Bluetooth Hearing Aid: A Modern Day Magical Solution

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Information Age has not been the same ever since Bluetooth technology made its appearance because this new technology has removed the need for making wired connections and thus has done away with a vast jungle of wires while still being able to get information across devices. Some people even consider Bluetooth technology as being the equivalent of modern day magic and nowhere are the benefits as noticeable as in the case of the Bluetooth hearing aid.

Smallest Devices

Today, Bluetooth hearing aids are the smallest devices that have, in fact, transformed the concept of how hearing aids work, especially the traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. In fact, with a Bluetooth hearing aid you can be a hearing impaired person while still being able to fully enjoy sounds that are crystal clear that are transmitted over mobile phones. What’s more, with a Bluetooth hearing aid, you can connect wirelessly to computers, MP3 players as well as even HDTV and thus you can perform other chores while at the same time using these various devices.

Essentially, the Bluetooth hearing aid requires fastening an ELI (ear level instrument) to an audio input connection (direct) that is situated behind the hearing aid whose microphone receiver and transmitter then converses with a BTE and turns it into a Bluetooth hearing aid that can then communicate with several other devices as long as they are also Bluetooth enabled. In addition, an ELI Bluetooth hearing aid is easy to operate and you only need to use a single button to either reject or accept an incoming call which means that you don’t need to touch your cell phone at all.

Thanks to present day advances in technology used in ear level instruments, it is now possible for cell phones to ring straight into your Bluetooth hearing aid and all that is required to do so is to have a module via which every call gets channeled. As somebody who is using a Bluetooth hearing aid, you only need to press a button on this module which will then enable you to answer as well as hang up a call without needing to perform any other action. In fact, this module also has the capability of sensing when the caller has terminated their call and it will then automatically cut the connection for you.

Actually, you can also still use your Bluetooth hearing aid with ELI as long as you are using a neck loop that is connected to a telecoil in your hearing aid. In fact, with this feature, the module can effectively transmit from a distance of thirty-three feet. Also, both ELI modules and ELIs are able to run from their own batteries and they do not use any energy from your BTE.

Get More Out Of the Products through Costco Hearing Aid Warranty

Monday, May 19, 2008

Hearing loss can affect any age. You may not realize it but there will come a time when your hearing will suddenly falter. Hearing aids are designed to help you in such situations. But how can you be sure that the product will last? The Costco hearing aid warranty would provide the security you need for your hearing care. There are several products from the company but they have just recently provided hearing aids in several of their centers. All of their hearing care products are bundled with a Costco hearing aid warranty. These warranties are only available for a specific duration. However, you should not be worried about this since the Costco hearing aid warranty can last for up to three years.

One of their products that are bundled with the Costco hearing aid warranty is the Kirkland Signature Premium Hearing Aids. Before you get these hearing aids, you must first be tested for substantial hearing loss. After that, you will be fitted with the hearing aid and have the product programmed by a licensed professional. These services are offered by Costco through their Hearing Aid Centers.

The Costco hearing aid warranty for the Kirkland Signature Premium Hearing Aids includes a three year replacement and repair warranty. This means that if ever your hearing aid needs service, there is an available repair and replacement program to get your hearing back on track. This process is also done while you wait.

Aside from the Costco hearing aid warranty for the mentioned hearing aid product, it is also accompanied by an accessory kit. The kit includes the two premium hearing aids that are designed with an open-fit technology. The hearing aids are also programmed with settings for various listening environments. Additionally, the kit contains domes, tubes and utilities for cleaning allowing proper maintenance. There is also the dryer for the hearing aids, which is used to safely and effectively remove moisture. Whenever one or more of these inclusions get damaged, you can use the three-year Costco hearing aid warranty for the replacement or repair.

Different Styles for Hearing Aids

Aside from the Kirkland Signature Premium Hearing Aids, there are also several hearing care products available. They are specifically designed to meet the customer’s specifications and provide different styles. One of the styles is the Open Fit, which is designed for people with mild to moderately or profound hearing loss. The Open Fit style is worn behind the ear with a thin tube to the ear allowing natural sounds. There is also the Behind the Ear style specifically designed for mild to intense loss of hearing. This kind of style is worn at the back of the ear and attached to an ear mold customized to fit. All the hearing aids with varying styles are accompanied with a Costco hearing aid warranty to establish customer satisfaction.

Digital Hearing Aid Design: The State-Of-The-Art Solution for Hearing Loss

Sunday, May 18, 2008

During the last five years, there has been an explosion of digital hearing aids on the market. To date, there are twenty-two manufacturers for digital hearing aids. The digital hearing aid was first introduced before the end of the 1980s. Back then, hearing aids used digital signal processing or DSP, which became the basic framework for the recent digital hearing aid. The evolution of digital hearing aid design made it possible for digital hearing aids to be incorporated with the several types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear (BTE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) styles.

The digital hearing aid design simply constitutes the conversion of analogue waveform into a string of numbers for processing. Additionally, digital hearing aid design in the term of using digital signal processing allows several manufacturers to proving hearing loss solutions with enhanced processing and features.

Compared with the traditional analog hearing aid, the amount of processing that can be done through the digital hearing aid design is impressive. The aids have a combination of several features such as: two to fourteen frequency bands bundled with crossover frequencies that could be adjusted, a single microphone, dual microphones allowing directional listening, reduction in the background noise, speech enhancement, reduction in feedback, protection from loud sounds, and the automatic gain control or AGC. Through the digital hearing aid design, the processing of sounds binaurally, filtering in the ear canal, reverberation lessening and supplying of direct digital input from a digital telephone and other devices were given the possibility.

The digital hearing aid design also suggests the possibility of customizing the hearing aid algorithms or features without changing the hearing aid itself.

The Elements of the Digital Hearing Aid Design

The digital hearing aid design consists of primary elements that are used for a DSP-based digital hearing aid. Typically, the design includes three semiconductor die that are stacked on top of each other. Additionally, the semiconductors contain modules such as: EEPROM or non-volatile memory, digital device and the analog device. Recently, the mentioned modules can be integrated into one or two semiconductor die. Also included in the digital hearing aid design is the battery usage of the hearing aid. The typical digital hearing aid would operate at 0.9V though there are some that implement the use of power management to monitor battery voltage. This method from other digital hearing aid designs alert the user whenever the battery is getting reasonably low and automatically shuts the aid down when the voltage is too low.
Analog hearing aids consume about 0.7 mA to 1.0 mA while digital aids consume 0.5 mA to 0.7 mA. Basing on the power consumption of the digital hearing aid, analog hearing aids also consume approximately equal amounts of power.

Understanding Digital Hearing Aid Differences

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Hearing aids have come a long way through the years. The differences between digital hearing aids of today and the old-fashioned trumpet held to the ear of decades ago are enormous. As hearing aids shrank to fit first behind the ear, and later inside the ear, it was only a matter of time before a digital hearing aid made a difference in the hearing aid industry.

What's Different About Digital Hearing Aids?

The differences in digital hearing aids from analog hearing aids are similar to the difference between analog telephones and digital phones. Analog phones worked by transmitting sound waves, and analog hearing aids worked the same way. Digital phones work by sending a digital signal – ones and zeroes – and that is also how digital hearing aids work.

The difference between a digital hearing aid and an analog hearing aid is in the way the acoustic input information is coded and processed. Digital speech processing is considered to be a superior technology over other methods of speech processing. Digital processing means a computer, not a mechanical device, does the processing. Computer programmers have proven that computers are good at performing routine, repetitive tasks. Converting sound to a digital signal and processing the signal is one of those routine tasks at which computers excel. Digital speech processing is a big difference in digital hearing aids, because it is the digitizing of the process that enables computers to be able to understand the commands required to amplify and transmit sound.

Adapting To Different Environments

Another difference between a digital hearing aid and a hearing aid that uses old technology is that a digital hearing aid can be adjusted to adapt to different environments. A digital hearing aid can adapt from an environment with a noisy background to the environment of a person watching television at home alone in a quiet room. Digital sound processing is simply more sophisticated than other technologies.

Lower Power Requirements

Digital hearing aids also require less power needs than their analog counterparts. This saves the user not only the cost of batteries, but also the inconvenience of changing batteries, and the indignity and disappointment of missing out on a conversation. Analog hearing aids rely on custom circuitry; they cannot be custom programmed, and they cost more.

A digital hearing aid is the best hearing aid for seniors who are losing their hearing due to aging. Digital sound processing provides the sophisticated sound management techniques that do more than merely amplify sound. Digital hearing aids make a difference because they process the signal based on speech patterns and do not just turn up the volume.

All About The Hearing Aid

Friday, May 16, 2008

Hearing impairment can have a significantly adverse effect on your life since it closes down your abilities to hear normally or even appreciate nature’s natural acoustic richness. However, because of rapid advancement in present day technology, you can overcome your hearing disability through use of a wonderful and small device known as the hearing aid.

Small In Size, Big In Power

Though a hearing aid is small in size, it packs a lot of power as it helps in restoring a person’s ability to hear normally in a flexible manner which means that it is possible to adjust the volume of the sound according to needs and also to adjust the hearing aid’s performance according to different environments.

In addition, there are a number of different kinds of hearing aids to choose from though before buying any particular such aid you should take the advice of a professional and even have hearing tests performed to determine the level of distress so that an appropriate solution can be recommended.

There are many technically advanced hearing aids available which can provide many benefits to users though before opting for one of these you need to weigh your options carefully and even follow the advice of those who have already used various kinds of hearing aids. In fact, you could even consider using custom hearing aids that though they cost more, will at the same time suit your individual requirements exactly.

