Jacquie Elcox with Integrity Counts! Award

The Better Business Bureau has an annual award the call Integrity Counts! It is an award given to businesses the exhibit the best examples of Integrity in their business practices.  We applied for this award in 2003 and were finalists and wanted to try again for 2012.  We tried and were selected as finalists again the second time around and were honored at an award ceremony on September 29th this year.  There were 65 businesses that were nominated in 2011.  Out of those, 26 businesses were honored.

If you are wondering what goes into applying and receiving such an award, let me explain.  We had to create an informational binder for each committee member that detailed out:

1. Company Philosophy – explaining why we chose integrity an important ingredient in our company structure and behavior.
2. Integrity in Action – short narratives were provided identifying how principal management and staff acted with integrity in at least two of the following situations:  Customer/User relationship, Vendor/Supplier relationship, Employee relationship, Community partnership.
3. Testimonials – we submitted testimonial letters from each of the groups above reflecting our relationship between our company and these groups.
4. External Communication – specific examples of how our company communicates its core values to employees, vendors & suppliers.

Without our great customers, we would have never achieved this award.  We thank all of you who have thanked us over the years and continue to do so.  We encourage all our customers to offer us feedback, both good and bad, about your relationship with us at any time.

How do you REALLY know if you have a hearing problem?

208-377-0019

Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is one of only two AudigyCertified™ practices in Idaho.  AudigyCertified professionals possess the highest credentials and are among the country’s most experienced hearing care professionals.  Their expertise is measured by their commitment to patient satisfaction, continuing education, and the application of current technologies.

Photo courtesy of Paul / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know that eating a healthy diet can have big ramifications to your hearing health?  Studies are showing that those that consume adequate amounts of folate or folic acid, have a decreased risk of hearing loss.  Folate and Folic Acid are of the anti-oxidant family we hear about so much in the press today.  Folate is naturally occurring in foods and folic acid is its synthetic version found in vitamins.  They each perform equally in the body.

Foods rich in folate include spinach, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, baked beams, peas,  avocado, mushrooms, dry roasted peanuts,  orange & tomato juices, banana,  enriched egg noodles, cereals, eggs, liver.  In the United States, flour is enriched with folic acid, so we have better protection than in countries that don’t have fortification.

Here’s how the process works:  When you hear loud sounds, your inner ears produce free radicals.  (Free radicals can happen due to other things as well.  See links at bottom.)  If you have adequate anti-oxidants in your body, they will work to fight off the free radicals.  Not enough anti-oxidants and damage becomes permanent.

It is not just your hearing that is affected with too little folic acid.  Other health issues include anemia, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, high blood sugar/glucose intolerance, gingivitis in pregnant mothers, stroke and vascular disease (plus others).

Conclusion:  Eat a healthy diet every day.  Your ears will love that you do!

For further reading:

http://www.webmd.com/news/20070102/folic-acid-may-slow-hearing-loss

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/folate/NS_patient-folate/DSECTION=evidence

http://www.healthyhearing.com/articles/44966-folates-prevent-hearing-loss

Paul’s photo portfolio can be found here.

Now you ask, “What is an ARI?”  It stands for Acoustic Resonance Imaging.  It is a computerized evaluation which measures how your hearing system (hearing aids) responds to a live voice while in your ears.  You actually see pictures of the sounds of speech that are reaching your eardrum through your hearing system as they occur.  An ARI is performed using a voice that is familiar to you.  Your spouse or a close loved one’s voice is preferred for the exam.

Why should I have an ARI?

This important evaluation will help us to accurately determine the correct settings for your hearing system and to make necessary adjustments so that you are hearing optimally.

How often should I have an ARI?

You should have an ARI as part of your annual check up.

Why haven’t I heard about the ARI before now?

An ARI is performed using Digital Speech Mapping (DSM).  In many cases, the DSM makes it possible to fine-tune your hearing instruments so that speech is once again clearly reproduced.  We have multiple DSM systems dedicated to the performance of Acoustic Resonance Imaging evaluations.  The ARI is available exclusively from Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance Clinics.

