A Premium Hearing Aid for the Budget-Minded!

The Phonak Dalia Phonak recently announced the release of a hearing aid for the budget minded. The Phonak Dalia contains many advanced features while keeping the price affordable. The Dalia features: SoundRecover This feature restores high frequency sounds that are otherwise inaudible. This improves speech understanding and the overall listening environment. UltraZoom Essential UltraZoom Essential improves speech intelligibility in the presence of background noise. WhistleBlock WhistleBlock prevents feedback/whistling before it begins. For more information on Phonak's Dalia, click here.

Why Maintenance of Your Hearing Aids Is So Important!

Do you scratch your fingers over the microphone covers on your hearing aid to make sure they are working? CAN WE SUGGEST YOU SCRATCH YOUR HEAD INSTEAD? Moving your fingers just one half inch above the mics will prevent oil from your skin plugging the mic ports, resulting in poor hearing in noise. Why? Plugged mic ports can cause the mics to drift, resulting in inefficient noise cancellation. Moisture checks: At check up, we are seeing some with a buildup of rust in the battery compartment. Use the dehumidifier, or, if you sweat so much your hair gets wet, ask us about electronic dehumidifiers to protect your investment. For your next hearing aids, consider the nifty Siemens waterproof Aquaris or the series of Phonak water resistant hearing aids. After many microwavings--usually 2 or 3 years' worth, the dehumidifier capsule should be replaced in your dry spot. The capsule costs $7.00, the complete system $20.00. This is the container filled with silica gel that is apricot colored when working, and dark green when not working. Be sure it is working--we've had several calls recently about moisture issues. Are your ears growing? Yes, indeed. Often, after a year or so, the ear canal tips that were so comfortable are now too small, resulting in feedback or whistling. Schedule an office clean and check to upgrade the fit.

Siemens Aquaris- the First Truly Waterproof Hearing Aid

The Siemens Aquaris satisfies the Food & Drug Administration criteria to qualify as the first truly waterproof hearing aid. The completely sealed housing shell and battery door enables the Aquaris to be completely waterproof.

Click here to view the Aquaris!

The watertight housing and moisture-resistant surface of the Aquaris safeguard the electronics from corrosion and efficiently repel dust, sweat, and dirt. Enjoy outdoor recreation or exercise without the fear of damaging your hearing aid. Make your golf partner sweat instead of your hearing aids!

Offered in two performance levels, the Aquaris features:

- Feedback stopper which automatically detects and stops feedback

- Speech Focus which helps you hear and understand what's being said from any direction

- SoundLearning 2.0 which learns and automatically adjusts to your individual hearing preferences

- Bluetooth Technology which wirelessly connects to phones, MP3 players, TVs and other audio devices so you can listen to them while you swim.

Learn about the advanced technology of the Aquaris!

- The Aquapac -

Listen to your iPod while you swim and talk on your cell phone while you fish or kayak!

Waterproof and water pressure resistant, the Aquapac is perfect for storing your small electronic devices like remote controls, mobile phones, or MP3 players when at the pool or in contact with the elements.

- Tek and miniTek -

Wirelessly connect to phones, MP3 players, TVs and other audio devices. Stream stereo sound directly to your Aquaris.

 

- The Sport Clip -

The Sport Clip securely attaches the Aquaris to your ear, preventing the loss or displacement of your hearing aids while you enjoy your favorite extreme activities.

To find out if the Aquaris is right for your particular type of hearing loss and lifestyle, visit our website or call our offices to schedule a no-charge consult with one of our clinical audiologists!

How Audiologists Help With Allergies

Hearing Aids Are Affected By Allergy Symptoms!

Be sure to share with your audiologist if you have chronic allergy conditions. You would want to have a hearing device with a volume control or remote control rather than a totally automatic device so that you can increase or decrease your hearing levels for "good hearing days" and "bad hearing days." The six most common allergies are airborne, and these microscopic particles can clog the microphone ports of your hearing aids. Hearing aid microphone port covers should be changed every 6 to 9 months. The microphone port covers should be changed more frequently if you are outside often or sense you are not hearing as well in noise. This could mean the microphones are no longer balanced (due to drift or pollen). Replacing the covers will fix this. Schedule an appointment, so we have time to order your specific hearing aid port covers for you. Seasonal allergies may cause a dip in hearing--but only when the pollen is flying. Remember, hearing aid service is available for the life of the hearing aids. If your devices need a spring cleaning, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment!

