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.

In the case of Bob Marshall, he is currently wearing AGXO Receiver in the Canal (RIC).

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.

Bob Marshall

Jason T. Dria, AuD., Oticon, Inc.

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.

Available in two sizes: RITE and mini RITE

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.

Join us in the cancer fight!

Remember When You Fully Connected?

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

• Listen to presentations by
  • Jacquie Elcox, BS-HIS, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Founder
  • Dr. Mel Miller, Ph.D., CCC-A, Audiologist
  • 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

AGX9Pro

• Works in harmony with your brain to let you hear hear voices and sounds clearly.
• Lets you follow conversations by protecting speech information and reducing distortion.
• Stylish and comfortable – so small, no one will even notice you’re wearing a hearing device.

AGX9is

• 100 % custom, invisible when worn, digital and fully programmable.
• Works for many who aren’t candidates for other deep canal products.
• Natural sound and virtually feedback FREE – no more whistling or buzzing.
• Can be removed daily.

Other models of hearing devices also on display at the Tech Demo.  The styles above are just a sampling.

Also at the Tech Demo:

• Assistive Listening Devices – devices that help you hear better, such as:
  • TV Ears
  • Phones for the hearing impaired
• 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:

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.

Hear that "Ping" of the Good Drive

The connection between hearing and golf has been well documented.  All the major manufacturers from Callaway to TaylorMade to Cleveland Golf to Ping (and more) have usability labs whereby they conduct studies on their clubs’ ability to produce that wonderful sound.  They understand that sound is one of the most important factors in the likability of their clubs.  As testament to the sound/club connection is the fact that Ping got its name from that notorious tone.

In 2005, Golf Digest’s June issue was all about “Feel” in golf.  They highlight many of the aforementioned studies.  One in particular had scratch golfers hit two types of balls.  One was a wound ball, the other a two piece ball.  The golfers hit the balls as though they would on the course.  They were then asked to identify which ball type they hit.  Secondly, they were asked to hit the balls with headphones on.  In both cases, the golfers could correctly identify which ball they hit.  But to identify how important hearing was, the golfers were asked to hit the balls with headphones again.  This time the headphones were filled with the opposite sounds of the balls.  The golfers incorrectly identified the ball 100% of the time, signifying that the sound was the reason they knew which ball was hit.

Golf Digest points out that many national golf instructors today are focusing more on teaching their students to aim for that perfect sound coming off the club as opposed to always focusing on the technical particulars of the golf swing.

Men's Burner

Ladies Burner

In honor of the connection between better golf and better hearing, we are running a campaign through July 15 whereby you can trade-in, trade-up or purchase hearing devices from us for the first time and receive $500, PLUS free, the latest TaylorMade Burner SuperFast Driver (men’s or ladies) with the purchase of a two-device AGX9 hearing system.  If you can’t use the Burner, we are sure you know someone who can.  According to our source, this is the  most popular driver on the market today and is a very forgiving club.  You will get the latest in technology as we are offering you the 2009 model.

If you already own the Burner, perhaps you would like to play golf on us?  We are featuring several courses in the Treasure Valley:  Centennial, Purple Sage, Ridgecrest Golf Club, Falcon Crest Golf Club, BanBury Golf Club, Shadow Valley, Plantation Country Club.  Just tell us your pick and you’ll get $500 off PLUS we’ll purchase you a free round once you purchase either an AGX9 or AGX7 two-device system.

You can’t combine the Burner and the Golf Round.  But aren’t you excited to start playing your golf better?  If so, visit our website, call us 208-377-0019 or 800-726-1019 or drop into one of our clinics:  Boise or Nampa, or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.

If you aren’t yet a patient of ours but need your current aids cleaned and/or checked, drop into one of our clinics and get that done while you wait.  We’ll offer your a free sleeve of golf balls or one package of batteries if you do.

These are limited-time offerings.  So make your move now!

If you would like to see a flier we created on this promotion, email me at selcox@msn.com and I will be glad to forward it.

Speech Guard
Only AGX9 offers the ability to follow conversations so naturally and immediately. The device works in harmony with your brain to recognize natural speech tunes and keep competing noise or voices from distracting you, giving you a sense of quiet clarity.

Connect Plus
Enjoy the full breadth and range of music when you stream through any Bluetooth® device.

Nearly Invisible
Today’s devices are so small, neither the wearer nor an observer can hardly tell they are on. But if you want to flaunt that you are wearing them, choose a broad array of beautiful colors, mauve, blue, purple, sunset orange, wine red.

Pick a color to match your hair or skin. Or if you choose to be so bold, have fun and wear your device like an accessory.

For more information about our solutions, visit http://treasurevalleyhearing.com/audigy-technology-levels.php