“We learned about exciting new trends that are impacting hearing care now and will undoubtedly shape the technology, tools and knowledge that we will use to improve the future for people with hearing loss,” stated Mr. Maznio. 

Mr. Silva points to wireless connectivity as one trend that has immediate potential for Arizona.  “Today, many advanced technology hearing solutions feature Bluetooth wireless capabilities,” he explained.  “We can now offer a plug-and-play system that takes full advantage of the wireless potential of hearing instruments — enabling a simple, high fidelity connection to any TV or landline phone with sound streaming directly through the hearing instruments.  Users enjoy high quality audio-listening at their own preferred volume and without the delay experienced with off-the-shelf Bluetooth transmitters.”

PurTone Hearing Centers is one of the first hearing care practices in the U.S. to offer the new Oticon ConnectLine™ plug-and-play system which includes both a TV Adaptor and Phone Adaptor.  The small, modern adaptors fit discreetly into any home setting.

 “With the ConnectLine solutions, we open the door for more natural personal communication and more freedom for people with hearing loss,” said Mr. Silva.  “ConnectLine gives us an early look at how much the newest trends in hearing care will transform everyday experiences for people with hearing loss.”

For more information about hearing health and the new ConnectLine system, contact PurTone Hearing Centers at 1-888-614-4327 (HEAR) or visit http://www.ArizonaHears.com.

It’s certainly true that some hearing losses are unavoidable, but there’s a reasonable chance that a part of what we call presbyacusis is the long-term accumulation of mitochondrial injuries and reductions in the efficiency of mechanisms that protect us from damaging exposures.

As you know, age-related hearing impairments can often be distinguished from those from environmental and other causes by the shape of the audiogram. Age effects tend to affect the highest frequencies first and progress into lower frequencies. In contrast, noise effects begin with a notched configuration. Hearing losses due to excess noise show up in the first few years of continuing exposure and approach the maximum effect after about 10 years. People who start being exposed to noise in their 20s will start showing substantial notched configurations in their 20s and 30s, and these notches evolve into a bulge over time as age effects erode hearing sensitivity at the highest test frequencies. In many cases, this type of hearing loss can (and should) be prevented.

2. Hey, be careful. Working with the hearing impaired is my livelihood!

I know you’re only joking, but I’ll give you a serious response. Only 15% of hearing-impaired adults between age 20 and 69 have ever tried a hearing aid, and this rate rises only to 25% for those over age 70. There are plenty of people who need our help. If fact, I suspect that your business might even increase if you do some prevention work. If you build good relationships with people in the prime age range for prevention (20 to 40 years), where do you think those people will send their friends, family, and themselves if they have problems?

Read the remainder of this interesting and informative article written by Greg Flamme from Page Ten of The Hearing Journal at http://www.audiologyonline.com/theHearingJournal/pdfs/HJ2009_06_p10-13.pdf

Speech Discrimination / Word Discrimination Scores Explained

90-100% Normal word understanding ability

76-88% Slight difficulty

62-74% Moderate difficulty

50-60% Poor understanding, great difficulty

Below 50% Very poor understanding ability. Listener is probably unable to understand speech, even at normal conversation levels or environments.

Better understanding of speech. By wearing two hearing aids rather than one, selective listening is more easily achieved. This means your brain can focus on the conversation you want to hear. Research shows that people wearing two hearing aids routinely understand speech and conversation significantly better than people wearing one hearing aid.

Better understanding in group and noisy situations. Speech intelligibility is improved in difficult listening situations when wearing two hearing aids.

Better ability to tell the direction of sound. This is called localization. In a social gathering, for example, localization allows you to hear from which direction someone is speaking to you. Also, localization helps you determine from which direction traffic is coming or where your children or grandchildren are playing. Simply put, with binaural hearing, you will better detect where sounds are coming from in every situation.

Better sound quality. When you listen to a stereo system, you use both speakers to get the smoothest, sharpest, most natural sound quality. The same can be said of hearing aids. By wearing two hearing aids, you increase your hearing range from 180 degrees reception with just one instrument, to 360 degrees. This greater range provides a better sense of balance and sound quality.

Smoother tone quality. Wearing two hearing aids generally requires less volume than one. The need for less volume results in less distortion and better reproduction of amplified sounds.