Another factor that you must consider before choosing a hearing aid is the type of hearing loss that you are suffering from. It could be conductive hearing loss in which you may experience problems with your ear, or sensorineural hearing loss where the problem lies within your inner ear and there is also mixed hearing loss which obviously is a combination of conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss.

A conventional hearing aid is one that simply amplifies sounds in order for the sound to become audible enough to be heard by the wearer and common variants of it are behind-the-ear (BTE), or in-the-ear (ITE), or even inside-the-ear-canal or CIC hearing devices. Furthermore, the hearing aid can either be digital or analog with the latter being cheaper though they don’t have as many features as are found in the digital type that also provide clearer sounds.

You may also want to choose from features such as dual microphones, telecoils as well as implants when it comes to choosing the best hearing aid. The latest innovation has to do with what is called an earglass which does not use any kind of electronics to magnify the sound and is generally worn behind the ear. It works in a manner similar to when a person cups his hands around his ears and it is also a natural means of amplifying sounds though it is most suited when your hearing loss is only mild as it cannot provide enough gain to amplify very feeble sounds.

Hearing Aid Accessories Will Help To Keep Up Performance As Well As Extend Life Of Your Hearing Aids

Thursday, May 15, 2008

If you have become hard of hearing or have difficulty following simple conversations, your hearing disability will require using hearing aids in order to restore your normal hearing. Because of vast improvements in the technology and design of modern hearing aids, today they have become small enough to fit into the wearer’s ears and thus they can be used without letting others know that you are suffering from hearing impairment.

Need To Take Good Care Of Your Hearing Aid

Hearing aids also come with their own amplifiers, mics as well as speakers and they can provide wearers with louder as well as clearly audible sounds which can even prove to very helpful when conducting a conversation over the telephone despite having a hearing impairment. However, there is also a pressing need for you to take good care of your hearing aid and to help you do just that you can make use of several hearing aid accessories that are easily available on the market today.

Of course, the most important of all hearing aid accessories would no doubt be the hearing aid’s battery and in fact, there are several different types of such batteries that you can use to power up your hearing aid. However, these small hearing aid accessories also have a certain time period for which they are guaranteed to perform and since they are the most important accessory that helps to ensure that your hearing aid works to its optimum level of performance, you need to use an accessory that can show you how much power is left in your hearing aid’s battery.

Thus, you ought to choose a very useful hearing aid accessory such as battery testers that can check and determine whether your hearing aid’s batteries are working at proper levels or not and thus help you replace them whenever they are on the brink of losing their power.

Another useful hearing aid accessory that you may wish to use is the customized ear molds that help in reducing feedback and this accessory is also well suited for use with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids since they considerably lower barrel sound. And, if you experience problems with fitting your hearing aid into the ear properly, you can use comply strips that will help in fitting the hearing aid more snugly into your ears. You may also want to consider using sweat bands which are other useful hearing aid accessories that you can use with good effect because they help to keep your hearing aid safe from moisture.

Hearing aids also need to be cleaned and to do so, you may need hearing aid accessories such as special solutions that help remove the dirt as well as wetness from your hearing aid and this will ensure getting better performance as well as making your hearing aid last longer. In addition, you will also need hearing aid accessories to remove wax from your hearing aid’s speaker and there are also wax springs that can be used in order to further protect your hearing aid.

To sum up, keeping your hearing aid functioning properly is something that you should not shy away from and so, by just spending a few extra dollars in purchasing necessary hearing aid accessories, it will help to ensure better performance out of your hearing aid as well as extend its life as well.

The Life Of Hearing Aid Batteries Depends On Size As Well As Usage

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Today, there are a diverse number of hearing aids available on the market and each embody different and latest technologies and they are also different in how they perform and also how they look. The different features in hearing aids determine what the hearing aid can and cannot do and this in turn will have an effect on the life of hearing aid batteries. Thus, the first thing that you need to consider when using your hearing aid is to determine how long normal hearing aid batteries last.

They All Look Alike

The fact of the matter is that on first glance it is hard to distinguish one hearing aid battery from another though they are color coded to provide a clue as to the type of hearing aid batteries that they are. Thus a color code that consists of a blue tab means that the battery is C size six hundred and seventy-five while a yellow tab means that the battery is of C type with size ten and a brown tab signifies that the battery is C with size three hundred and twelve. Lastly, an orange tab means that the battery is C size thirteen.

Next, you need to establish which type of hearing aid batteries are required for your hearing aid and then you need to find out how long such batteries can give you reliable power to keep your hearing aid working properly. Mostly, the expected life of hearing aid batteries should be from two to a few weeks though it also depends on how long you use your hearing aid on a daily basis, the functionality of the hearing aid and also the type of hearing aid.

If you opt for behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, you will find them to be convenient as far as proper listening goes, but they do tend to drain out the hearing aid batteries much faster than other types of hearing aids.

Hearing aid batteries are generally small in size and of a round shape and they are very similar in appearance to the batteries used to power up wrist watches. Furthermore, the size of the hearing aid batteries has a direct effect on how long they will last and so, it would be a better idea to use larger sized batteries if you want them to last longer. Still, if you use your hearing aid very often and also adjust the volume a lot, these will directly impact the longevity of the hearing aid batteries and so, you should take into account this factor as well when evaluating how long the batteries are going to last you.

Know Battery Life with Hearing Aid Battery Testers

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Before buying a battery for your hearing aid, there are several styles of batteries you need to learn. You should be able to know what type of battery is used for your hearing aid. Batteries are available in different sizes and all of them are color coded for easy recognition. After choosing the correct battery, you need to be aware of how much time will pass before you will need to replace your hearing aid batteries. This can be done through hearing aid battery testers. This tool, which is very usable for wearers always on the go, will give you the necessary information required to know whether the battery is still suitable for use. Additionally, the hearing aid battery tester will help you determine when you need to replace your current hearing aid battery. If there is something wrong with your hearing aid, the battery testers would help know by knowing battery life.

The hearing aid battery testers can always show you when the batteries of your hearing aid have used up all their power and when they should be replaced. Through the use of the hearing aid battery tester, you do not have to depend on judging the life of the hearing aid battery by just listening to the quality of sound before deciding to make the change.

Several Hearing Aid Battery Testers on the Market

By using hearing aid battery testers, you can save money because they can prevent you from throwing away good batteries. These handy tools are a must-have for hearing aid users and are available in different shapes, sizes and prices. A simple key chain tester is a handy hearing aid battery tester available for approximately $8. This kind of hearing aid battery tester is also used as a battery holder and key chain. It is portable enough to be carried in the pocket or purse and can determine whether your hearing aid battery is still at full power, getting weak or has completely died.

The Rayovac Battery Tester, more or less at $10, is a simple and easy-to-use hearing aid battery tester. This tool can also serves as an extra compartment for the storage of extra batteries in case your hearing aid battery suddenly runs out of power. Another kind of hearing aid battery tester is the Digital Battery Tester available at $9.95. This hearing aid battery tester can test all types of hearing aid batteries. It also provides a bar indicator that identifies battery condition. Like the keychain tester, the Digital Battery Tester also includes a keychain for portability.

Hearing Care Provided by the Hearing Aid Center

Monday, May 12, 2008

Several companies that sell hearing aids provide customers with fast services through their hearing aid centers. Several hearing aid centers sell different kinds of hearing aid products at reasonable prices. Some of the products include the hearing aid canal, hearing aids either at full or half shell, hearing aids located completely in the canal, aids at the back of the ear, hearing aids for body aid and hearing aid accessories. Aside from the different kinds of hearing aid products, there are also professionals that can help customers deal with their hearing loss.

Costco also provides several hearing aid centers in different locations. Such locations include: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado; Scottsdale, Arizona; and at Chandler, Arizona. There is also the Hearing Aid Center located in Fresno, California. This center can provide quality repair services for hearing aid products you bought from them but they can also repair damaged hearing aids from other manufacturers. For those living in Oklahoma City, the American Hearing Aid Center can provide professional service and personalized care.

You can expect the same quality of service no matter what hearing aid center you approach. They are all aimed to provide quality hearing aids and hearing care to suit your needs. To give you the information you need about your condition, each hearing aid centers have their own audiologist. The job of the audiologist is to check the status of your hearing loss and create the ear mold.

Levels and Types of Hearing Aids from Several Hearing Aid Centers

Hearing aid centers incorporate the three levels of hearing aid technology. These levels are referred to as the analog, digitally programmable, and digital. The first level, which is the analog, is the most common hearing aid technology and offers limited adjustments capability. The digitally programmable technology provides units similar to analog units but is digitally controlled by the computer. The computer will adjust the sounds received by the hearing aid. The last level is the digital technology. This kind of technology gives the audiologist control over two characteristics such as the sound quality and sound processing.

Aside from the levels of hearing aid technology, health aid centers also provide different types of hearing aids such as: ITE, ITC, MC, CIC and BTE. The ITE stands for In-The-Ear and is the most common type of hearing aids providing comfort and affordability. The In-The-Canal units, on the other hand, require expert maneuvering for the control of the volume wheels and faceplate. The MC or Mini-Canals are the smallest possible hearing aid available with manual volume control. The CIC or the Complete-In-The-Canal units are fitted so deeply into the ear canal that they require a string for removal. The last type of hearing aid is the BTE of Behind-The-Ear aids. These kinds of hearing aids are the largest aids but are very reliable. They are connected to the ear canal through a plastic tube.

Different Reasons To Choose Hearing Aid Clinics For Solving Hearing Related Problems

Sunday, May 11, 2008

By visiting the right hearing aid clinic you stand a far better chance of getting a more suitable solution to all of your hearing related problems than going solo as you will get to reap the benefit of being treated by experienced as well as highly qualified hearing care professionals and in addition, you will also get to choose from a wide array of hearing aids. You can also get the solution to your hearing problems customized to suit your particular needs that not only suit your pocket, but which also ensures freedom from hearing disability.

