Should You Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?
Hearing aid technology continues to improve drastically over the years. While early devices relied on vacuum tubes and bulky batteries, today’s instruments take advantage of digital signal processing, microchips and computerization.Digital programming works by converting sound waves into digital signals using digitized sound processing. A built-in computer chip determines whether the signal is speech or noise and converts it into a clear, amplified signal. These upgrades offers many benefits including:
- Improved speech quality
- Advanced programming options
- A better fit
- A multitude of features that work to improve and enhance functionality of the hearing aids.
Six Signs It’s Time for New Hearing Aids
While there is no hard-and-fast rule for upgrading your hearing aids, the following six signs can indicate it’s time to take the plunge:- They are a few years old
- There is visible physical damage
- They aren’t working as efficiently as before
- They have been repaired at least once
- Your hearing loss worsens, and your current hearing aids are no longer powerful enough to compensate for your further impairment
- Newer technology is available that will benefit your specific hearing loss and lifestyle needs
Rechargeable Technology
Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options, freeing users from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. Revolutionary new batteries allow users to get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment.Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth™ allows devices to communicate with one another. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids let users stream signals from these and other electronic devices directly to their aids, improving their versatility and convenience. You can make phone calls, listen to music and watch television through your hearing aids, without disturbing other people around you.