ArizonaHears.com Blog

Oticon’s leadership in premium hearing care enforced by the launch of Oticon Agil, a next generation wireless high-end hearing solution

Edward — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:54:13 +0000

Oticon introduces the most advanced signal processing concept ever with the launch of Oticon Agil, a new second-generation wireless Premium hearing instrument family. The new product family defines a new approach to hearing care by taking speech understanding in noise to a new level using significantly reduced cognitive efforts.

The global launch of Agil in early March 2010 will be the most comprehensive introduction from Oticon to date, addressing the widest range of hearing losses and style preferences in one product brand and offering an extensive range of premium features and end-user benefits:

Exquisite speech understanding in noise
The cognitive efforts necessary to understand speech are significantly reduced, leaving more mental energy to reflect, remember and respond
Audio through wireless technology is improved for open fittings and enhanced with 3D listening
New audiological concepts: Speech Guard, Spatial Sound 2.0 and Connect [+]
New RISE II processing platform with twice the calculation power of RISE
New very cosmetically attractive miniRITE style – 30% smaller than Epoq
New Power CIC allowing users with severe hearing losses to be fitted with a very small custom solution
Highly flexible RITE speaker solution covering mild to severe losses with the same instrument
Two ranges: Oticon Agil and Oticon Agil Pro
Most comprehensive style and fitting range launched in one brand: RITE/RITE Power, BTE/BTE Power, CIC/CIC Power and other custom styles and fitting options
Fully ConnectLine-compatible

Three new audiological concepts in Oticon Agil are designed to preserve the natural characteristics of speech, while enriching the sound quality to enable the brain to use fewer of its resources for listening purposes. As a result, the end-user should have more residual energy for other important tasks such as full social interaction.Spatial Sound 2.0 maintains natural acoustic cues, which the brain needs to organise the sound environment. Speech Guard preserves the fine modulation and details of the signal even in environments where sound levels change rapidly or where audibility of soft sounds would be a challenge to conventional compression systems. Connect [+] enhances the perception of bass or low frequencies by adding depth and spatial quality, while the user listens to streamed music.

The family will be released in two price points, Oticon Agil Pro and Oticon Agil, covering a wide range of needs in the market for premium hearing care.

“With Oticon Agil, we have virtually improved all the advanced features already available in Oticon Epoq. Our almost three years of everyday experience with wireless audiology and connectivity has given us valuable insights enabling us to bring forward a significantly better hearing solution. For

William Demant Holding, I expect Oticon Agil to be a important driver of growth and market share gains,” says Niels Jacobsen, President & CEO of William Demant Holding.

PurTone Hearing Centers of Arizona looks forward to offering the Oticon Agil line of hearing aid solutions to our loyal friends and patrons.

See full story at:

http://www.demant.com/eprise/main/Demant/_Announcements/General/10-02-01_UK.pdf

Edward Maznio and Jaime Silva of PurTone Attend International Congress in Ireland

Edward — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:21:13 +0000

Edward Maznio and Jaime Silva of PurTone Hearing Centers in Phoenix were of 200 leading U.S. hearing care professionals to participate in the 2009 OtiCongress, a professional conference exploring the newest trends and technologies in hearing care. The week-long conference brought together hearing care and healthcare experts from around the world who conducted seminars and workshops designed to give hearing care practitioners access to the knowledge and tools needed to provide optimal hearing solutions for their patients. Held August 24 – 27, the conference’s educational sessions took place at several locations throughout Ireland including Dublin’s world renowned Trinity College.

“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.

Hearing loss prevention information everyone can use

Edward — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:48:17 +0000

1. We all know that a person’s hearing gets worse with age. So, isn’t it a little futile to try and prevent this from happening?

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

Check diabetes patients for hearing loss

Edward — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:38:00 +0000

by Michael Woodhead Hearing loss can be added to the list of microvascular complications of type-2 diabetes, a major Australian research suggests.

Results from the Blue Mountains Hearing Study which ran for five years and involved more than 3500 people with diabetes show that hearing loss is more common, starts at an earlier age and is more likely to progress in people with diabetes.

The findings, published in the journal Diabetic Medicine (26: 483-88) this month, show that age-related hearing loss was found in half of all patients with diabetes surveyed compared to 38% of people without diabetes, after adjusting for other factors.

Hearing loss was related to the duration of a person’s diabetes, and progression was found to be significantly greater in people with newly diagnosed diabetes over the five year study period.