Assistive Listening Devices

Solving hearing related problems can even be achieved through using assistive listening devices which mostly can only be recommended by good hearing aid clinics where you can get devices of which telephone amplifiers, t-coil compatible ear devices and personal FM systems are good examples.

Another advantage to visiting hearing aid clinics is that you can get audiometric evaluation performed which involves use of pure tone air as well as bone conduction tests. In addition, you can also benefit from speech audiometry as well as testing performed that helps to establish pure tones which in turn helps to determine the degree of hearing loss that patients are suffering from. In fact, through use of speech audiometry, it is also easier to establish how well or badly a patient can comprehend speech at different and even high volumes and thus the chances of getting a better solution are certainly brighter.

Hearing aid clinics are also the right place to visit to obtain the right type of earmolds as well as earpieces that provide protection from noise and also to get special earpieces made that can be used to listen to music, swim in a pool and even use for listening to iPods.

Another useful service provided by hearing aid clinics is helping in repairing worn out as well as malfunctioning hearing aids, because these hearing aid clinics have direct connections with the manufacturers and if the hearing aid cannot easily be repaired, then the hearing aids are sent to the manufacturer for repairing and returned in the shortest possible time.

Before selecting a particular hearing aid clinic, you need to learn about what their goals and mission is and also learn about how well they can evaluate a patient’s hearing problems and in addition, know about how they then prevent further hearing impairment from taking place. It is certainly safer to visit hearing aid clinics that have specialized facilities to diagnose hearing disabilities and also who have the best facilities for fitting the hearing aid as well as performing industrial hearing screening.

If you find that a hearing aid clinic is using the right kind of testing, selection as well as dispensation with regard to hearing problems, you can then place the care of your hearing problems in such clinics.

Hearing Aid Comparisons: A Good Means Of Saving Money

Saturday, May 10, 2008

When conversations become hard to follow and you just cannot help but exclaim “pardon” or “what were you saying” you know there is something wrong with your hearing and it is time for you to consider buying a hearing aid to help you overcome your hearing disability. Of course, the problem may in fact be as simple as an infection, though in case it is a problem with your ear, then you just won’t be able to do without a hearing aid.

Match Needs With Affordable Hearing Aids

Thus, when you need to buy a new hearing aid or even upgrade an existing one, you need to think about making hearing aid comparisons in order to find a hearing aid that suits your needs the best and which is also most affordable as well. The first step that you need to take when performing hearing aid comparisons is getting in touch with the various manufacturers and requesting from them their catalogues of products and also a price listing (most current one).

Next, you need to study various hearing aid options and then shortlist a few that seem most suitable and which are worthy of further hearing aid comparisons. While making the actual hearing aid comparisons, you would need to look at certain specific features in the hearing aid including its size, features as well as of course its price. In addition, you should also look at how various hearing aids process sound, especially background noise which can often impede proper hearing.

Another important consideration when making hearing aid comparisons is to look at the way that the device gets its power. Commonly, hearing aids use batteries and so, you must determine how much power the batteries can reasonably expect to provide and also find out whether the batteries are rechargeable or whether they have to be replaced.

When conducting your own hearing aid comparisons, you need to especially look at the price range, use of latest technology and also the type of features that are included in various hearing aids. If you give greater weight to these important features, chances are that your hearing aid comparisons will bear fruit and enable you to zero in on the most appropriate hearing aid for your individual hearing impairment.

Remember also that by making hearing aid comparisons you will be in a better position to affect greater savings in money while also finding a more suitable hearing aid and eliminate future problems with your hearing.

Experience No Interference by Using Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones

Friday, May 9, 2008

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that cell phones should be rated depending on how much interference they are likely to cause to hearing aids. The need for hearing aid compatible cell phones has increased due to the demand of people experiencing interferences. Several digital devices like cell phones and computers give off different kinds of radio frequency and electromagnetic radiation. This often results in hearing annoying interference when holding a cell phone or any other wireless device near to your hearing aid or cochlear implant. The interference is typically in the form of buzzing or humming, which can make it hard for you to understand speech. There are also known cases where the severity of the interference can render your cell phone completely useless when you are wearing hearing aids.

The hearing aid compatible cell phones are rated through radio frequency emissions (RF). Additionally, the RF rating can be measured through the microphone (M) rating and the telecoil coupling (T or t-coil) rating. The scale for hearing aid compatibility ranges from one to four providing four possibilities: poor (M1 or T1), fair (M2 or T2), good (M3 or T3), and excellent (M4 or T4). The hearing aid compatible cell phones should only have three or four rating and those having one or two ratings are deemed unacceptable. The Federal Communications Commission also ordered cell phone manufacturers to provide an icon on their products indicating that the products are hearing aid compatible cell phones. There is also an indication showing the level of compatibility for both the microphone and t-coil rating.

The hearing aids must also be designed to be resistant from radio frequency interference. The scale rating of RF interference resistance for hearing aids is similar to cell phone ratings. There are currently a number of hearing aids that have a rating of M2 and T2.

Manufacturers of Hearing Aid Compatible Cell Phones

There are several manufacturers of hearing aid compatible cell phones for hearing-impaired customers. AT&T carries Motorola cell phones models that are hearing aid compatible including: the Motorola RAZR V3xx, Motorola RAZR V3, Motorola KRZR K11, and the Motorola RAZR2 V9. However, AT&T also carries hearing aid compatible cell phones from other manufacturers such as LG and Samsung. The LG Shine, LG CU515, LG Trax CU575, LG CE110, Samsung A727 and Moto Q9h Global are some of the few hearing aid compatible cell phones available in the market.

There are other cell phone carriers that provide communication lines for several hearing aid compatible cell phones. Such carries are Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.

Hearing Aid Expenses Can Qualify As Deductibles

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Hearing aids can often cost you a lot of money because you will end up spending on getting you tested for your hearing impairment as well as need to buy costly hearing aids. This may in fact make you wonder just how to cover your hearing aid expenses in a manner so that you need to bear the least amount of financial load. The good news is that such expenses that you spend in buying hearing aids as well as costs of batteries are in fact deductible according to the general rule for deducting medical expenses as stated in Internal Revenue Code Section 213.

If the money that you spend by way of hearing aid expenses qualifies as a medical expense according to 213(d), you can get relief. In fact, deductible hearing aid expenses will be money that has been spent in diagnosing, curing, mitigating or treating as well as preventing a disease. In addition, the hearing aid expenses should also fall under the category that the money spent was meant to affect the structure or even the function of a body part.

At first glance, it should be obvious that hearing aid expenses should qualify for tax deductions though with the rider those expenses must exceed seven and a half percent of your adjusted gross income. This means that such expense must be itemized under Section A otherwise you won’t be allowed to treat your hearing aid expenses as deductibles.

Bendable Spending Amounts

One alternative method to get around the whole rigmarole of whether hearing aid expenses are deductible or not is to pay for the hearing aid under certain bendable spending accounts or even under health savings accounts and even with different insurances instead of paying the hearing aid expenses through your own pocket.

Because hearing aid expenses are among the most expensive of all medical related costs you would expect that insurance companies would cover these expenses though unfortunately such is not always the case and thus you will be left shouldering a heavy burden all on your own.

However, all is not lost in this regard and if you check out a hearing aid insurance company known as Plan Plus, you may get some relief with regard to your hearing aid expenses. If you make an effort and check them out, you might be able to come up with a special insurance policy that will take care of your entire health related problems including hearing related problems.

Another option for you is Midwest Hearing Industries that will provide you with supplemental insurance to help ease the burden of shouldering your hearing aid expenses on your own.

Hearing Aid History Through The Years

Monday, May 5, 2008

As you go through a typical work day, consider everyone you speak to: the person who makes your morning coffee; the receptionist at your workplace; your co-workers on the job site; and everyone with whom you come in contact and interact. Have you ever stopped to think that one of those people might be wearing a hearing aid?

In fact, chances are that you encounter someone who is hard of hearing in your everyday life. This person uses a hearing aid to fit in just like everybody else. Today's hearing aids are so small, you probably would never notice them in the people around you. It hasn't always been that way.

Early Hearing Aids

You have probably seen an old black-and-white film where an old person held a horn up to their ear to use as a hearing aid. History shows us that these devices were the butt of many a joke in early films or television programs. These old hearing aids must not have been very effective; the people using them were always saying, "What?"

Fortunately, hearing aid history moved beyond these big trumpet-like devices. The next generation of hearing aids used transistor radio technology, with a device worn on the body. These aids were a vast improvement over the trumpets and horns of yesteryear. However, they were still bulky, and individuals who needed hearing aids complained that they were uncomfortable to wear.

Behind The Ear Devices And Later

As technology advanced, hearing aids became smaller. History shows that hearing aids were first worn behind the ear, and later inside the ear and in the ear canal. Today, there are even implantable hearing aids, which truly are invisible.

History Of Hearing Aid Perception

Hearing aids have come a long way in terms of their perception. They have come from the old-fashioned hearing aids that were ridiculed to being worn with dignity by a sitting president. Presidential hearing aid history includes President Ronald Reagan and President Bill Clinton, two presidents of very different ages who both wore hearing aids.

Future Of Hearing Aids

Considering advances in technology, and the ability of science to shrink useful items, the hearing aid of the future is likely to be an implantable device or even a surgical procedure, like the Lasik eye surgery that has become such a popular remedy for nearsightedness. As long as people need help with their hearing, hearing aid development will continue, and hearing aid history will march on.

