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Call or visit one of our clinics:Darlinghurst CentreSt Vincent's HospitalVictoria StDarlinghurst NSW 2010Ph: 1300 134 327Fax: (02) 8382 3092Double Bay Centre4/5 Goldman Lane(Between Knox St and Knox Lane)Double Bay NSW 2038Ph: (02) 9327 3908Fax: (02) 8382 3092
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Hearing Aids: An Update
Bruce KelseyAudiologist/Director
Hearing & Balance CentreDouble Bay
To Recap -How do you know you need an aid?
Your friends will happily tell you?
You will start misinterpreting what people say. (The importance of pizzas in schools)
It will start effecting your work or social life?
The hearing test – choose an audiologist
What is a hearing aid?
microphone – amplifier – speaker
Computer chip – “a computer on a silicon chip” the heart of the digital device – analyses the incoming sound to differentiate between wanted and unwanted signals. The expensive bit and what differentiates manufacturers.
Types of hearing loss and style of hearing aid. A general rule
High frequency Flat hearing loss hearing loss (any style is ok)
So what’s new?Invisible hearing aids
Lyric (Phonak) 24/7 Needs to be replaced every 3-4mths Purchased by yearly subscription
Deep canal hearing aids
Smaller CICs that fit in the second bend
Starkey Soundlens Siemens iMini Sonic Innovations Groove
Alternative Microphone Placement
Resound remote microphone natural directionality no wind noise secure
“Soundbite” ITM aid (Sonitus Medical)
Behind-the-ear device worn on the dead ear transmits signals to the in-the-mouth device, which creates vibrations that send the signal to the functioning cochlear.
CROS hearing systems - Phonak
Designed for people with one deaf ear
Available in either BTE or ITC form, they provide a much neater option in the latest technology
Moisture
Nano-coating -an ultra-thin coat created in a vacuum. Humidity or sweat form beads and simply roll off.
Siemens Aquaris waterproof to 1m for 30 mins
Accessories - Bluetooth
Widex ClearPhonak SpiceOticon Agil/Acto/InoResound AleraStarkey Wi SeriesSiemens Tek
Tinnitus and hearing aids
Widex Zen -Programs designed to provide relaxation embedded within the aid
Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different
scales.
Choosing a Provider
The Most Important Decision To Make
Do some homework. Many providers are shop fronts for particular brands.
But as companies leapfrog each other with new technology it may be better to go to someone who can offer a choice so that you will always be offered the best technology and value at the time.
Manufacturers outlets Audioclinic = Oticon Connect Hearing= Phonak Hearing Life = Sonic Innovations/Oticon Active Hearing= Widex Australian Hearing (Govt.)= Siemens contract
Many of the larger chains have contracts with particular manufacturers
Many employ audiometrists not audiologists
Most work on commission (even Australian Hearing)
Internet sales
Selling the product not the service Return policy? Repairs? Warranty? Product choice? Support?
The Office of Hearing Services
A service for people on a social security or veterans pension providing free hearing assessment and free aids or a discount on more expensive devices through eligible providers. (Hearing and Balance Centre)
The free aids are very good, but go to someone who can offer a choice.
Why aren’t hearing aids perfect?
The human ear wasn’t designed to cope with noise. – Hair cell damage
Healthy Damaged
Novelty value
$US14.95 plus postage
Hearing & Balance Centre
St Vincent’s Hospital and Double BayPh: 1300 134327
Thank you for listening
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