Welcome to the HearingPlanet blog.

Hearing Loss - A Big Impact on Your Pocketbook!!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009   –   0 Comments

In these times of layoffs and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to make sure your performing at your best on the job. 

The past 3 days I’ve spoken with three patients in the process of obtaining hearing aids for the first time.  All three shared an important similarity – they were still working and described their hearing loss as affecting not only their home and personal life, but also having a significant impact on their success at work.  One man was in sales and he was misunderstanding his clients, another described the embarrassment he felt missing crucial information in management meetings, and the other man (in his late 30s) had been demoted from a higher paying assembly line job to an office job because he couldn’t hear instructions from his supervisor.

All three instances reminded me of a study by The Better Hearing Institute in 2007 on the effects of potential lost income that results from untreated hearing loss.  Link here.  As much as $23,000 per year may be lost if hearing loss has been diagnosed but left untreated (i.e. hearing aids not used). 

Interestingly, all three men had known about, or suspected, their hearing loss for several years, but delayed taking action.  The urging of family members, today’s economic times and job security, and the firm promptings of their employers were the deciding factors for the three people to take action and be fit with hearing aids.

The Better Hearing Institute also follows in that study that with, “The use of hearing aids would appear to mitigate income loss by 50%.” Wow!  The study is incredibly detailed and is a solid reminder that hearing loss doesn’t just affect the obvious situations.

The idea of income loss had never been studied up to then, and is one of a number of factors hearing loss adversely affects in our lives.  Hearing loss affects not only the person experiencing the loss, but those closest to us – our family members, friends, co-workers, and everyone else we come into contact.  I’m reminded of this every day.  If you’re reading this, and are considering hearing aids, go ahead and reflect on how your hearing problems may impact so many other things and people around you.  Don’t hesitate to share those experiences by commenting on this post.

Steve

Sonic Touch - A tiny hearing aid with cool features!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009   –   0 Comments

Last week our Sonic Innovations regional rep, Ken, visited our office to train us on their latest open-fit hearing aid – Touch.  There are some fascinating hearing aids on the market, but this was something to see.  First, Ken compared Touch to other open-fit behind-the-ear models currently available and it was easily the smallest and most discreet hearing aid we’ve seen yet.  Click here

Knowing that the Touch’s size and multitude of skin and hair tones will appeal to consumers cosmetically, it was critical that the hearing device also perform well and show durability.  Based on what we’ve seen, Sonic has accomplished both.  From a technology standpoint, the Touch uses Sonic’s proven Velocity processing and feature platform.  The features can be found by clicking here - Our patients have used the Sonic Velocity family of products the past year with great success.  Sonic Innovations has long been the benchmark in the hearing aid industry for improving speech understanding in the presence of background noise.  By combining unique directional microphone features and patented noise reduction technology, they truly excel in this area.  As a matter of fact, Bose Electronics just purchased the rights to use their noise reduction processing in their next line of products.

As far as durability and reliability, moisture can easily be a true enemy of hearing aid wearers.  Sonic Innovations has gone to great lengths to make sure the Touch is the most moisture resistant open-fit BTE hearing aid on the market.  First, Ken told us how they subjected the Touch to a live test in a humidity/moisture chamber and compared it to several other competitors’ devices.  The Touch operated effectively (250 hours) and lasted the longest in comparison to any other hearing aid in the test.  The nearest competitor operated about 50% as long.  The above link explains the interior and exterior design in detail.  See more info click here

We just received word today that Sonic Innovations will be shipping the product this week, so we’re looking forward to gauge our patients’ success.

Steve

Hearing Aid Stimulus – Wow!  What’s this all about?

Tuesday, April 07, 2009   –   0 Comments

Over the last couple of days we’ve had a number of calls from patients asking about the new “hearing aid stimulus.” Hearing aid stimulus?  It was news to us.  After a bit of investigation, it appears as if some ads are popping up, primarily in newspapers, about a special discount as part of a “hearing aid stimulus?”