Hearing Aid Industry Outlook

Sunday, May 4, 2008

The outlook for the hearing aid industry has never been brighter. A number of factors are converging to put the hearing aid industry in an excellent position for development and growth.

The Aging Population

The enormous Baby Boomer population is aging, and the evidence of their senior status and buying power is everywhere. In advertisements and ads on the Internet, advertisers are starting to show actors and models with grey hair and glasses. Tens of millions of Americans are going to be needing hearing aids every year for the next 20 to 25 years, which means the hearing aid industry will have a lot of production work to do to keep up with demand.

Advances in Technology

Hearing aids have changed a lot over time. The giant trumpet held to the ear evolved into the transistor-style hearing aid, worn on the body. This hearing aid led to behind-the-ear models, and today's digital hearing aids, small enough to almost disappear into the ear canal. Digital sound processing, the pride of the hearing aid industry, means that hearing aids work better than they ever have. Users can adjust modern hearing aids for high or low background noise. Sound processing with sophisticated digital technology involves much more than amplification, as all the inputs being fed into the hearing aid are analyzed and regurgitated in the form of audible sound. These technological advances make the hearing aid industry an exciting business to be in.

Social Acceptance

Two contemporary U.S. presidents – the late President Ronald Reagan and President Bill Clinton – wore hearing aids while in office. The prestige of presidential adoption, plus the shrinking size of hearing aids, has made wearing hearing aids socially acceptable, much to the relief of the hearing aid industry. Wearers used to fear that they would alienate other people by wearing a hearing aid. In fact, the opposite was true: other people were far more alienated by hard-of-hearing persons who refused to engage in conversations with them. People who miss conversations because they are hard of hearing often avoid conversation because they fear they will not be able to hear or understand everything said to them by the person whom they are talking to.

Affordability

Digital hearing aids are more affordable than their analog counterparts, and their batteries last longer. This new affordability has given the hearing aid industry a real boost, as individuals who thought they could never afford a hearing aid are pleasantly surprised when they start shopping.

Hearing Aid Maintenance And Care

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Your hearing aid is your auditory window to the world. You rely on it to stay connected – to communicate and be communicated with. Besides the social value of your hearing aid to you, your hearing aid has a considerable monetary value. It is a delicate instrument that must be properly cared for. Hearing aid maintenance is something you need to master to make your existing hearing aid last longer. A neglected hearing aid may not function properly.

Cleaning Your Hearing Aid

Cleaning is an important part of hearing aid maintenance. Inspect your hearing aid immediately upon removing it. Wipe the aid with a soft cloth or a facial tissue. Check the end of the aid that fits into the ear and see if there is any ear wax accumulated there. If there is, use the pick or tool that came with you hearing aid to remove the wax from the end. Some hearing aid wearers prefer to use a toothbrush to remove the excess wax. Either way, carefully brush in and around the plastic tubing until all the wax is removed.

Hearing Aid Battery Maintenance

Sometimes moisture can accumulate inside a hearing aid; this moisture can be extremely damaging to the electronic circuitry in the hearing aid. To help avoid this collection of moisture, open the battery door at night when the hearing aid is not in use so air can circulate throughout the aid.

Other Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips

It is essential that your hearing aid remain dry. Avoid moisture at all costs; never let your hearing aid become wet. Never shower or bathe while wearing your hearing aid, and never wear it in a sauna, hot tub, or pool. If you are prone to sweating while you work out, remove you hearing aid before you start to exercise.

Avoid exposing your hearing aid to direct heat. If your hearing aid gets wet, avoid placing it in a microwave oven or a conventional oven to dry it out. Instead, use the warm air from a hair dryer to slowly evaporate the moisture. Take care not to leave your hearing aid out in bright, direct sunlight, even indoors. Never leave you hearing aid in a hot car.

These hearing aid maintenance basics are not hard to keep up with. A few minutes a day of cleaning and care will help your hearing aid last longer and work better. Take care of your hearing aid, and it will take care of you.

A Hearing Aid Manufactures Big Money

Friday, May 2, 2008

A modern day hearing aid is marvel of modern technology. They are a far cry from the ear trumpets of the seventeenth century. They work with state of the art digital technology and even cosmetic wizardry if you need a custom fitting. A modern hearing aid manufactures a lot of gasps and awe. But a modern hearing aid also manufactures big money for the hearing aid manufacturer.

Why Do They Cost So Much?

I could go on for ages about why hearing aids cost so much money – usually well into the thousands of dollars. It would seem that something so necessary to the quality of life should be more reasonably priced. But this, sadly, is not the way of modern life. All businesses – even for hearing aids, manufactures money for their business.

This is endemic of the health care system in America today, where money means far more than helping anyone out. Senior citizens might be able to get a partial discount from Medicare for hearing aids, but this happens with less and less frequency. Hearing is not considered necessary to the quality of life to Medicare.

Another reason a hearing aid manufactures so much money for their makers is that they cannot usually be made on an assembly line. A lot of individual tweaking has to be done in order to get a pair that works for a specific wearer. This tweaking can be from the fitting of the hearing aid in the ear canal to adjusting the calibration to reduce unwanted noise and focus on wanted sound.

What Can You Do?

You don’t have to settle for paying an outrageous price for a needed hearing aid. If you have patience (and a little luck), you should be able to get the hearing aid you need at no to low cost. If you are an American Veteran, then you should be able to get a partial reimbursement for the Veteran's Administration. Be sure to check with Social Security as well for a partial reimbursement.

People also donate old hearing aids to charities much in the same way people donate used eyeglasses to people in need. These are then sterilized and distributed to those in need. They will not be tailored exactly to fit your ear, but you never know what you can get until you try. Charities that have a hearing aid distribution program include the Knights of Columbus, Sertoma, Hear Now and the Lion's Club.

How To Avoid Paying High Hearing Aid Prices

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Today, there are supposed to be an estimated twenty-five million Americans that have hearing impairments that require using hearing aids in order to be able to hear normally once more. Of course, more often than not hearing loss is believed to be a result of the aging process though it can affect anybody and at any time, and in fact, not so long ago, the traditional hearing aids such as those called behind-the-ear and in-the-canal ones were simple and they did little other than to amplify the sounds picked up by their in-built microphones and thus did not cost too much.

Traditional Hearing Aids Are Most Affordable

Thus, traditional style hearing aid prices were on the affordable side though since those early days things have changed and more sophisticated devices are now being manufactured including the digital hearing aids which mean that now-a-days, hearing aid prices have become rather costly. In the case of high performance and even customized digital hearing aids, the hearing aid prices can cost many thousands of dollars, which means that you have to have enough money to spare in order to buy these technologically advanced hearing aids.

However, a new kind of hearing aid has hit the market that is known as The Open Ear and even Open Fit hearing aid which besides serving the usual needs of hearing impaired persons, also has brought the hearing aid prices down; making such hearing aids affordable to everyone. In fact, with these hearing aids, you can even dispense with having to pay exorbitant hearing aid prices for customized hearing aids, because now you no longer need to use ear molds (customized ones).

If you must save on hearing aid prices, the first thing you need to do is research your options, make comparisons of various makes and models, and by also using your negotiation skills, you should be able to buy an affordable hearing aid. There are also many wholesale dealers that sell hearing aids from where you could source discount hearing aids and thus affect savings on hearing aid prices. And, if you are lucky and have also made a determined effort to locate the right source, you could even save on the hearing aid prices by as much as seventy-five percent off the list price.

Of course, hearing aid prices change according to the make, and model as well as features included in the hearing aid and among the cheaper makes it is not difficult to find hearing aids that cost merely approximately three hundred dollars. However, when buying such hearing aids, you need to be aware that these are sold under “buyer beware” conditions and so you have to be extra careful before going after cheap hearing aids.

The bottom line is that you can only save on hearing aid prices by making comparisons and also matching the hearing aid to your needs. The best bet would be to look for wholesale dealers in hearing aids and a good option in this regard is HearingAidWholesale.com.

Some Tips On Giving Your Own Hearing Aid Ratings

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

At present, there are almost twenty top manufacturers that are offering different types of hearing aids though not all of these manufacturers are engaged in researching as well as designing the hearing aids that they are offering to their customers. Thus, as a consumer you will naturally want to learn more about such features as it can have an important bearing on the hearing aid ratings that you give to individual brands which in turn will help you compare different competing brands and models so that you can choose one that scores the highest marks.

Once you get involved in researching different hearing aids, you will come across much interesting facts and information and once you have the required details regarding particular hearing aids, you will then be in a good position to give your own hearing aid ratings to different brands and models. The fact is that when buying hearing aids there can often be a lot of confusion in deciding what is right for you and what is not.

Taking the case of hearing aid battery ratings you will find that the regular such batteries will only last you from between five and fourteen days depending on the level of your hearing disability as well as type of battery and also the duration for which you use the hearing aid on a daily basis. A sure sign that your hearing aid battery is losing its power is when the sounds become quiet or even distorted. In such circumstances, battery ratings can prove to be an important guideline in helping you change batteries at the most appropriate time and thus reduce the risk of damaging your hearing aid by letting it run on run-down batteries.

In fact, when giving your own hearing aid ratings you should also take into account the type of hearing aid you are using and also the cost which is usually an essential factor in any hearing aid ratings. Even then, it is difficult to arrive at a conclusion as to which the best hearing aid is for your particular needs though one that addresses your type of hearing loss the best should obviously be given higher hearing aid ratings than one that may be fancy, but which however does not do much to address your type of hearing impairment.

