Editor’s Note: We recently did a survey of all our e-newsletter readers, asking them what they would like to see more of in the future. One item mentioned was testimonials with people’s experiences. In the effort to satisfy that desire, we will occasionally be posting patient testimonials for you. Each person’s experience is so unique, we hope you don’t mind multiple posts on the topic. This way, perhaps you will read something that applies best to your personal situation.
I have been wearing hearing aids since 1992 and have worn several different types and styles. While all have helped me hear and understand better than without aids, there always seemed to be limitations or a compromise. The best way for me to describe the aids I currently use is that the sound quality is “natural” or “normal” with no mechanical influence whatsoever and without a doubt, I am hearing better with them than I have in many years.
Note from the blog editor: We plan to run a series of posts from several of the world’s leading hearing technology manufacturers. Oticon is one of these manufacturers. We sell their products under our AGX label. Now for the post from Jason Dria of Oticon:
Hearing technology continues to change at a rapid pace. One of the most significant changes to occur is including wireless technology and processing in Oticon hearing device fittings.
So, what does that mean for a hearing device user?
First and foremost, our philosophy is truly “People First” and this is how we have developed what we feel is the standard for modern hearing care. We do not want to develop the technology and make the person adapt in ways they are not comfortable or prefer not to, but to develop the technology around the hearing device user and their comforts. This comes from research and listening to the skilled clinicians fitting the products and caring for the patients. The result is often very little, or no “fussing” with the hearing device systems worn by the users.
So, back to the question—What do the new changes in hearing devices mean for the user? First, it’s about the hearing devices themselves. There is very unique, high level communication between the devices. With some of the newest devices, there are two main areas that have shown some significant improvement: 1) a person understands better in challenging environments (noisy places) and 2) listening becomes easier. Some of the technologies contributing to this improvement are the binaural noise management, spatial sound and speech guard strategies.
A second area of improvement is the new technology is allowing users to stay in touch more with friends and family. We need to talk on the phone to continue relationships and this can be a challenge. We know that a good portion of our hearing device users aren’t hearing the TV as well as they’d like. There are also times where we can’t hear someone well in the car, or at a restaurant or even in their own home when there is some distance between the two communicating. So, Oticon created a Connectline system that allows very easy usage by simply tapping a button to answer the phone, to watch TV or hear someone better through a companion microphone with the best sound quality possible.
A great part about this newest technology is that it can easily be experienced. In fact, it’s something your patients can experience during their visits to the Treasure Valley Hearing offices. Experiencing the technology has really taken away the mystery that has sometimes surrounded the process of exploring hearing devices.
Jason Dria is a Doctor of Audiology and an Oticon Factory Representative. He has extensive experience in diagnostic audiology, patient counseling and hearing aid dispensing.
Open fit hearing devices have a protective basket called a wax guard. Changing this wax guard occasionally will keep wax from getting into the receiver and potentially damaging it. In this video, Jacquie Elcox, CEO of Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance, teaches you how to change your wax guard. (Receiver in the Canal (RIC) hearing aids are Open Fit devices.)
This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month will celebrate 25 years of making a positive difference for women and their families in communities around the world. Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is proud to support this worthy cause in a way that will also make a positive difference for people with hearing loss in the Treasure Valley of southwestern Idaho. Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is among a select group of U.S. hearing care practitioners to offer the new AGX “Think Pink,”, sleek, distinctively pink hearing devices. During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance will participate in the national “Pink with a Purpose” campaign to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
Very sleek & stylish.
Available in special edition “Think Pink” and more than 14 colors from tasteful but bold to shades that complement natural skin tones, this sleek and stylish hearing device has a new attitude for a new generation of hearing aid users. Throughout October, leading hearing care manufacturer Oticon will donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of AGX “Think Pink” devices and all other colors to the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Last year, roughly $20,000 was raised in the “Think Pink” campaign, making a real difference in the fight of cancer and support of cancer patients.
The new AGX devices help people with hearing loss hear better and understand more spoken words in any listening situation, even in challenging listening environments like restaurants and social gatherings. “These devices take much of the hard work out of organizing, selecting and following sounds so that people with hearing loss can stay engaged and active in everyday activities,” states President, Jacquie Elcox.