Wider hearing range. A person can hear sounds from a further distance with two ears, rather than just one. A voice that’s barely heard at 10 feet with one ear can be heard up to 40 feet with two ears.

Better sound identification. Often, with just one hearing aid, many noises and words sound alike. But with two hearing aids, as with two ears, sounds are more easily distinguishable.

Keeps both ears active resulting in potentially less hearing loss deterioration. Research has shown that when only one hearing aid is worn, the unaided ear tends to lose its ability to hear and understand. This is clinically called the auditory deprivation effect. Wearing two hearing aids keeps both ears active.

Hearing is less tiring and listening more pleasant. More binaural hearing aid wearers report that listening and participating in conversation is more enjoyable with two instruments, instead of just one. This is because they do not have to strain to hear with the better ear. Thus, binaural hearing can help make life more relaxing.

Feeling of balanced hearing. Two-eared hearing results in a feeling of balanced reception of sound, also known as the stereo effect, whereas monaural hearing creates an unusual feeling of sounds being heard in one ear.

Greater comfort when loud noises occur. A lower volume control setting is required with two hearing aids than is required with one hearing aid. The result is a better tolerance of loud sounds.

Reduced feedback and whistling. With a lower volume control setting the chances of hearing aid feedback is reduced.

Tinnitus Masking. About 50% of people with ringing in their ears report improvement when wearing hearing aids. If a person with tinnitus wears a hearing aid in only one ear, there will still be ringing in the ear that does not have a hearing aid.

Consumer preference. An overwhelming majority of consumers who have hearing loss in both ears, choose two hearing aids over one, when given the choice to hear binaurally.

Customer satisfaction. Research with more than 5,000 consumers with hearing loss in both ears demonstrated that binaurally fit subjects are more satisfied than people fit with one hearing aid.

Logically, just as you use both eyes to see clearly, you need two healthy ears to hear clearly. Before you decide on one hearing aid, try two. Your hearing healthcare professional can demonstrate to you the binaural advantage experience either through headphones (during testing), probe microphones, master hearing aids, or during your trial fitting. Decide for yourself.

Courtesy of  Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D. – Better Hearing Institute, Alexandria, VA. Visit the Better Hearing Institute  www.BetterHearing.org.

Havasu hearing aid company to offer a trade-in allowance to 10 wearers of older model hearing aids this week—up to $1,200 per pair.

   Hearing aid wearers who have wanted to replace their older devices have a reason now more than ever to trade-up to more modern hearing  aid technology. PureTone Hearing Centers of Yuma has introduced a trade-in plan that will benefit hearing aid wearers wanting new technology, and the needy who are currently without hearing aid help.

   The program will be limited to only 10 trade-in applicants this week,   according to PureTone executive, Edward Maznio.  Mr. Maznio said the program “will be a win-win opportunity that will help the needy who are unable to afford hearing aids and also the hearing aid wearer that seeks more effective hearing  with  an  incentive of   up   to a $1,200 trade-in allowance per pair of older devices”.

   The trade-in program is  expected to be completed by July 4th to fully supply the needs of the charities selected.

   “Donations of the trade-in devices to local charities, including the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and others will occur during the same period of time”, said Mr. Maznio.  Industry experts estimate that only 10% of the population with hearing loss have received help. “This program will go a long way in helping those that stand in need in our own community”, said Mr. Maznio.

   To participate in the trade-in program, applicants must own name brand or generic hearing aids that are 2 + years old, have a mild to severe hearing loss and live in YumaCounty.

    Those who are interested in participating in this  trade-in program must call 928-343-0600 for an appointment this Mon. thru Fri. from 9AM to 4PM. The Yuma trade-in location is 1030 W. 24th St., Suite C-2. If operators are busy, please call again.

 When making choices about any important addition to your life, you need to first consider what best meets your needs and then, what your budget will allow.  This is the case whether you are choosing a new flat screen television, a digital camera or a hearing device.  For people with hearing loss, the choice just became easier with the introduction of a new selection of attractively priced hearing devices called Vigo from leading hearing aid manufacturer Oticon.