Free Trial Period

Another important factor in regard to hearing aid ratings is whether the manufacturer offers you a trial period (free) which generally should be valid for thirty days. After all, you cannot be sure that a particular hearing aid will perform adequately for your hearing disability without having an opportunity to test it out under different environments. If you find that the manufacturer is offering you a free trial then obviously that manufacturer should get higher hearing aid ratings than one who does not.

Lastly, you can give higher hearing aid ratings to a hearing aid that provides crystal clear sound and which provides reliable as well as long-lasting lifetime service.

Why, How And Where To Go For Hearing Aid Repair

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Though it is normal to expect that your hearing aid will give wonderful service, one important aspect to its use is realizing that hearing aid repair as well as maintenance is also integral to its use, particularly during the first year of its use. No doubt, if you take good care of your hearing aid, it can save you a lot of money in not having to send it for hearing aid repair; however, things can go wrong even if you are very careful and thus it pays to learn a little bit more about what to do when you need to get your hearing aid repaired.

Earwax and Moisture Are Leading Causes For Hearing Aid Breakdowns

A leading cause why hearing aid repair becomes necessary is the accumulation of earwax in the device as well as it being affected by moisture. In fact, in almost seventy-five percent of cases of hearing aid repair, these are the one single most often cited cause that makes a hearing aid breakdown; though it can be prevented if you make the effort of regularly cleaning and taking good care of your hearing aid.

Still another reason why you will need to get hearing aid repair done is because electronics often go out of whack, especially through wear and tear and this in turn will require getting rewiring done or other kind of repairs. Also, the smaller the hearing aid is, the more likely it is that it will require hearing aid repair and nowhere is this more evident than in the case of completely-in-the-canal hearing aids. In fact, such hearing aids are not very fragile and nor do they easily break; its just that you need to perform more maintenance as well as take better care of them as compared to other hearing aids and they are also not as resistant to buildup of wax and thus will require to be repaired more often.

Normally, hearing aid repair is required for any kind of hearing aid and at intervals of a year or even fifteen months, though in-the-canal hearing aids will require repairing at shorter intervals while completely-in-the-canal hearing aids have even shorter time intervals before repair work is required.

The best person to affect hearing aid repair is an audiologist and not the supplier though cost of repairs will vary and older models are costlier to repair since parts will be in short supply and if you send the hearing aid back to the manufacture for repair work, then that too will cost you more than if you had the repairs done at the audiologist or at a repair center.

There are a few insurance plans that sometimes will cover the costs of hearing aid repair though these plans are the exception rather than the rule. If you prevent buildup of wax and keep the hearing aid free from moisture, chances are that you won’t require having to take the trouble of getting hearing aid repair done.

Hearing Aid Reviews: Benefit From The Opinions Of The Experts

Monday, April 28, 2008

The importance of reading hearing aid reviews no doubt lies in the fact that they provide you with expert opinions regarding various hearing aids and this information can give you a deeper insight regarding the pros and cons of different hearing aids. Often, a person that is buying a hearing aid for the first time will not be informed well enough to make the right choice when confronted with numerous makes and models of hearing aids.

How To Match Needs With Appropriate Hearing Aid

Thus, for them, without getting the most expert view such as those provided by hearing aid reviews it would be difficult to understand how best to match needs with available hearing aids and it would also not be easy to understand how modern hearing aid technology can be of further benefit to them. With big names such as Starkey, Beltone, Phonak and Siemens each offering several different makes and models, you would actually be at your wit’s end trying to figure out which is the best hearing aid for your particular needs - if you did not have some dependable source of information to provide you with facts and details.

No doubt, you would be much better served if you made the effort to check out various hearing aid reviews that will reveal to you information that will help you make up your mind about available hearing aids. The problem is not so acute when it concerns learning about analog models because these have been around for many years and thus you may already have a fair idea about their functionality and usefulness.

Hearing aid reviews however, will especially come in handy when checking out on digital hearing aids which have many innovative designs and many features that may require having an expert inform you about what’s what. You will also certainly find that there are certain advantages to choosing programmable hearing aids over conventional hearing aids and by also learning how best to adjust your digital hearing aids so that they give you superior performance under different environments, the review will have provided you with enough useful information for you to make an informed decision. In addition, when you require learning more about the prices and even most suitable type of digital hearing aid all you will need to do is read up on available hearing aid reviews, and then everything will be clear as daylight for you.

If you are unsure of whether to choose behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE) or in-the-canal (ITC) or even completely-in-the-ear-canal (CIC) hearing aids, and then let the hearing aid reviews show you which type will suit your hearing disability the best. Other important benefits of consulting hearing aid reviews is knowing the manufacturers, their hearing aids, the right hearing aid as well as learn from some useful tips on how to not only choose a hearing aid, but in addition, how to care for it so as to ensure that it provides useful service over a long period of time.

Reading hearing aid reviews can also help save you considerable amounts of money in not only buying the most affordable and suitable hearing aid, but also showing you how to as well as where to buy hearing aids at less than retail prices.

What To Expect From Digital Hearing Aid Software

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Did you know that digital hearing aids use software, similar to the software you use on your computer, to process sound? It's true. Thanks to modern technology, hearing aids have evolved: from the old-fashioned horn or trumpet that the hard of hearing would hold up to their ears one hundred years ago, to the behind-the-ear analog hearing aids that were once considered revolutionary, to inside-the-ear and implanted digital hearing aids with software that uses digital sound processing to amplify, process, and adjust sound.

Getting Fitted For A Digital Hearing Aid With Software

In many ways, getting fitted for a digital hearing aid is similar to getting fitted for an analog hearing aid. First, you hearing will be tested by an audiologist. After your test is complete, the expert will make a mold of your ear and fit you with one or two hearing aids that will fit inside your ear. Even if you only have a hearing loss in one ear, the audiologist will fit you with two digital hearing aids with software for balance and symmetry.

A few weeks after your initial fitting, you will return to the audiologist's office to pick up your new hearing aids. Software that your audiologist has access to will be used to adjust the hearing aids to your level of hearing, based on the hearing tests that you took at your previous appointment.

The Adjustment Period

Prepare to be amazed at the new sounds you hear the first time you wear your hearing aids.

One middle-aged man who was fitted for hearing aids walked into his home for the first time with his hearing aids on and asked his wife, "Do we have an indoor fountain?" because he heard the rush of water as soon as he walked in the door. It turns out that the toilet in their powder room had been leaking, and the wife had been nagging him for weeks to fix the toilet leak. He hadn't heard the water as it flowed from the leak, so it was not a priority to him. To his wife's great relief, he fixed the toilet that day.

The Final Adjustment

Hearing aid software can be adjusted to filter background noise, amplify the sound of human voices, and adjust to different environments with various noise levels. That is why a third visit to the audiologist is required. At that visit, you will describe to the audiologist times when your hearing aids did not pick up all the sound you wanted to hear, or times when you were uncomfortable because the sounds were too loud. The audiologist will again use hearing aid software to adjust the hearing aids.

Lower Cost

Hearing aids that use digital software are generally less expensive than analog hearing aids. The manufacturer can send a dozen identical hearing aids to the audiologist, who can use software to adjust hearing aids to suit a dozen individual patients with different needs. Analog hearing aids had to be adjusted by the manufacturer at the time they were made, adding considerably to their cost.

A Few Essential Items Of Hearing Aid Supplies Can Help To Make You Hear Better

Saturday, April 26, 2008

There are a number of hearing aid supplies that are worth having because they can considerably help improve the quality of hearing and also keep your hearing aid in good working condition. An item such as a hearing aid sanitizer is a case in point and the utility of this essential hearing aid supplies lies in the fact that it helps in keeping the hearing aid as well as earmolds clean as well as smelling fresh at all times. For as few as approximately six dollars, this simple item of hearing aid supply can help improve the quality of hearing as well as improve the longevity of your hearing aid.

Eliminate Feedback

Sometimes, your hearing aid may have problems such as feedback or your hearing aid may not fit in well into your ear. In such cases, there is another simple item of hearing aid supplies that you can use which are soft wrap fit strips that cost as little as approximately nine dollars for a strip of ten and which will go a long way in insuring proper fit as well as help in eliminating feedback.

There are even items of hearing aid supplies that help to protect as well as promote the health of your ear canals and which also come in handy should you develop sores inside your ears, or which can be applied to soothe irritated skins. This item of hearing aid supplies is the DermAid cream that costs as little as fifteen dollars (ten dollars at a discount) and it is certainly very useful in preventing irritation for your tender and sensitive ear canals.

A common problem with hearing aids is that the person does not know for sure when their batteries have run out of power. To solve this problem, you can check out another useful item of hearing aid supplies which is a digital battery tester which can test all makes of hearing aid batteries and provide an accurate digital readout and for as few as nine dollars, you could solve the problem of not knowing when the hearing aid’s batteries have begun to lose their power.

You may even need to think about using hearing aid supplies such as physician’s ear wax remover to help remover ear wax that generally builds up inside the ear canals and which could otherwise impair your hearing by clogging the hearing aid and also reducing their effectiveness. Typically, a physician’s ear wax remover comes with drops that help dissolve the wax and there is also included a washer to help remove the liquid through its vacuum action.

Thus, by spending a little bit on various items of hearing aid supplies, you can ensure that you get the most out of your hearing aid, while also keeping your ears and skin well protected and clean.

Hearing Aid Technology Can Improve Hearing And Extend The Life Of The Aid

Friday, April 25, 2008

There are a number of downsides to suffering from hearing problems which are bad enough to even cause relationships to sour and job performance to suffer, and of course there is also the emotional welfare of the person to be taken into consideration as well. The problem of hearing impairment is quite severe and as many as, it is believed, twenty-eight million American children as well as adults are affected and for them obtaining the best hearing aid that is a product of best hearing aid technology is of utmost importance.