“With the addition of the AGX MediaLink, a sleek companion device that resembles an MP3 player, these AGX models connect wirelessly to TVs, cell and landline phones and other popular communication devices.” Special edition AGX “Think Pink” is available in tiny mini behind-the-ear device that is almost invisible on the ear. Jacquie Elcox notes that the AGX family of hearing instruments can accommodate approximately 80 percent of hearing losses. “AGX’s outstanding sound quality and design have been award-winners around the world. With AGX ‘Think Pink’, I can also offer my patients a wonderful way to raise awareness of a disease that affects so many women and to pay tribute to those who have battled breast cancer.”
For more information on hearing loss and the AGX “Think Pink”, contact Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance at 208-229-3319 or 800-726-1019 or visit www.treasurevalleyhearing.com.
Do these photographs bring you back to a time that makes you smile once again? In those days you may have had many of these thoughts:
I’m hip!
Life is fun!
You can’t stop me!
My life is fully ahead of me!
How about those invisible thoughts. The ones where you “just knew” you were well connected with your family, your friends, your workmates, you community.
How do you feel about those today? If your invisible thoughts (maybe no longer so invisible thoughts) stem around how you WISH you could be that connected, and the reason you are not is because you are experiencing hearing loss, you are not alone. 1 in 6 Americans suffer from this. 1/3 of them are less that 45 years of age. And you, like many Americans, can STILL be connected. Take a look below at a few of our examples of people REMAINING connected through the active wearing of hearing devices.
Julia Townsend
Julia Townsend, Hearing System User, DMV Employee, Golfer, Harley-rider, Golfer
Julia is in the picture above on the right (with the scarf).
Bill Downs
Bill Downs, Hearing System user, Church Administrator, Auctioneer
Jacquie Elcox
Jacquie Elcox, Hearing System User, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Founder, Golfer
Jacquie is with her dad in the photo at the top of this post.
Did you Know?
Individuals with untreated hearing loss have higher incidences of health issues such as depression, hypertension and diabetes.
Studies have shown a link between untreated hearing loss and dementia.
After just 6 weeks of using a hearing system, people have shown significant improvements in psychological functions such as depression and isolation.
Other consequences of untreated hearing loss:
Inattentiveness
Reduced income
Reduced participation in social activities
Gaps in communication
Growing irritability with others
Difficulty working as part of a team
If some of these issues are present in your life, let us show you how you can improve your lifestyle today!
Attend one of our FREE Educational Seminar & Tech Demos on Hearing
Wednesday, September 29 2-4 pm Nampa Civic Center, Home Federal Room
311 3rd St. S.
Nampa, ID
—————————————————– Thursday, September 30
2-4 pm
AmeriTel Inn at the Boise Spectrum
Arrow Rock South Room
7499 W. Overland Rd.
Boise, ID
Dr. Jason Dria, Au.D., Audiologist, Oticon USA Factory Representative.
Talk to some of our current patients about their experiences with hearing devices and with Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance. Each seminar will have several of them there.
Touch and feel the latest technology at our Mini Product Fair.
Refreshments will be served!
Prizes will be handed out!
We’ll be sure to show you a good time!
Call today to reserve your spot at one of these events!
208-377-0019
As all our lives have progressed, so has the experience of our providers to be able to assist you. As part of the elite Audigy Group, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is one of the premier clinics in the area, in terms of:
Unsurpassed patient satisfaction
Excellence through continued education
Effective analysis an diagnosis of hearing conditions
Solutions that integrate speech and comprehension back into people’s lives.
Learn About the Latest in Hearing Technology at our Tech Demo
All styles of custom molded ear plugs for activities such as hunting, swimming, MP3 player-wearing, motorcycle riding and many more.
About our Seminar Guest, Jason Dria:
Dr. Jason Dria, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology Oticon USA
A factory representative, Dr. Dria will be speaking about Oticon technology at our September event.
Dr. Dria has extensive experience in diagnostic audiology, patient counseling and hearing aid dispensing. He holds a Master’s degree in Audiology from Ohio State University and a Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida.
I have been wearing hearing aids since 1992 and have worn several different types and styles. While all have helped me hear and understand better than without aids, there always seemed to be limitations or a compromise. The best way for me to describe the aids I currently use is that the sound quality is “natural” or “normal” with no mechanical influence whatsoever and without a doubt, I am hearing better with them than I have in many years.
FREE – no more whistling or buzzing.
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