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.

The Advantage Of Unitron Hearing Aids

Friday, April 11, 2008

Unitron hearing aids are considered the luxury models of the hearing aid industry. This is not only because of the hearing aid itself, but how it is fitted into your ear. Not all ears are shaped alike –inner or outer – and Unitron hearing aids are specially fitted for your specially shaped ears. This is to make the hearing aid as comfortable as possible. What's the use of buying top of the line hearing aids if you dread inserting them into your ears?

The U-Shell

The U-shell is the secret to making Unitron hearing aids so comfortable. The inner part is the hearing aid itself – that is the same in al Unitron hearing aids. But this unchangeable part is inserted into a mold made from your ear. This is the U-shell. In order to make your personalized U-shell, you need to have a mold made of your ear done by a professional audiologist.

This mold is then shipped to Unitron, which analyses the mold by computer. They are able to make a 3-D diagram of your each chamber and then make the U-shell for your hearing aid to the specifications of the computer-generated 3-D model. The U-shell has been shown to cut down the times a patient needs to go get his or her hearing aid fitted.

Before You Go Shopping

Unitron hearing aids cost a lot of money because they are custom made to fit your ear. They can easily run you thousands of dollars. You'd have to check with your health insurance or Medicare to see if you qualify for any reimbursement of your Unitron hearing aid. Please don’t use this article in the place of your doctor's or your health insurance's advice.

The first place you need to go to when you experience hearing loss is not a store that sells hearing aids. You need to go to the doctor. There are many reasons for hearing loss, some of which no hearing aid will help. There's no sense buying expensive hearing aids if they aren't going to help you hear any better.

Realize that no hearing aid is 100% guaranteed to improve your hearing, even Unitron hearing aids. There isn’t a hearing aid made that can be sure to work for everyone with your kind of hearing loss. Some hearing aid sellers will give you a one month trial period (or some sort of trial period) before you commit your money. Ask about this to your audiologist or your ear doctor.