The study authors, from the University of Sydney, say that the findings “considerably increase the plausibility that type 2 diabetes and hearing loss may share a common aetiology”.

Their study did not assess whether diabetes-related neuropathy or vascular problems contributed to the hearing loss, and they note that other factors such as exposure to noise will account for a greater burden of hearing loss than diabetes.

Nevertheless, they say the widespread nature of type 2 diabetes means the impact of hearing loss in diabetes is likely to be substantial, especially when combined with the impact of diabetes on eyesight.

They suggest that usual care for people with diabetes include questions about hearing function and referral for hearing assessment.

15 May 2009

Heavy Weight Champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier says Oticon Dual is a Knock-out

Edward — Fri, 08 May 2009 23:48:08 +0000

Somerset, NJ - Joe Frazier, Olympic and former World Heavy Weight Champion, isn’t about to let any thing slow him down – including hearing loss. The 65-year-old boxing icon recently upgraded his hearing solutions to Oticon Dual. The sleek, state-of-the-art hearing devices proved a good match for the busy boxing entrepreneur and charitable foundation founder, who continues to skillfully bob and weave his way through days full of community, business and social engagements.

Frazier is the newest in a growing list of celebrities who are up-trading to Dual, a new high tech hearing device that offers a unique synergy of high performance technology and aesthetic appeal. Designed inside and out to deliver spatial sound and wireless connectivity in a sleek, small shell, Dual solves the “beauty or brains” dilemma that has long challenged hearing care professionals, and frustrated individuals with hearing loss looking for ideal solutions. For “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier, who pulls no punches, the bottom line has always been a hearing solution that delivers superior sound quality.

“When I work with the young boxing hopefuls, I need to be able to hold up my end of the conversation,” states Frazier. “The noise in the gym can create problems for me. Hearing clearly in social and business situations is also important to me. Dual’s excellent sound quality gives me the fighting edge I need.”

Oticon Vice President of Marketing Gordon Wilson met with Frazier in his adopted hometown of Philadelphia to talk about his experiences with Dual. “True to his reputation, Mr. Frazier is a person who doesn’t pull any punches,” states Wilson. “As an experienced hearing device user, he had very clear requirements for his upgraded hearing device but he also wanted style and a discreet look. Dual offers him the performance he needs and the stylish, modern design he wants.”

Known for his dapper appearance and personal charisma in and out of the ring, Frazier praises Dual for enabling him to zero in on the softer, high pitched voices of his female fans. “Hearing the ladies at social gatherings was a problem for me,” notes Frasier. “Now I can join in the conversations without struggling to understand what is being said.” Frasier plans to recommend Dual to his friends who can also use a hearing boost. “If you can’t hear, you can’t stay in the match,” he says.

Wilson noted that “Smokin’ Joe” is an excellent endorsement for Dual’s ability to deliver sound quality unmatched by any other hearing device. “At age 65, Mr. Frazier is a commanding figure who clearly wouldn’t be satisfied with any ‘light weight’ solution,” notes Wilson. “He expects a lot of himself and his hearing solutions need to measure up to the demands of his busy lifestyle.”

For more information about Oticon, visit http://www.oticonusa.com or the Oticon web channel on Audiology Online. Oticon Dual is available through PurTone Hearing Aid Centers in Arizona. Visit www.ArizonaHears.com to learn more or call 1-888-614-HEAR (4327).

Speech Discrimination Uncovered

Edward — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:58:49 +0000

After performing a thorough hearing evaluation, special attention should be given to the intelligibility or word discrimination score. The score recorded directly relates to the individual’s ability to understand words presented to them on an aided (amplified) basis. In other words, when the individual is being tested they are given enough amplification through the headset to compensate for their hearing loss. There are various ways to improve intelligibility and all require a bit of effort. A sure way to strengthen your score is to buy a favorite book on Cassette or CD along with a copy of the book to read along while the cassette or CD is playing. Another way, is to read out loud or have someone read out loud to you. Both of these strategies will allow the individual to hear the words properly pronounced and visualize them at the same time. The mind needs to be re-taught how certain words (at different frequencies) are supposed to sound. As long as the individual is using the proper hearing instrument along with this kind of therapy, it will just be a matter of time until their word discrimination score improves. For some, this may take weeks, and for others it may take several months, even with the help of the most advanced and effective hearing aids. The longer the brain has gone without sufficient speech stimulation, the longer it likely will take for the brain to re-learn the sounds of speech again. Patience while re-learning speech will in most cases payoff with great dividends.

