You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re still using one of those old-fashioned ear trumpets. When you use conventional hearing aids, coming to that realization is more difficult. You purchased your hearing aids ten years ago, and they still get the job done, right?
While it may be true that older hearing aids are better than no hearing aids, chances are what little advantage you get from using them comes at a price. In the last several years, hearing aids have advanced dramatically. It’s gone from analog to digital, for one thing, and there are functions now that weren’t even invented 10 years ago. Consider some reasons why it’s time for you to be considering an upgrade.
Old Hearing Aids Are Not Very Reliable
Lower quality or older hearing aids often have an irritating buzzing sound. And it’s always a great time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid starts to feedback. Occasionally that high pitched feedback comes from nowhere, too. What caused it this time?
You’ve Become Desensitized to its Low Quality
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 the time your grandchild performed a beautiful song for you, but you only heard every other word because your hearing aids kept going out. But you still clapped.
Old hearing aids have all of these types of problems. Turning up the volume was the main goal in hearing aids a decade ago. Nowadays, hearing aids perform magic tricks such as filtering out background noise, so say goodbye to the air conditioner.
Old Hearing Aids Are Bleeding Money
When you’re considering a hearing aid upgrade, cost is a major consideration. You will have to make a preliminary investment with new hearing aids but older ones will also be costly with time. Analog devices require new batteries frequently. If you are buying new batteries on a daily basis, or even more than once a day, the costs add up.
Old hearings aids can potentially spend more time at the shop, also. If you think of your hearing aid like you think of a 1992 car you would understand where we are coming from. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the shop.
Smart Technology is a Thing Now
Bluetooth capability is a newer technology that has revolutionized hearing aid functionality. You won’t find that in an analog device. Your phone, tablet, and even your computer can be connected, via Bluetooth, to your hearing digital aid.
Communication is The Secret to Everything
Studies reveal that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. Doesn’t it make sense then that better hearing aids would be a career asset? You will hear customers and your boss better. You won’t have to stress out about missing some key information or if your hearing aid battery will quit when you need it most.
And clearly you will have an improved quality of life if you have effective communication skills. You won’t have to go sit alone when people are having conversations. Jump right in and get involved with the people around you.
You Really Want a Sleeker Looking Hearing Aid
How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror with that old hearing aid? Clunky? Totally obvious? Does this make me look old? One of the most substantial benefits that come with replacing old hearing aids is versatility and style. Modern hearing aids come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. You can have one concealed so tightly in your ear that nobody will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with an out of the ear hearing aid in your favorite color.
How to Recognize That it’s Time to Upgrade
Now you know all the reasons you should want 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 telling signs that the time has come:
- There are changes in your hearing. Even when you have your hearing aids in, it seems as if you can’t hear as well.
- Your life has evolved, and your hearing aid has a difficult time keeping up. Every time you have to talk on the phone, you have to take it out and background noise has become a big issue.
- Your hearing aid randomly quits working. You just can’t rely on it functioning when you most need it.
- It’s clear that you have an analog hearing aid. You ought to go digital as soon as possible.
- Your hearing aid seems heavy. Analog hearing aids weigh a lot.
- Your hearing aid sticks out like a sore thumb. Back when that old hearing aid was new, technology was much larger.
- You constantly have to replace the batteries. Modern hearing aids are frequently rechargeable and are also more energy efficient.
It’s an easy choice. It’s time to replace your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.