What happens if I don’t take advantage of an ARI?

You may not be hearing with your hearing system as well as you could be.  Without an ARI you won’t know for sure.  Don’t run this risk.  Not hearing clearly now could have serious long-term effects on your ability to understand speech clearly down the road, even with a hearing system.   Further difficulty resulting from auditory deprivation is something that you must strive to avoid.  Through proper testing and evaluation, we will help you stay abreast of any changes to your hearing or hearing system function.

How much can I expect to pay for an ARI?

The recommended fee for an ARI is $125.  This information is invaluable in helping to determine the correct settings for your hearing aids.  However, please speak with your provider regarding special offers.

How do I receive an ARI?

You can and should book an appointment today at one of our many clinics in Boise, Nampa, Eagle and elsewhere.  Remember to bring someone with a familiar voice, preferably your spouse.  This is critical and we are unable to perform this test accurately without your “familiar voice”.

If you have questions regarding the ARI test, feel free to call us at 208-377-0019 or 800-726-1019 or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.

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.

Provided to Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance by patient Maggie Galt.

Definition of a Sound Void™ (noun):

1. A moment lacking clarity in hearing or understanding.

2. An empty space in one’s life caused by the absence of sound clarity.

Do you often hear people talking but simply have difficulty understanding them?

Do you sometimes struggle to hear clearly in background noise?

Do you occasionally have trouble following the conversation in small groups?

Do you find it challenging to explain your hearing situation to others?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be experiencing the perception of “Sound Voids.” The term “Sound Void” was created by AudigyCertified™ professionals to help explain the “gaps” that some individuals say they experience in their day-to-day listening lives. Sound Voids usually occur in specific listening situations where an individual’s hearing loss does not permit them to detect or understand important sounds and speech cues. Individuals often find that Sound Voids result in tiring, frustrating, and embarrassing situations. However you experience them—whether they happen during precious moments with your grandchildren, critical conversations in the workplace, or in simple everyday interactions—

Sound Voids can detract from your ability to live your life to its fullest. AudigyCertified professionals have the experience, training, and advanced technology to provide you with the best possible hearing care solutions.

So, you think you might be experiencing Sound Voids™, what do you do next?

Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance and Audigy Group members have worked very hard to create a process and an environment in which you feel comfortable, learn about your hearing loss, understand your options and have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your communication needs.

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your local Audigy Certified Hearing Clinic.

When you call Treasure Valley Hearing, our schedule coordinator will work with you to find a convenient appointment day and time in one of our clinics for you. It is critical that you bring a loved one or friend with you whose voice is very familiar to you. That person’s voice will be used in part of our testing.

Step 2: Arrive a few minutes early for your appointment.

You will be given some paperwork to complete. Your companion will also be given a form to complete in which he/she will give their thoughts about your hearing loss.

Step 3: Time with your Hearing Care Provider.

During this appointment, your provider will conduct an interview in which he or she will gain an understanding of the environments in which you are experiencing your difficulties. We feel it is critical that your spouse or other loved one be involved in this process as they may be observing things you are not aware of. We bring them in to the discussion and use their voice during some of the testing.

Next, your provider will take a look in your ears to insure that a wax blockage or something similar isn’t the issue. From there, a hearing evaluation will be performed and then the results will be discussed with you.

If hearing devices are recommended, your provider will present multiple options for you and discuss the pros and cons of each. If you have never worn hearing devices before you will be placed on a rehabilitation program in which you will be given specific instructions as to how to wear the hearing devices and in what kinds of environments over an initial 45 day period. Just as a bright light might hurt your eyes when they have been in the dark for some time, the noisy world around us can be just as bright! It takes time to learn to adapt to the world around us.

To understand more about our process and what you can expect when you come in to one of our clinics for an evaluation, you can watch an education video on our website at www.treasurevalleyhearing.com. This short video will outline the process you will experience when you come to one of our clinics in search of better hearing.  If you still have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call, 1-800-726-1019 or 208-377-0019 or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.