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.

Elderly Man Mistakes Card For Noisy Neighbors

Edward — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:58:25 +0000

German Man, 82, Calls Police After Mistaking Musical Greeting Card For Noisy Neighbors

(AP) German police said an elderly man was so annoyed at hearing the same serenade over and over that he called authorities to report his neighbors, only to discover the culprit was a musical greeting card on his own windowsill. Police said Tuesday the 82-year-old from Goslar in central Germany told officers he was sick of the music, which would come at irregular intervals and at all hours.

Upon further investigation, police found the musical greeting card on his windowsill, where occasional breezes opened the card just enough to play an irritating tune.

Police said the retiree was happy to find out his neighbors weren’t trying to annoy him.

Original article found at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/05/05/ap/strange/main4992917.shtml

From the Hand of a Few PurTone Hearing Centers Patients

Edward — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:18:33 +0000

PurTone Hearing Aid Centers enjoys a patient satisfaction rate of 98.4%, which is highlighted by the words of just a few of our PurTone patients:

I really appreciate the staff and I love my new hearing aids. My left ear is a little difficult but the staff is doing everything to make it better. Mary Colburn, Surprise, AZ

PurTone is the best. Very professional and pleasant. Vincent Weber, Chandler, AZ

Excellent service, cheerful staff – wonderful folks. George B., Yuma, AZ

Almost too good to be true! Shirlee D., Yuma, AZ

I would highly recommend PurTone to anyone in need of hearing devices, or anything related to hearing. The people at PurTone are friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, caring and wonderful to deal with. They worked with me every step of the way and continue to provide help to me whenever I need. They are a truly wonderful and exceptional company. Clancy Harrington, Wittman, AZ

I’m pleased – so will tell others. Lola B., Sun City West, AZ

You are a true professional, caring and compassionate. We are so happy with our “ears”, and will “sing your praises” to all who will listen. Dolly Kennedy, Phoenix, AZ (“Steamboat Dolly”)

Very professional, as well as being friendly, making one feel very comfortable. Keep up the great work, you guys are the best! Sharon B., Sun City West, AZ

Went to PurTone about 2 weeks ago. Have never heard so good. Little bumps & grinds, but now everything is perfect. I can even hear my husband – even on the phone. Rae Levy, Peoria, AZ

I can hear the phone ring now. Don’t really need vibrate any longer. Terry M., Chandler, AZ

It was great not to wait for it (hearing device)! Mira T., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Totally satisfied with all services. Margo H., Yuma, AZ

Excellent, professional service. Evelyn P., Surprise, AZ

Couldn’t be happier! Eileen P., Yuma, AZ

Very good. Marge S., Yuma, AZ

15 years ago, I was fitted with hearing aids but I quickly decided they were not for me. It felt like my fingers were in my ears. My own voice didn’t even sound right. Then I tried Delta (WOW) I can hear again. My voice sounds natural. Music and television are played much softer now. (I think my wife is happier than I am). After a couple of weeks, i couldn’t tell I was wearing them. Rock Hendricks, Surprise, AZ

Very well satisfied over all. Don M., Yuma, AZ

Didn’t feel pressured to buy hearing aids. I felt completely comfortable and at ease during my entire visits. Will certainly recommend you when the opportunity arises. Gena C., Surprise, AZ

No “hard sale” tactics. Even had cookies – homemade!! Ina Grace L., Yuma, AZ

Great experience!! Gary B., Surprise, AZ

Your Havasu specialist took lots of important time to ensure satisfaction. Robert B., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Cookies good every time. Henry R., Yuma, AZ

It doesn’t get any better than this. The Yuma people are just great. They are very knowledgeable about the product. I went through a whole day without saying “huh”. The PAC does what I expect an aid to do. Karl D., Yuma, AZ

Your Havasu team is very professional. Annabelle S., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Your services have been highly professional in every way - both technical and informational. That combined with your personal interest in your customers should result in a successful venture. Lee R., Sun City, AZ

Your staff was so wonderful! What a joy!! I can hear again! Barbara P., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Great, I can hear. It put a smile on my face, even when I paid the bill. Thanks. Donna F., Lake Havasu City, AZ