Different Types Of Hearing Aids

The fact of the matter is that almost five to ten percent (it is believed) of hearing problems in adults can be treated either medically or through surgery. Furthermore, there are various different kinds of hearing aid technology being used to create different types of hearing aids that suit different needs and among the various options open to you is in-the-canal hearing aid technology as well as completely-in-the-canal technologies.

Other manifestations of latest hearing aid technology include using in-the-ear hearing aids as well as behind-the-ear aids, and hearing aid technology has also made it possible to move from the more traditional analog hearing aids to using digital hearing aids.

Essentially, different kinds of hearing aids can be distinguished by the type of hearing aid technology that goes into making them – especially with regard to type of circuitry being used. The early hearing aid technology had to do with hearing aids that used vacuum tubes as well as bulky batteries. However, in this age of technological innovation, new hearing aid technology has emerged that makes use of computerization, microchips as well as digitizing the sound processing.

There is also different hearing aid technology used when using analog hearing aids that have their own special frequency responses which in turn depend on the user’s audiogram. In addition, with this kind of hearing aid, an audiologist will inform the manufacturer about the type of setting required and even how much adjustment is required in terms of getting proper amplification for noise and speech. Such technology is also not very expensive though the usage is quite wide since analog hearing aids can help treat different types of loss of hearing.

There is also separate hearing aid technology used when it concerns programmability of the hearing aid which allows audiologists to set the hearing aid’s performance according to particular environments. Needless to say, such technology costs more though the advantage to using this kind of technology is that the hearing aid will last longer and even provide improved hearing under different kinds of situations.

How Does A Hearing Aid Work? By Picking Up And Amplifying Sounds Into The Inner Ear Canal

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Because these tiny contraptions have such a profound effect on a person’s ability to hear despite suffering from hearing disabilities, it is a good idea to find out more about just exactly how does a hearing aid work? To begin with, it is important to realize that the hearing aids all have something in common which are the components used that help people to hear even though they have lost the ability to hear things normally.

Type Of Components

Come to think about it, the answer to how does a hearing aid work lies in the type of components used which generally include a microphone, and an electronic circuit as well as a receiver. The microphone is the component that helps to pick up any sound in its immediate vicinity while the electronic circuit helps in amplifying these sounds so that that they are loud enough for a person with a hearing disability to hear. Finally, through the receiver, the amplified sound is sent to the person’s inner ear thereby enabling him to hear normally once more.

As far as the working of the circuit goes, this is actually powered up by a battery and the circuit is in turn housed inside of a tiny case. Thus, the simple answer to just how does a hearing aid work lies in it being a device which amplifies sounds that it picks up through a microphone and which is then sent through a receiver into the person’s inner ear.

Another aspect related to how does a hearing aid work has to do with the type of hearing aid and there are at present two main categories which are analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids with the latter almost making analog hearing aids redundant. Furthermore, analog hearing aids can be the conventional type or programmable with the latter type of hearing aid allowing users to program any kind of functionality into the hearing aid so that it works differently under different environmental circumstances.

When it concerns finding an answer to how does a hearing aid work and you are concerned about the working of digital hearing aids, you need to realize that the main difference between such types of hearing aids and analog hearing aids lies in the digital hearing aid being able to adjust itself. Thus, with regard to finding an answer as to how does a hearing aid work and more specifically a digital hearing aid, it means that digital hearing aids don’t require the wearer to adjust volume or other settings because the digital hearing aid is capable of doing all these things on its own.

However, regardless of the type of hearing aid being used, there is not much basic difference with regard to how does a hearing aid work because in the end they all pick up sounds, amplify them and then send them into the inner ear where sounds that were hitherto inaudible become audible once more.

About The Invention Of The Hearing Aid

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The invention of the hearing aid highlights the compassion as well as the intelligence of modern science. For people with a hearing loss, the world has been diminished. In a very real way, these people are isolated within themselves, unable to hear ordinary conversation or extraordinary sounds like music or birds singing. The invention of the hearing aid gave these people an opportunity to experience life on all levels. From humble beginnings to its current technological state, hearing aids were invented step by step to reach success.

Early Beginnings

The invention of the hearing aid began a couple hundred years ago with an awkward-looking horn called an ear trumpet. The concept of this device was very simple; the oversized horn collected sounds and then directed them toward the eardrum. This contraption worked pretty well and provided a decent amount of amplification. Of course, the down side was their looks, their awkwardness and the fact that they called immediate attention to a person's disability.

The Implications of Electricity

Two major scientific breakthroughs contributed to the invention of the modern hearing aids: the telephone and electricity. Harnessing the power of electricity (in the form of batteries) to amplify sound was a major step forward in the invention of the hearing aid. This fundamental principle is still used today, with a tiny receiver and speaker imbedded into the hearing aid. Although using electricity and the concepts developed from the telephone improved hearing aids, generally they were still big and heavy. Some were as large as a desk radio, which made carrying them around a bit of a chore. This was because of the size of the batteries that were needed.

The invention of the hearing aid was tweaked again in the 1920s with the use of vacuum tubes that amplified the sound to a greater degree. But it wasn't until the 1930s that batteries were made small enough to make the hearing aid more portable and practical for every day use.

Hearing Aids are Still Improving

Although hearing aids were invented hundreds of years ago, the technology used to run them is still improving. The initial concept of amplifying sound has never really changed over the years, yet scientists have found ways of incorporating new discoveries into the making of hearing aids. From ear trumpets, to the very large battery-powered ones, to behind the ear models, hearing aids have evolved and improved. Today, there are even implants that make the hearing aid invisible to those around you. Yet, we still remember the early inventors and developers of the hearing aids whose work led to what we have today.

How Long Should Hearing Aid Batteries Last?

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

To keep your hearing aid working at optimal levels, choose long lasting hearing aid batteries. There are several excellent and reliable manufacturers that provide batteries with long lasting power for hearing aids. Plus, there are several things you should know about batteries that will improve their productivity and possibly make them last longer in your hearing aid.

Changing Hearing Aid Batteries

Generally, batteries need to be changed within a 2-week period. To properly operate, hearing aids require a good amount of power, which is even more reason to choose hearing aid batteries that will last the longest. Purchasing batteries from established and reliable manufacturers, like Eveready, Duracell and Rayovac, is a safe decision. These companies have been supplying hearing aid users with long lasting batteries for years. These batteries can be readily found in most drugstores or large supermarkets with a pharmacy department. Another excellent brand of hearing aid batteries is Siemen. They have tapped into some new technology and are making long lasting zinc air batteries for hearing aids. This type of battery is currently only available through your hearing care provider. They seem to be rapidly becoming a favorite among hearing aid users because of the larger amount of energy they produce for their small size.

Long Lasting or Not?

Even though you may have purchased batteries from a reputable manufacturer, you may wonder why they don't last very long in your hearing aid. Sometimes, the problem isn't with the battery. Although most batteries for hearing aids need to be replaced within 2 weeks, that may change depending on the individual's use of the device. To conserve power, and make the batteries last longer, turn off the hearing aid when you're not using it, such as overnight when you're sleeping. If you find that you are constantly adjusting the volume, it might not be the battery that is at fault. Distortions in sound and background static and interference can signal a problem with the hearing aid. Discuss these conditions promptly with your audiologist. These situations can create a larger drain on your battery, causing them to die an early death.

By selecting a quality brand battery, your hearing aid will be ready for use day after day. Replacing worn out batteries only takes about a minute. The ever-improving technology of today means that hearing aid batteries now last longer while giving you the most power. Many hearing aids will warn you when the batteries are getting low. But the best time to choose which batteries you will use is now.

What The Heck Is An Open Hearing Aid?

Monday, April 21, 2008

An open hearing aid is another name for behind-the-ear (BTE) or over-the-ear (OTE) hearing aid devices. No matter what you call it, open hearing aids work remarkably well, especially for people with serious hearing loss. Many people also find them more comfortable than hearing aids that you have to stick inside your ear. They are one of the most common kinds of hearing aids that you can buy.

You Have To See Your Doctor

But hearing aids will not work for all people with hearing problems – even for people with the same exact hearing problem you have. If you have trouble hearing, then you need to get to your doctor to find out just why you can't hear as well as before. It might be an anatomical reason, or something might have fallen into your ear canal (it happens). In those cases, a hearing aid of any kind usually won’t help you.

Open hearing aids are small, smooth, plastic devices with a case behind your ear and a thin, clear plastic tube going into your ear. Yes, you still have to deal with things sticking into your ear, but many find this tube less irritating than an in-the-ear device. Open hearing aids seem to work best for those who have trouble hearing high frequency noises. You need to go to the doctor in order to determine if you can or can't hear high frequency noises.

So Many Aids, Only Two Ears

Most open hearing aids are made with digital technology as opposed to the old transistor hearing aids made from the 1950's to the 1980's. The advantage of digital technology is that is can help you distinguish between what sounds you want to hear and what sounds you don’t. Many find digital hearing aids have fewer problems with feedback, are less bothered by the slightest breeze and can even filter out background noises.

Open hearing aids now come in several colors, but are all very light weight. Some models weigh just over an ounce. Many wearers of open hearing aids get used to the feel of them in just a few minutes. Although some open hearing aids are available through mail order, the safest way to buy them is from an audiologist.

An audiologist can help tune the frequencies of the digital technology as well as make it more comfortable for you to wear, if necessary. You also know who to go to if any problems should develop with your hearing aid.

