You know it’s time to replace your hearing aid if you’re walking around with one of those old-school ear trumpets. Coming to that realization when you have conventional hearing aids is trickier, though, so how do you know? You bought your hearing aids 10 years ago, and they still do the job, right?
It’s possible that you are better off using obsolete hearing aids than not having one, what’s the real price? In the last few years, hearing aids have dramatically advanced. Some of the functions of modern-day hearing aids hadn’t even been invented 10 years ago. For starters, they’ve gone to digital from analog. Start thinking about some reasons why it’s time for you to be thinking about an upgrade.
Old Hearing Aids Are Unreliable
Cheaper or older hearing aids often have an aggravating buzzing sound. And it’s always a great time when you get close to a phone and your hearing aid starts to feedback. That noisy feedback sometimes happens for no obvious reason. Now why is it feeding back?
You’ve Gotten Used to Its Failings
You’ve become accustomed to wondering why the sound of traffic is so noisy or to sitting quietly while everyone else has interesting conversation. Remember that time when your hearing aid wouldn’t stop dropping out when you were trying to listen to your grandchild sing a song and you could only hear parts of what they were singing. But you still clapped.
These are all drawbacks connected with outdated hearing aids. A decade ago the focus was on raising the volume. Now, unwelcome noise can be filtered out and modern hearing aids can do many other really amazing things.
Older Hearing Aids Will Cost You More Money
Cost is always an issue in relation to an upgrade. Newer technology is not cheap, but neither is wearing an old, out-of-date hearing aid. You will be constantly replacing batteries with an analog hearing aid. You can understand how expensive it will be, replacing batteries at least once a day.
Old hearings aids can potentially need repair, too. If you picture your hearing aid as a 1992 Buick, you’ll get the idea. Repairs are expensive and it’s constantly in the shop.
Smart Technology is a Thing Now
Most modern hearing aids come with Bluetooth capabilities. An analog device won’t come with that feature. Your phone, tablet, and even your computer can be connected, via Bluetooth, to your hearing digital aid.
The Secret to Everything is Communication
Studies show that hearing loss can lead to a reduced paycheck. So it’s obvious that it would be a benefit to your career if you had newer hearing aids. You will hear customers and your boss better. You will be capable of following directions without being concerned whether you got it right and have essential interactions without worrying about whether your hearing aids will hold up or not.
And obviously you will have an improved quality of life if you have strong communication skills. You won’t need to go sit by yourself when people are having conversations. Don’t hesitate to get right in and connect with others.
You Really Want a More Stylish Looking Hearing Aid
What do you think when you check yourself out in the mirror wearing that old hearing aid? Awkward? Obvious? Oh my god? One of the most significant perks that come with upgrading old hearing aids is style and flexibility. Contemporary hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can have one hidden so tight in your ear that no one will ever notice it, or you can make a fashion statement with a visible hearing aid in your favorite color.
How to Know When it’s Time to Upgrade
Now you understand all the reasons you should get a hearing aid upgrade, but not what you should specifically look for that says your device may end up being called an antique. The time has come and here are the signs:
- Your hearing has changed. Even when you have your hearing aids in, it seems as if you can’t hear as well.
- Your old hearing aid just can’t keep up with your changing life. Every time you need to use the phone, you have to take it out and background noise has become a big issue.
- Your hearing aid randomly cuts out. You just can’t count on it working when you need it most.
- You know for a fact that your hearing aid is analog. Ouch, go digital right away.
- Your ears feel weighted down. Analog hearing aids weigh more.
- Your hearing aid is all you see when you look in a mirror. That obsolete technology occupies a lot of space, as well.
- You are replacing the batteries every day. Modern hearing aids are more energy efficient, and many come with rechargeable batteries.
It’s not rocket science. It’s time to replace your hearing aids if they’re more than 7 years old.