The quality of sound I am hearing is nothing short of miraculous. For the first time in probably 20 years, I can listen to music and hear the melody. And my grandchildren’s voices – so angelic! The telephone is no longer a nightmare, and I am once again able to enjoy a phone conversation with family who live far away. There are still challenges, but the change in my lifestyle is amazing. I have gone from a quiet world of isolation, cringing whenever the phone rang, hoping people didn’t ask me anything, straining to hear any word of a conversation, doing the ’smile & nod’, to being part of the world again. Ricki G., Surprise, AZ

Loved the basket of drinks & snacks we were offered. Cleanliness was excellent! & restroom as well. Colleen & Selena go the extra mile. David J., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Exceptional service!! Joseph M., Yuma, AZ

Excellent service from your PurTone team. Highly professional. Lawrence C., Peoria, AZ

Professional, welcoming, courteous, helpful and friendly are the marks of the PurTone staff. I am pleased with my hearing instrument as it opens up an otherwise unknown world of sound. The service and ongoing support have been superb. J. Roger Anderson, Sun City West, AZ

Thanks to the competent and professional guidance of your personnel at PurTone. I was fitted with Oticon Delta hearing aids. These hearing aids have greatly improved my lifestyle. I am able to hear music better, understand conversations more clearly and function well in all environments. The service, and the attention to detail from your staff was excellent. I have highly recommended PurTone to others. Roger Sies, Surprise, AZ

Very impressed. Alfonso H., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Easy to communicate with. Friendly & helpful folks. William C., Surprise, AZ

Excellent staff. Very knowledgeable & friendly. Ken L., Lake Havasu City, AZ

The PurTone employees were very professional & kind. W. Russell J., Surprise, AZ

I want to inform you of how pleased I am with your Scottsdale hearing specialist. He is a wonderful addition to your office for your patients with hearing aid issues. He is very caring, and took the time to help me solve my hearing aid problems. He is patient and knowledgeable, and I am grateful you have someone so capable to address the hearing aid needs for your office. Nancy P., Scottsdale, AZ

I hear better than before. Joan F., Lake Havasu City, AZ

Did not experience uncomfortable or frustrating situations. Arthur A., Surprise, AZ

Very good. Lucille S., Yuma, AZ

They are doing great!! Clarence H., Surprise, AZ

Truly, a surprising and professional experience. Dwight E., Peoria, AZ

I’m very pleased with my hearing aid. I’m sorry it took me so long to get them. Thank you. Dorothy Mispelon, Lake Havasu City, AZ

I think you guys are treating us great! I went to another place before I came hear and they let me try the hearing aids. They didn’t even check my ears. My right ear was totally plugged with wax. I even went to my personal Dr. & his nurse couldn’t clear it. I came in to PurTone & your staff cleared out my ear. I bought my hearing aids hear. I took the others back & was told that PurTone would not give me good service after the sale. This was totally wrong. The PurTone Hearing Center has been extremely nice to work with and I couldn’t ask for better service before & after the sale. I would recommend them to my friends, or anyone else who was a hearing problem. – William R. Coleman, Sun City, AZ

All good. Virginia S., Peoria, AZ

Particularly like Bluetooth capability. Luey B., Yuma, AZ

These are much more simple to use than the last ones which were fully in the ear canal and kept having to send them to the factory. Bill M., Sun City West, AZ

After trying 3 other sets (of hearing aids), I finally got some I can wear. Thank you. Helen M., Yuma, AZ

They gave me a test drive – great! Mary C., Lake Havasu City, AZ

I am very pleased with my Oticon Deltas. They are much more comfortable than the CIC model I used to wear. I also have better clarity of sound & comprehension of speech with the Deltas. The PurTone team are always polite & friendly. They keep me informed about my hearing & my aids. I would recommend this office to anyone. Richard J. Schmidt, Phoenix, AZ

I have had good service with PurTone. They have met my needs & are concerned for my welfare. They are friendly & I know I can get my concerns resolved when I need it. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help with their hearing. Nancy Thurston, Yuma, AZ

Very happy with your staff. Jeffrey E., Surprise, AZ

Very informative, honest, friendly – great! Janis M., Surprise, AZ

They are great. Harvey H., Yuma, AZ

The PurTone folks are very professional & knowledgeable. Richard W., Peoria, AZ

Very good product. Your PurTone staff is super – super. Charles D., Peoria, AZ

The hearing aids have made a great difference in our lives. Now I can hear my husband correct – even on the golf course. And he can hear me too! Thanks for making this possible! Myrtle Peterson, Yuma, AZ

I had 2 other kinds of hearing aids and I hated them. These Deltas are 5000% better. They are comfortable and I can hear! Norman Peterson, Yuma, AZ

