale indications that the time has come:
- Your hearing has changed. You don’t hear as good as you once did even with the hearing aid in.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your evolving life. Whenever you have to use the phone, you have to remove it and background noise has become a big challenge.
- Your hearing aid randomly quits working. You really can’t count on it functioning when you most need it.
- It’s clear that you have an analog hearing aid. You need to go digital as soon as possible.
- Your hearing aid seems heavy. Awkward, old technology weighs more.
- Your hearing aid is the only thing you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology occupies a lot of space, too.
- You need to replace the batteries every day. Modern hearing aids are usually rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s an easy decision. It’s time to replace your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.