HearFlorida Audiology Group » hearing professionals

Hearing Aids vs. Personal Sound Amplification Devices

admin — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:20:51 +0000

Have you ever seen a television ad for a hearing device that costs only $19.95 plus shipping? Well, these devices are known as personal sound amplification devices. They are not hearing aids. When the price is so good, it is probably too good to be true.

Personal sound amplification devices amplify everything including noise. Where as, hearing aids are able to be programmed and adjusted for your unique hearing loss so that they can focus on the sounds that you are not able to hear.

In fact, some of these over-the-counter hearing devices can actually cause more hearing damage because they amplify sounds you do not need amplified. The result can mean an even greater hearing loss.

To be fit for a hearing aid, you must first take a hearing test to determine exactly what type of hearing loss you have. The results of the hearing test are used to help select the most appropriate hearing aid for your type of hearing loss. To find out if you have a hearing loss and what type of hearing loss you have, schedule an appointment for a hearing test and consultation.

To schedule an appointment for a hearing test, contact us at one of our south Florida hearing care centers. Our hearing professionals can help you decide if a hearing aid is the right choice for you.

Hearing Loss Support Groups and Associations

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:42:24 +0000

Do you or a family member have a hearing loss? Do you know of any hearing loss support groups? Whether you are child, teen or an adult with hearing loss, or a parent raising a child with hearing loss, hearing loss support groups can offer many benefits.

Children often find only one other person in their school or neighborhood who is deaf or hard of hearing. The same goes for adults with hearing loss. Joining a hearing loss support group and attending meetings ensures that you have a community of peers who understand what you’re going through.

At certain hearing loss support group, you can get information on the latest hearing aid technology. Technology in the hearing industry advances quite rapidly. Support group members can share knowledge about hearing devices they’ve tried and recommend hearing professionals like audiologists, otolaryngologists, cochlear implant surgeons, speech pathologists, etc – which they’ve dealt with. Support groups often offer speakers, panels and programs on a wide range of hearing loss related topics. Ideally, support groups can provide an information base which can help you make important decisions about your hearing care.

Also, kids going through the teenage years can use a friend who really understands what it is like to have hearing loss. The same can be said of adults and parents. People need friends for support at various times in their lives.

Looking for a hearing loss support group in your area? Two top national organizations offer local chapters. Check out the state chapters available nationwide from the Hearing Loss Association of America. The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has chapters in 32 states. Online support groups can serve as friendship, support and networking sites for people who are unable to attend or unable to locate local programs.

Here are a few other hearing loss support groups:

Listen Up
CI Hear
Hands and Voices
National Association of the Deaf
Dangerous Decibels
EAR Foundation
H.E.A.R.
League for the Hard of Hearing

Hearing Aid Users and Cell Phones

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:03:24 +0000

Are you a hearing aid user? If so, then before buying a cell phone you should try different brands and models to see which cell phone is most compatible with your hearing aid. You can also find a hearing aid that is compatiable with your cell phone.

It’s not uncommon for people who wear hearing aids or have implanted hearing devices to have a hard time trying to use cell phones. Some cell phones can cause radiofrequency interference with hearing aids, so the user hears high-pitched whistling sounds, buzzes, or static.

Luckily, the compatibility of cell phones and hearing aids is improving. Some phones have lower radiofrequency emissions or use different technologies that can reduce the unwanted effects on hearing aids. Also, hearing aid companies have developed new hearing aid technology to reduce whistling sounds, buzzing sounds, and static noise. The FCC now requires cell phone manufacturers to test and rate their wireless handsets’ hearing aid compatibility using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard. These ratings give an indication of the likelihood a cell phone may interfere with hearing aids; the higher the rating, the less likely the cell phone-hearing aid combination will experience undesired interference. Hearing aid users should read and understand these ratings when choosing a cell phone.

At Hear Florida, our hearing professionals can help you find a “cell phone friendly” hearing aid hearing aid just for you. Contact one of our south Florida hearing care centers today and speak with a qualified and experienced hearing professional.

Hearing Care: Five Reasons to Get a Hearing Test and Evaluation

admin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:19:21 +0000

Seeing or hearing? Which sense is more important to you? Of course, both of them. Annual eye exams are very common. Checking for glaucoma, cataracts and cornea disease are crucial to medical management. Hearing loss, on the other hand, develops more gradually. In fact, it may take the hearing impaired individual 4 to 5 years to seek hearing care. It is important that family and friends be honest and share their concerns. HearFlorida has five important reasons to have your hearing checked yearly:

Gradual changes in your hearing may require a change in your hearing aid prescription.
A decrease in your hearing may be related to wax build-up.
A complaint of tinnitus (ear ringing) may be a precursor to early inner ear disease.
A recent complaint of ear popping or ear pain may be related to eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear infection.
Increased difficulty understanding speech may be a sign of further hearing loss.

Remember; don’t let your hearing fade away. Contact us for quality hearing care from the hearing professionals at HearFlorida and get a hearing test and evaluation today.

Trust Your Hearing Aid Professional

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:08:39 +0000

As you search for better hearing, the best referral to a hearing professional is word-of-mouth from a friend or family member. Whether you choose an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser, you are buying more than a product! It is important to inquire about the services your hearing professional offers in addition to the make/model of the hearing instrument. For example, how many follow-up visits are scheduled per year at no charge? Does my warranty include loss? What percentage of hearing aid problems can be fixed in-office? Do I receive a supply of batteries? Does the hearing professional offer home visits? Does the hearing professional offer a reasonable trial period? Make absolutely sure that the hearing professional offers a trial period and make sure it is in writing. The FDA “strongly recommends” a trial, but it’s not a law!

It is important that you get to know your hearing professional because if he/she treats you right, you will be a long lasting patient.

In summary, your hearing professional needs to earn your trust. Make sure that they prove their worth by providing 100 percent quality service. In certain instances, it may be worth taking a drive into the next town for the hearing professional who is honest and qualified.

Do You Know Your Hearing Professional?

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:59:54 +0000

At least 50 percent of those reading this article have been seen by a hearing professional. Your complaints may include, “I can hear but I do not understand,” dizziness, tinnitus, or sudden loss of hearing. Your hearing professional of choice may be an audiologist, ENT, or hearing aid dispenser. How do you choose the best professional to address your hearing problems?
Many of you rely on word-of-mouth referral or select a participating provider from your insurance network. In most cases, an audiologist is the professional of choice to evaluate and treat your hearing health care problems. If you have multiple complaints such as tinnitus, dizziness, ear pain, ear drainage and/or hearing loss, you should consult with an ENT or audiologist. Almost all ENT’s work closely with audiologists to diagnose and treat your problem. Both ENT’s and audiologists have the education and credentials that allow them to bill for diagnostic testing. However, a hearing aid dispenser cannot. This is why dispensers offer free hearing tests. As you know, nothing in life is free. You always get what you pay for. Think for a moment and recall all the items and services of quality that you have ever received for free. Your hearing is a precious gift so choose the right professional. Make sure that you choose the right hearing professional that is willing to spend time with you to help you make the correct decision for your hearing and lifestyle. Hearing aids are not a one time purchase, it requires at least annual follow up to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.