 “Advanced technology hearing devices that provide superior speech understanding and sound quality are the most sought-after option by patients looking for optimal hearing solutions,” explains Edward Maznio of PurTone Hearing Centers in Phoenix, Arizona. “For some patients, the solutions with the most desirable features were often out of their price range. Now with Vigo, we can offer our patients hearing solutions with the advanced features they want at an attractive price point.”

Edward Maznio points to new Oticon Vigo and Vigo Pro hearing devices that offer a combination of high-end features, sound quality and discrete style choices previously found only in the premium price range. 

 “Even a few months ago, I would not have been able to offer my price-minded patients the features and benefits these new hearing devices deliver at a very attractive price point,” says Mr. Maznio. “It demonstrates the willingness of manufacturers to constantly look for new and innovative ways to design products that meet the individual demands of our patients – in this case an affordable solution with the benefits only advanced technology can provide.”

Vigo Pro’s “engine” is a tiny yet powerful processor that uses the latest hearing technology to ensure that Vigo Pro’s premium features work intelligently together.  The result: an easy listening experience with instant and effortless speech understanding.

The new hearing solutions also feature a highly advanced noise management system including voice-detection technology called “VoiceFinder”. By zeroing in on speech with great accuracy, even in the most challenging listening situations such as noisy restaurants or social gatherings, VoiceFinder automatically reduces unwanted and distracting background noise without reducing the volume of speech. 

“Vigo Pro actually ‘remembers’ a person’s volume preferences in different sound environments and automatically adjusts to specific situations making it easy to use and ensuring patient comfort,” Edward Maznio explains.

Vigo and Vigo Pro are available in a full range of discreet styles and attractive colors. For more information about hearing health and the new mid-priced hearing solutions, contact Edward Maznio at PurTone Hearing Aid Centers at 1-888-614-HEAR (4327) or visit www.ArizonaHears.com.  PurTone has offices in Chandler, Goodyear, Lake Havasu City, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Yuma, Arizona.

But did you know that once we pass age 25, our hearing has already begun to decline? By the age of 50, nearly one in every two people has difficulty understanding conversation, especially in noisy situations. Worldwide, nearly 500 million people have a hearing loss.

Traditional hearing aids have limitiations.

Traditional hearing aids were invented to address this problem. While beneficial, they also have serious limitations. Many people are reluctant to use traditional aids due to discomfort, or for cosmetic reasons. Design limitations causing squealing (feedback) and a plugged up feeling (the occlusion effect) are troublesome. In addition, amplification can sometimes magnify background noise more than speech.

SeboTek replaced the traditional hearing aid.

SeboTek Hearing Systems recognized the drawbacks of traditional hearing aids and revolutionized hearing care with the introduction of their PAC Voice-Q hearing instrument. The PAC, a patented receiver-in-the-canal hearing instrument, launched an entirely new era in hearing care—one free from the challenges associated with traditional hearing aids.

The next generation in hearing care.

Now SeboTek is proud to introduce the 800 Series Voice-Q PAC, our most advanced hearing instrument ever. The PAC has a built in mini computer that provides many new advanced features:

•  Digital Voice Detection
•  Auto-Focus Adaptive Directional Microphones
•  Voice Priority Adaptive Noise Reduction

Simply put, these new features are all designed to maximize your ability to hear speech sounds while at the same time reduce distracting background noise. 

To learn more, contact your local SeboTek Authorized Dispenser in Arizona: PurTone Hearing Aid Centers directly at 1-888-614-4327 or at www.ArizonaHears.com.  PurTone has offices in Chandler, Goodyear, Lake Havasu City, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Yuma, Arizona. SeboTek can be found on the web at www.SeboTek.com.

A new system of innovative wireless connectivity solutions is enabling people with hearing loss to experience more natural personal communication and more freedom.

“When wireless connectivity was first introduced, people with hearing loss, for the first time, were able to stream sound directly from cell phones to their hearing devices — opening a world of easy communication that had previously been off limits for them,” states Edward Maznio of PurTone Hearing Centers in Phoenix, Arizona.  “But there were limitations when it came to steaming sound from TVs and existing landline phones.”