Treating Allergies

Treating allergies is important to prevent ear infections and conductive hearing loss. The goal of treatment is to decrease or prevent excess fluid from building up in the ear. Ear infections, conductive hearing loss, fluctuating hearing, and pressure can be relieved by eliminating excess fluids. Avoidance The first step to treating allergic reactions is to avoid the allergens that induce them! To do this, you must identify what you are allergic to. This is done through skin testing or blood work. Antihistamines/Steroids/Expectorants/Decongestants Antihistamines Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine. This relieves or reduces many symptoms including nasal inflammation and excess fluid production. Popular antihistamines include Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec. Inhaled Steroids Inhaled steroids help treat allergies by reducing inflammation and mucus production, particularly in the nasal passages. It can take up to two weeks before the full benefits of inhaled steroids are realized. Expectorants Expectorants work by thinning respiratory secretions such as mucus and phlegm. They essentially help coughs become more productive in expelling excess fluids out of the respiratory tract. The most common expectorant is called "guaifenesin" and is found in most OTC allergy and cold medicines. Decongestants Decongestants work by reducing swelling in the nasal passages and lessening the amount of fluid that is produced. Immunotherapy When allergy symptoms cannot be successfully controlled by allergen avoidance and medications, it may be possible to alter a person's hyper-active immune response through immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves gradually injecting allergens in increasing amounts over a period of time in hopes of helping the body adjust its immune response appropriately. A person's reactivity to specific allergens can potentially be altered by immunotherapy. Click here for more information on how to treat allergies.

How Allergies Impact Hearing

The immune system reacts to an allergen by producing antibodies and causing the release of histamine. Histamine can cause inflamed nasal passages, sinuses, and airways. This inflammation results in mucus production which leads to congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. The excess fluid created by an allergic reaction can create problems for the ear. Eustachian tubes function as the drainage passage for the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is a muscular tunnel that opens and closes to both drain debris and equalize the pressure between the environment and the middle ear space. Its functions are very important to maintaining the health of the middle ear space. These tubes are connected to the nose and throat. If they become clogged from excess drainage from the nose and/or throat, this fluid can build up in our ears along with other debris such as excess ear wax. Once fluid, excess ear wax, or foreign debris builds up in the ear, numerous problems can occur. These include: Conductive hearing loss/decreased or fluctuating hearing Conductive hearing loss is caused by the inability of sound waves to travel through the ear and connect with the tiny bones of the middle ear. Excess fluid and ear wax naturally lead to conductive hearing loss and decreased hearing as they prevent sound from traveling uninterrupted to the cochlea (the hearing organ of the ear). Fluctuating fluid levels in the ear can lead to differing hearing levels due to varying degrees of interruption along the auditory pathway. Conductive hearing loss and fluctuating fluid levels in the ear are curable. Middle ear infections Excess fluid in the ear cavity provides a moist environment in which bacteria may thrive. If these infiltrate the ear, ear infections could result. Multiple ear infections can lead to such conditions as tinnitus and permanent hearing loss. Pressure or a feeling of "fullness" Excess fluid in the ear naturally makes the ear feel like it is "filled up." This fluid can press against the eardrum/tympanic membrane causing pressure and discomfort.

What are "Allergies?"

An "allergy" is simply an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance that is inhaled, eaten, or touched and viewed as a threat. When a foreign substance is introduced to the body, the immune system may treat this usually harmless substance as a threat. It immediately produces antibodies to neutralize the threat and to protect the body from future "attacks" by the same substance. This process leads to the release of histamine. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies including sneezing, inflammation, scratchy throat, and runny nose. Any substance that triggers an allergic reaction is known as an "allergen." Pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander are the most common allergens. Allergies can be inherited and are often unique to the individual. For more information on allergies, visit The Asthma and Allergy Foundation. Image provided courtesy of renjithkrishnan