Oticon Hearing Aid Prices Include Cost of Servicing

Sunday, April 20, 2008

One of the things that set the Oticon hearing aids apart from other types of hearing aids is the Oticon hearing aid prices. With a number of different models available, prices of each Oticon hearing aid too varies and typically ranges from fifteen hundred dollars to three thousand plus dollars. No doubt the quality of Oticon hearing aids is on the superior side, but if you don’t want to or cannot afford to pay the rather high Oticon hearing aid prices, you will have to do a lot of research before you are able to find them being sold at discount prices which helps to make them more affordable.

Look For Discounts

Typically, an Oticon hearing aid such as the Oticon SUMO DM hearing aid is priced at around two thousand one hundred and fifty dollars, though if you look about for a discount priced such hearing aid, you could save as many as four hundred dollars which makes it a lot more affordable. In fact, the Oticon Delta 4000 hearing aid is priced at about two thousand eight hundred dollars, though with a discount you can get the same hearing aid for a thousand dollars less.

There is yet another option available when looking to save on high Oticon hearing aid prices and that is to buy the Oticon hearing aid from a wholesaler. It is surprisingly cheap and an Oticon SUMO E-AUX could be yours for as little as eight hundred and seventy-five dollars only.

However, there is more to buying Oticon hearing aids than the Oticon hearing aid prices, which doubtless is an important issue, but of course it is not the only issue because these hearing aids also benefit from being made with a hundred years of experience in providing hearing care. There is thus a complete range of digital hearing aids on offer that provide excellent performance which in turn means that depending on the model you choose the Oticon hearing aid prices too will vary from the affordable to the more expensive.

However, the good thing about buying Oticon hearing aids is that there is enough variety available that makes it possible to find a hearing aid that will suit your needs while still being affordable to buy. In addition, the Oticon hearing aid prices also include cost of servicing which is provided by network providers and thus you stand to benefit by as much as a thousand dollars in the case of the high-end Oticon Delta 8000 hearing aid when it comes to repairing this model.

So, the next time you decide on buying Oticon hearing aids, be sure that you realize that the Oticon hearing aid prices also include cost of servicing and should anything go wrong with the hearing aid, you will be covered for normal retail repair/losses.

Phonak Hearing Aids: The Exelia, Naida and Inspiro

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Phonak is a one of the global leaders in the development and manufacturers of digital hearing systems. Phonak hearing aids use a state-of-the-art technology to provide solutions to people experiencing hearing loss in challenging environments. The Phonak hearing aids are available in three products namely, the Exelia, Naida and Inspiro.

Exelia is a sophisticated Phonak hearing aid that combines advanced technology, audiological expertise and wireless connectivity. This Phonak hearing aid will offer you an unprecedented hearing performance, convenient control and easy access to modern communication and entertainment devices. Basing on the features, the three components of the Phonak heaing aid Exelia are Performance, Control and Connectivity. The performance aspect of the hearing aid includes technologies in the likes of SoundFlow, VoiceZoom, WhistleBlock, EchoBlock, WindBlock, NoiseBlock Processing, SoundRelax, and Real Ear Sound. The ZoomControl, myPilot, and QuickSync are all integrated in the control feature of the Exelia. The connectivity function constitutes the iCom, which can be combined with the use of mobile phone, music and television. The myPilot and iCom function are also integrated in the available accessories of this certain Phonak hearing aid.

Another Phonak hearing aid is the Naida. The Naida is designed for those experiencing severe to profound hearing losses. It includes technological innovations like SoundRecover that enhances audibility and clarity of speech and everyday sounds. Some of the Exelia features were also included in the Naida hearing system. These features, namely the WhistleBlock, SoundFlow, NoiseBlock, WindBlock, Real Ear Sound and QuickSync all offers a better hearing experience for those experiencing intense hear loss. To ensure uncompromised performance, the Naida also has a slim and water resistant design.

The Dynamic FM technology was introduced by Phonak during the EUHA 2007 Conference and it gave way for the Inspiro heaing aid. This Phonak hearing aid features new chip, algorithm, software and mechanics. Additionally, it contains an original receiver that automatically adjusts to hearing instruments.

Where to Get Phonak Hearing Aid

Phonak has provided an Information Request page on their Web site for those wanting to ask more about the available Phonak Hearing Aid. By sending a request, customers would also receive a free consumer guide or booklet, namely the “Five Facts You Should Know Before Buying Hearing Aids”. This guide will help you understand the different types of hearing loss, the effect of hearing loss to your life and your loved ones, as well as several discussions on the different levels of technology that can help you fight hearing loss.

The Phonak US headquarters is located at Warrenville, Illinois but their parent company is located in Switzerland. Phonak hearing aids are available from several distributors around the world. It is virtually impossible to miss Phonak hearing aid systems in your country.

Are You Considering a Siemen Hearing Aid? Read Siemen Hearing Aid Reviews

Friday, April 18, 2008

Have you recently been diagnosed with hearing loss? Are you familiar with the Seimen brand of hearing aids and supplies? Your audiologist may even have mentioned this company. Here's a quick review of the Seimen hearing aid to give you some important and very useful information.

Introducing the Siemen Company

A review of Siemen's hearing aids needs to start with the company. Their involvement with hearing aids began in the late 1800s. Their early devices included a type of telephone receiver that amplified the sound. This marked the start of a lifetime of serviceable changes to their products as they incorporated technological advancements into their desire to help people with hearing loss. Because of the stability and reliability of this company, consumers can trust them. Reviews of Siemen's hearing aids are usually positive. They have successfully helped thousands of people regain a level of hearing, thereby improving their quality of life. Siemen's hearing aids have been reviewed and discussed by people for years, providing new customers through word-of-mouth referrals testifying to the quality of their product line.

The Siemen Product Line

A quick review and overview of their product line should instantly convince you of the Siemen reputation among hearing aid users. Their hearing aids are consistently ranked among the best in providing quality and reliability. This manufacturer makes several different hearing aids in a variety of styles. Siemen has tapped into the latest technology involving wireless hearing aids, which are getting some rave reviews. They have also incorporated scientific breakthroughs involving automatic situation detection and noise suppression. Their hearing aids can be worn behind the ear or in the ear canal. Your audiologist will help you in determining which features and style will be best for your situation.

One of Siemen's most popular products is the Centra behind the ear model. It offers superb sound while decreasing the background noises. A feature known as adaptive feedback cancellation controls the often-annoying high-pitched whistles that can be picked up in certain situations. It also has an advanced microphone system that can automatically adjust to your listening requirements. All of these features and advances show the commitment and compassion Siemen has put into developing their product line. It's no wonder that Siemen's hearing aids get positive reviews from thousands of customers across the country. From the time of their earliest history to today, Siemen reveals their determination to help hearing impaired people get the most out of life.

Hearing Solutions from Siemens Hearing Aids

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Siemens is the leading company in pioneering research and development in the industry of hearing aid. They have revolutionized the design of a wide range of technically advanced hearing aids. They are also aimed in producing other facilities for hearing support to aid people in meeting the challenge of hearing loss. In the total of one-hundred percent of people suffering from hearing loss, ten percent can be helped medically and the remaining ninety percent can benefit from the use of Siemens hearing aids. Siemens also provides solutions to match individual needs.

Siemens hearing aids can help people suffering from hearing loss re-establish their connection to the world. The aids are designed to selectively adjust the volume of the sounds you want to hear. Through the volume adjustment feature of the Siemens hearing aids, you can make audible sounds that are soft, as well as creating moderate or loud sounds.

The Siemens hearing aids also provides binaural amplification for people who are unable to hear from both ears. People can reap several benefits from such technology including an increase in speech understanding. The binaural amplification can deliver more sounds that you need allowing your brain to process the sounds accurately. There will also be a reasonable enhancement in the quality of the sound. Through this benefit, there will be a minimal risk in auditory fatigue and distortion.

Several Types of Siemens Hearing Aids

The ACURIS incorporates the e2e wireless technology, which enables two hearing instruments to exchange information and functions in total synchronization. This type of Siemens hearing aid is easy to wear and adjust. Additionally, it is available in different models such as the Micro-CIC. This type of model is a trademark of Siemens. The ACURIS provides the answer for many levels of hearing loss.

Aside from the ACURIS, there are other Siemens hearing aids available from the CENTRA family. The CENTRA includes the SoundSmooting technology that greatly reduces annoying noises while preserving the sound of voices and conversations. The DataLearning technology automatically adjusts the CENTRA hearing aid to match your preferences. The hearing aid is also has the most advanced adaptive feedback cancellation allowing the reduction and elimination of high-pitched whistling sounds. The CENTRA hearing system also includes the Directional Microphone System. Through this feature, the hearing aid will automatically adapt to your environment and even reduce multiple noise sources. One of its feature is also similar to the ACURIS hearing aid, namely the e2e wireless communication. This feature maintains your instruments balanced at all times. Additionally, the technology enables you to control the volume and program of both hearing aids at the same time.

Are You Small Enough For The Smallest Hearing Aid?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Centuries ago, if you wanted a hearing aid, you had to stick something the size of a French horn in your ear. Not only did you know you had a hearing problem, but so did everyone else in town. Just like with computers, hearing aids have gotten smaller and more powerful. But how small are the smallest hearing aids?

Depends Who You Talk To

There are at least two hearing aid manufacturers claiming to make the smallest hearing aid in the world. The Sonic Adesso is one of these contenders. These hearing aids are designed to be inserted into the ear. They are smaller than the ear canal of an adult woman. They'd probably be pretty tight for a child. Since they are smaller than the ear canal, they are encased in shells to fit your ear snugly.

These shells for the smallest hearing aids come in two kinds – a custom-made hard shell and disposable soft shells. You won’t necessarily save money with the soft disposable shells, since you have to get them at the same place where you get your Adesso smallest hearing aids. For some people, they are far more comfortable than a permanent shell.

