Obviously, it’s time for a hearing aid upgrade if you’re still using one of those antiquated ear trumpets. But how will you know it’s time to upgrade when you’re using older conventional hearing aids? The hearing aids you got a decade ago seem to still be getting the job done, after all.
It’s likely that, while using that older set of hearing aids is probably better than not using any hearing aids, the cost of not upgrading will be greater than any minor benefit you might be getting. In the past few years, the technology behind hearing aids has progressed significantly. Beyond going to digital from analog, a decade ago many of the state-of-the-art features of modern hearing aids weren’t even on the drawing board. Should you be considering an upgrade? Think about some reasons why it might be time.
Older Hearing Aids Can be Unreliable
Conventional hearing aids can have issues with functionality, including excess feedback, an irritating buzzing, battery life problems, and others. It’s no fun when your hearing aids get feedback when you’re near a phone. That screeching feedback can also happen all of a sudden for no apparent reason.
You’ve Become Complacent About Its Shortcomings
Everyone around you is chatting with each other while you sit quietly by yourself unable to hear much over that loud air conditioner. Remember when your hearing aid kept cutting out while you were trying to listen to your grandchild sing a lovely song to you? Of course, you still clapped.
Older hearing aids have all of these failings and others. With modern hearing aids, that loud air conditioner won’t be a problem because your state-of-the-art devices can filter out background noise. It wasn’t even that loud to begin with.
Older Hearing Aids Can be Expensive
When you’re considering a hearing aid upgrade, cost is one of the main factors. While contemporary hearing aids can initially be a bit pricey, old devices can also become costly. The batteries in an analog device need to be replaced frequently. Costs will add up when you need to replace the batteries on a daily basis or even more than once a day.
Outdated hearing aids need repair services more often than newer models. A great analogy would be to think about your older devices like it’s a 1991 Buick. The cost of repairs can add up, especially if the hearing aid is in the shop more often than in your ear.
Now We Have Smart Technology
Bluetooth connectivity is a common feature of modern hearing aids. Analog devices don’t have those types of capabilities. Bluetooth connectivity allows your digital device to connect wirelessly to your other Bluetooth-enabled devices, like phones, computers, TVs, and even newer cars.
Everything Depends on Strong Communication
Research has revealed that people with hearing loss often make less money. Based on this research, it’s clear that newer hearing aids would be an asset to your career. You will be better able to hear what a customer or your boss is saying. You won’t always be worried that your hearing aid will cut out while you’re trying to follow instructions or when you’re part of critical conversations.
Obviously, your overall quality of life will be improved when you have better communication skills. You won’t need to sit quietly unable to get involved in conversations going on around you.
You Really Want Your Hearing Aid to Look Cooler
What do you think about when you look at that old hearing aid in the mirror? Awkward? Noticeable? Flexibility and style are among the most substantial advantages of modern hearing aids. A variety of colors, sizes, and shapes are available in contemporary hearing aids. You can go for the fashion statement and get a larger hearing aid in your favorite color, or the discretion of a tiny device tucked tightly into your ear.
How Will I Know When to Upgrade?
Knowing the reasons to get an upgrade is one step, but knowing when your older devices are antiquated and it’s time to get a new pair is just as important.
Here are a few reliable indications that it’s time:
- Your hearing is not the same as it was. Even when you’re wearing your older hearing aid, you’re not hearing as well as you used to.
- Your old hearing aid can’t keep pace with your changing life. Perhaps you have a different job where the background noise is louder, or maybe it’s aggravating to have to remove the device every time you need to use your phone.
- Your hearing aid is not reliable because it frequently just cuts out, leaving you unable to hear.
- You’re certain that you’re using analog devices. Yikes, it’s time to go digital!
- Old, clunky technology feels heavy on your ears.
- Old hearing aids take up more space, and when you look at yourself in the mirror, it seems like they are all you see.
- You constantly need to buy new batteries. Contemporary hearing aids usually have rechargeable batteries and are much more energy efficient.
It’s really pretty straightforward. It’s time for you to hear better by upgrading your hearing aids if you’ve had them for seven years or more.