These limitations created a number of quality of life challenges for patients and their families.  “I had adult children who were concerned that a hearing impaired parent’s difficulty speaking on the phone made it impossible to check in on their health and safety during the day,” says Mr. Maznio. “I also found that a patient’s need to turn the volume of the television so loud that it drove others out of the room was a recurring source of frustration for many families.” 

Now, new Oticon ConnectLine™ enables a simple, high fidelity connection to any TV or landline phone. The new “plug and play” ConnectLine TV Adaptor and ConnectLine Phone Adaptor optimize the wireless connectivity potential of the popular Dual and Epoq hearing solutions.  With just the push of a button on the hearing instruments’ Streamer companion device, the ConnectLine system connects wirelessly and seamlessly to TV and landline phones.  Transitions between phone or TV functions are equally easy with just a touch of a button.

The small and attractive ConnectLine TV Adaptor connects to the audio output of any TV. It has a range of up to 30 feet and runs on its own power supply.  Users enjoy high quality audio streaming through their hearing instruments – listening at their own preferred volume and without the delay experienced with off-the-shelf Bluetooth transmitters.  There is no need to recharge the ConnectLine TV Adaptor and there are no additional gadgets or loop installations required.  After an initial pairing with the Streamer device, the ConnectLine connects automatically whenever the Streamer is activated.

ConnectLine Phone Adaptor turns any landline phone into a cordless Bluetooth phone.  The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor can be especially beneficial for seniors who want to continue using their current landline phone.  Users simply press the phone button on the Streamer to pick-up or end the call.  The ConnectLine Phone Adaptor does not interfere with the ability of other household members to use the landline phone as usual. 

“ConnectLine Adaptors deliver excellent sound quality and are easy to use.  There are no dropped connections and no need to pair again,” notes Edward Maznio.  “Because the adaptors work on their own power supply, there is no need to recharge.”

For more information about hearing health and the new ConnectLine system, contact PurTone Hearing Centers at 1-888-614-HEAR (4327) or visit www.ArizonaHears.com.

1. Be sure that you are working with an Arizona licensed hearing instrument specialist or dispensing audiologist that specializes in hearing evaluations, consultations and instrument fittings.
2. You need to request Free batteries and in-office service & repairs for the life of your hearing devices. At PūrTone, both of these are standard every-day offers.
3. You should ensure that you have, in writing, that you will have the option of exchanging your hearing device if it doesn’t provide you with the improved hearing you desire. At PūrTone, we give you a 65-day Better Hearing Guarantee to ensure your satisfaction, as well as a 30-day return policy.
4. Just because a hearing instrument is digital, it doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for you. Not all digitals are created equal. Some are quality devices, some are not. National or international brands provide easy access to repairs and future service, whereas locally-made devices may be obsolete or difficult to repair if you were to move or even travel. As your specialist, we can advise you on which major-brand hearing  devices will give you the most peace of mind and help for your particular level of hearing.
5. Be sure to ask for a price protection guarantee, so that you can rest assured that you paid the lowest price for the level of technology you purchased. At PūrTone we confidently provide you with our 65 Day “Best Price” Protection Guarantee.
6. Your dispenser will need to carry a fresh supply of batteries in stock, so your hearing instruments will always meet or exceed the device manufacturer’s calculated battery life.
7. You need to know that after the first fit of your new devices, you will need at least two follow-up visits. An office that is close-by and has good parking will make this process more worry-free.
8. You should be sure that the company you choose has a stake in their community. At PūrTone, we donate our time and money to local charities and non-profit organizations—currently the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Audiology Department.
9. You are, by law, entitled to receive a copy of the results of your hearing evaluation—called your “audiogram”, which is like an eyeglass prescription. If you are told you can’t have a copy, it is only because of fear that you will use it to purchase your hearing devices elsewhere.
10. You need an office that will be able to accommodate your schedule, with sufficient staff to see you within a short amount of time—not scheduling you several weeks out.
11. After receiving 2,928 Patient Survey responses, we currently enjoy a 98.40% Patient Satisfaction Rate.  Don’t take our word for it—listen to so many others in Arizona that have put their trust in PūrTone.

 PūrTone Hearing Aid Centers is the Arizona hearing aid provider that you can trust.  Visit us at www.ArizonaHears.com or call 1-888-614-HEAR (4327).