Over The Ear

The Sonic Adesso might be the smallest hearing aids for inside the ear, but the Phonak Sovia devices are the smallest hearing aids for outside of the ear. For some people, over-the-ear hearing aids are more comfortable and effective than ones you have to stick inside your ear. If you are prone to ear infections, then over-the-ear hearing aids are your only sensible option.

The Phonak Sovia uses the latest and greatest in digital hearing aid technology, with automatic sound adjusting. Like a camera focuses to pick up an image clearer, a digital hearing aid focuses on a particular sound and zooms in on it so you can hear it clearer. It analyses extraneous noises and screens out background noises, letting you focus on speech and important sounds. It also has a very low feedback rate.

Are They For You?

However amazing the world's smallest hearing aids are, they still might be the wrong hearing aids for you. Since you will be working with these devices every day, you need to be comfortable handling them, putting them on and taking them off. If you have trouble getting your hands around such tiny instruments, then a bigger hearing aid may be the only practical option for you.

Hear More Out of Life through Starkey Hearing Aids

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

The Starkey Laboratories started in the year 1967 when William Austin founded the Professional Hearing Aid Service. The institution offered hearing instrument repair services in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Later in 1971, Austin acquired the Starkey Laboratories with the mission to provide better hearing. To date, the company has provided solutions to customers through their Starkey hearing aids. Aside from their Starkey hearing aids, the industry also provides a flat charge for all hearing aid repairs and free trial period and warranty program. They have also provided the first custom telecommunications headset and the CARE program, which is a multimedia auditory educational program.

Starkey hearing aid is available in the form of Destiny hearing aids. This family of Starkey hearing aids offers a variety of designs and features to suit the unique lifestyles and hearing needs of their customers. The Starkey hearing aids are all built-in with the nFusion technology, which is designed to filter sounds that the customer would hear. There are also several key features of the Starkey hearing aids such as the Active Feedback Intercept or AFI. This feature eliminates whistling, squealing and other annoying feedback sounds. The Environmental Adaptation technology allows seamless transitions from one sound environment to the next. There is also the Directional Speech Detector that continuously monitors environments and adjusts the Starkey hearing aid for clearer speech. From the list of features provided by the Starkey hearing aids, the Automatic Telephone Response is probably the most useful. This technology detects any presence of an analog telephone signal and automatically switches to phone setting. Aside from the mentioned features, the Starkey hearing aid also includes: personal style, self-checking capabilities, reminders and alerts, data logging, and simulated sound environments.

The available Starkey hearing aids are also available in different styles to suit the customer’s preference. Such styles include the Behind-The-Ear, On-The-Ear, Receiver-In-The-Canal, In-The-Ear, In-The-Canal and the Completely-In-The-Canal styles.

Starkey Specialties

Aside from Starkey hearing aids, the industry also provides custom ear molds to handle the sound enhancement and hearing protection challenges for professionals. This line of products developed the Newscaster and Teleprompter Mold that is used by professionals in the media industry and even law enforcement. This type of mold offers clear and discreet two-way communication. There is also the Pilot Headset Mold for professional pilots, which features an adjustable boom for microphone positioning.

For motor sports drivers, the Racing Receiver Mold would provide quality communication and comfort. The mold is durable while providing excellent suppression in the sound underneath the racing helmet. The Stethoscope Adaptor Mold for medical professionals adds comfort and enhanced hearing ability in any medical environment.

The Pros And Cons Of Transistor Hearing Aids

Monday, April 14, 2008

Transistor hearing aids are generally considered the "old fashioned" kind of modern hearing aids. Many hearing aid manufactures have switched to making digital hearing aids, but some transistor hearing aids are still ticking away. The technology isn't as old and cranky as vacuum tube hearing aids, though. Those are considered hearing aid dinosaurs.

Where Can You Find Them?

Here's one of the problems with transistor hearing aids. Since they are currently considered obsolete, they are like rotary dial telephones. Sure, there's some still around and working well, but you won’t be able to replace it, get parts for it and may even have trouble finding somebody who knows how to fix it.

Unlike almost anything else in the universe, it's very hard to find transistor hearing aids for sale on the Internet. You would have to go to online auction sites like eBay, online classifieds like Craigslist or used electronic websites. And if you get the transistor hearing aids, you won’t necessarily get instructions with them.

There are some programs that help senior citizens with very little money get free to low cost hearing aids. These hearing aids are donated, so they are pre-owned hearing aids. As you can expect, transistor hearing aids wind up in these programs. Although the first transistor hearing aids were made in the early 1950's, they were made to last.

Types

There were four different types of transistor hearing aids made. Perhaps the most familiar kind looked like a transistor radio, with a long wire connected to an earpiece you inserted into the ear. You wore the transistor on your belt or in your pocket. You could have earpieces for both ears, too.

A more unusual kind of hearing aid was a combination of eyeglasses and hearing aids. The hearing aids were inside of the earpieces of the frames. They were quite thick, as you could imagine. And easily lost. However, the over-the-ear hearing aid caught on.

Over-the-ear hearing aids began as transistor hearing aids and are now digital hearing aids. They are sometimes called behind-the-ear hearing aids. For some people, they are far more comfortable than hearings aids you have to insert into your ears. These kinds also have been shown to work better for those with severe hearing loss.

The most popular kind of transistor hearing aid – used by many digital hearing aid makers today – is called in-the-ear devices. They are inserted into the ear and often are flesh-colored.

Quality Hearing Made Longer by Ultima Hearing Aid Batteries

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The hearing aid is only as good as the batteries that power it. Every hearing aid must have a steady power supply from quality battery in order to operate properly. Low quality batteries can affect the performance and result in poor volume and noise control. The Ultima zinc-air battery brand is owned by Starkey. However, the Ultima hearing aid batteries are manufactured by Rayovac. The batteries are made in the same factory as the Rayovac Ultra batteries. This means that you can expect the same quality though the packaging and distribution channels may differ. The Ultima hearing aid batteries are widely produced to meet the demands of hearing aid wearers for better battery performance. Additionally, the Ultima hearing aid batteries were integrated with the leak-proof packaging.

The Ultima 13 is one of the many Ultima hearing aid batteries available. The product contains six batteries per packet and a size color code (orange). The Ultima hearing aid batteries in the product are packaged in a rotary dial pack with the voltage of 1.4V. It uses a chemical system called zinc-air, and has a total capacity of 290 mAh. Other specifications of the Ultima hearing aid batteries from the Ultima 13 product are 5.40mm in height and 7.80mm in diameter.

Aside from the Ultima 13, there are other Ultima hearing aid batteries available for different kinds of hearing aids. These batteries are all color coded to provide easy recognition: the Ultima 10A (yellow), Ultima 312 (brown), and the Ultima 675 (blue).

Care and Safety Measure for Your Ultima Hearing Aid Batteries

In order to maintain safety, always remember to keep your Ultima hearing aid batteries from children. Like all batteries, the Ultima hearing aid batteries are toxic. You should immediately see a doctor in case a battery is swallowed.

There are also several tips that can help you maximize the life of your batteries. A standard battery lasts from three to twenty-two days depending on the type of hearing aid and the amount of hearing aid use. You should change your batteries if the sounds start to become distorted. It is also necessary to carry an extra battery in case your current hearing aid batteries lose power. Remember to keep your backup batteries away from coins, keys and other metal objects. There are some hearing aids that alert you whenever the battery’s power is running low. In case your hearing aid beeps, immediately change the batteries to maintain hearing aid performance. Lastly, it is also important to ask your health care professional to determine what kinds of Ultima hearing aid batteries can be used for your hearing aid.

Listen and Hear Longer through Energizer Hearing Aid Battery

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Energizer has been known to produce batteries for an assortment of devices and now they offer a line of Energizer hearing aid batteries. These batteries are all packaged innovatively to provide easy installation. The Energizer hearing aid battery is also available to both the hearing aid wearer and hearing aid professionals.

To install an Energizer hearing aid battery, the Energizer EZ Change is the solution. This tool provides precise placement of your Energizer hearing aid battery every time making it virtually unnecessary for you to handle the battery yourself. Every Energizer hearing aid battery is also available in the tear pack. This would prevent you from creating a clutter of batteries by giving you the option to take only the Energizer hearing aid battery you need. Every Energizer hearing aid battery in the tear pack is also individually sealed to avoid deterioration. For those with cochlear implants, there is also an Energizer hearing aid battery available with the same name. The batteries are available in packs of six or bulk packs of sixty.

Aside from the available Energizer hearing aid battery, there are other utilities for professionals. One utility is the Energizer audioPRO, which is a personalized packaging for the Energizer EZ Change dispensers and FreshPak. Additionally, there is the Energizer Amplifier that could help medical professionals to maintain strong relationships with their distributors and help patients save with battery rebates.

The batteries from Energizer are also preferred by several industries. To name a few, there is the AuDNet Inc, HearUSA, Audigy Group LLC, ASHA or American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the ADA or the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists.

Guidelines Regarding the Use of the Energizer Hearing Aid Battery

The Energizer hearing aid battery is composed of zinc air. As such, the battery should be disposed in your normal trash but must not be accumulated since accumulation can lead to a risk of fire. The life of the battery can also be determined through the length of use during the day, amplification and the type of hearing aid. To get the most out of the battery, it is advisable to keep the battery at room temperature. Heat can shorten the life of the battery and it is not recommended for the battery to be stored in the refrigerator or any damp locations. Contact with metal items like keys or coins should also be avoided as this can a cause short-circuit of the battery.

The batteries are also available in different sizes such as 10, 13, 312 and 675. Each size is also color coded: yellow (10), orange (13), brown (312), and blue (675). This will make it easier for you to recognize the size of the battery.