Very satisfied – excellent service. William C., Peoria, AZ

Excellent customer service – nice folks. Roy A., Yuma, AZ

Great staff. Anonymous, Phoenix, AZ

I was very happy with the service. Eleonore T., Yuma, AZ

Great service!! Richard G., Lake Havasu City, AZ

I have never come away from his office that he hasn’t made me feel positive about my decision. Marvin S., Sun City West, AZ

Very pleased. Russell A., Yuma, AZ

Your PurTone specialist was just so excellent. He really went above & beyond making sure I had the most excellent encounter with PurTone. Excellent cleanliness. This whole encounter was 1st class! Liz D., Peoria, AZ

Your professionals in Yuma were very helpful, gave good explanation. They should get a raise. Their teaching explanations are very excellent. Janice R., Yuma, AZ

Your Peoria staff were great! Georgette R., Peoria, AZ

This office is very pleasant & knowledgeable and an asset to company of PurTone. Edward O., Surprise, AZ

I have never been anywhere where they always know my name. Samantha W., Yuma, AZ

Wonderful people and adjustment also. David P., Yuma, AZ

Having worn hearing aides for more than 12 years and having had many hearing evaluations by qualified Audiologist, I want to praise your hearing professional. I was greeted from PurTone people most warmly. They performed a most thorough hearing evaluation. The aide prescribed was no doubt the best I have ever tried. No sales pressure, just professionalism at all times. Thank you for your invitation for a hearing evaluation. Thank you for hiring employees such as those in Peoria. George Cunningham, Sun City, AZ

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Phoenix Valley is a Special Hearing Aid Test Market

Edward — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:03:23 +0000

PūrTone Hearing Centers is pleased to announce that our Manufacturer Trained Representative, will be holding a product test market event to introduce the World’s Most Advanced Open Natural Hearing System, Dual by Oticon powered by RISE. The Dual by Oticon has three levels of Natural: Natural Sound, Natural Awareness, & Natural Amplification. These three levels of Natural gives this hearing device an unsurpassed sound quality for today’s busy lifestyle. The Dual by Oticon is also designed to disappear.

This Special Event will be limited to 3 DAYS ONLY! Tuesday thru Thursday – May 5^th thru 7^thfrom 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. During this special event, we will be offering the following Free of Charge:

1. Complete electronic hearing screening by our licensed Hearing Aid Professional

2. You will see your ear canal on a color TV Screen with the use of our new video camera.

3. Demonstration of the brand NEW Natural Hearing System from Dual by Oticon. This fantastic new technology is the best we’ve seen in our history for natural hearing, and solves most challenges you may have experienced with older, less advanced hearing aids. The system can even offer full Bluetooth^® wireless connectivity for those tech-savvy folks, and longer battery life.

4. If you currently wear hearing instruments, they will be cleaned at no charge during your office visit.

This Special Test Market Event will be limited to 3 DAYS ONLY! We are only sending this invitation to a select few and our current patients. Please call early to make an appointment on the date of your choice. Appointments will go fast! Be sure to bring a friend or loved one, someone whose voice is familiar to you.

During this special test market event, 100% Financing is available on all hearing systems with 6 Months, No Interest, No Down Payment (O.A.C.).

Contact our appointment desk today to RSVP. Call today (602) 971-3900. Appointments are limited and remember there is no cost for these services during these 3 days. This will be the only notice sent to you. If you received this letter in error, please pass it on to a loved one or friend who could benefit from our offer.

Yours for better hearing,

Edward Maznio

Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist/ Founder & CEO

PūrTone Hearing Centers

P.S. We will be offering tremendous incentives, including financial, toward the purchase of any model of Dual by Oticon during this test market event. Remember appointments are limited so please call (602) 971-3900 today!

Hearing Solutions: The Binaural Hearing Aid Advantage

Edward — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:58:34 +0000

If you have hearing loss in both ears (bilateral hearing loss), then you are most likely a candidate for two hearing aids. While a hearing healthcare professional can best determine if you are a candidate for two hearing aids, the ultimate decision-maker concerning binaural instruments is the person who will wear them. It is important that the person with the hearing loss be given the chance to experience binaural (two hearing aids) amplification, before a decision on one or two hearing aids is made. Similar to the way refractory problems in both eyes are treated with a pair of glasses, it makes sense that bilateral hearing loss should be treated with binaural hearing aids. Let me share with you why two hearing aids are better than one.

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.