Well as much as we’d like good old Uncle Sam to help our patients out with the cost of hearing aids, it seems this is too good to be true.  Nothing we can find in the stimulus package (you can read all about it here) pertains to hearing aids.  Unfortunately some retailers like to stretch the truth a bit.

What we can tell you is that there seems to be progress on a hearing aid tax credit.  Legislation has been reintroduced to provide a $500 per hearing aid tax credit every five years for the purchase of hearing aids.  It would apply those 55 and older.  You can read more details here.  Please write to your Congress representative in support of this legislation.

Bill

Shopping for Hearing Aids – Why Is This So Difficult?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009   –   0 Comments

I frequently talk with patients who tell me they have visited as little as two, and sometimes as many as five, different Hearing Professionals trying to decide which solution or product is best. 

Given the cost of hearing aids, lack of product reviews, differing professional opinions, and numerous choices, the real question comes down to, “Who can I trust to help me make this decision?”

Since there truly isn’t a “best hearing aid” (see my other blog entry title ‘what is the best hearing aid’), visiting several different Hearing Professionals may lead to even more confusion.  When it comes to your success with hearing aids, 50% is based on the science, the testing process, and the professional’s experience and the other 50% is very subjective to the person wearing the hearing aids. And since hearing aids are a medical device, it’s important not put them in the same category as cell phones, flat screen televisions, digital cameras, etc. when making a decision.

When you “shop” for hearing aids, there are 5 things to keep in mind.

1) Visiting several different Hearing Professionals will most likely add to any confusion.  Every professional will have an opinion/recommendation, and sometimes there are truly several products that can address your hearing loss and needs.  We’ve seen hundreds of patients delay doing anything at all because they simply get overwhelmed with choices of hearing aids.

2) Make sure the professional or company you buy from carries more than one hearing aid manufacturer.  This is extremely important.  If the first device you try doesn’t work for your needs, then you want that professional to have choices with other companies to ultimately find your solution.

3) Every manufacturer’s website you review will sound like they have the best hearing aid for you.  That’s how marketing experts make a living!  It bears repeating – there are several good hearing aid manufacturers and there is not a “best hearing aid”. 

4) Be careful when shopping the lowest price.  If you are looking for inexpensive hearing aids, there are plenty out there.  Today’s better hearing aids should last 5 years.  Buying hearing aids based mostly on price may have you back in the market in a couple years if the hearing aids weren’t ideal to begin with.

5) Most important - Eventually you will have to trust someone and simply get started evaluating hearing aids.  This is the only way you’ll know how hearing aids will help no matter how much research and shopping is done.

In reality, you really should be shopping for a company that is knowledgeable and flexible, and will work hard to understand your lifestyle and hearing needs.  Since there is such a strong subjective component to hearing aids, it is critical that the professional working with you take the time to explain how the features of a particular model will have a positive impact for you.

Steve

Open Fit Hearing Aids

Wednesday, February 18, 2009   –   0 Comments

Open fit hearing aids have now become the most popular style of hearing aid.

Open Fit Hearing Aids

Of all the hearing aid styles about which we receive consumer inquiries, the most common questions surround “Open-Fit” hearing aids.  Easily the most popular style of hearing aid these days, I’ll discuss the different configurations and what makes them so popular amongst today’s patients and Hearing Professionals.

Open-Fit hearing aids are similar to standard behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, but significantly smaller. Click microSavia_finger_LEFT.jpg to see a picture of one.  The hearing aid body is noticeably thinner and the sound receiver tubing is very narrow and contoured along the front of the ear canal for a very discreet appearance. A small tip or dome at the end of the tube is inserted in the ear canal. This leaves the ear “open” and reduces problems with occlusion (stuffy or barrel feeling) leading to more natural sounding amplification. Most patients describe the sound quality as “transparent” or very natural.

As I stated earlier, this style of hearing aid has become increasingly popular over the last 5 years and now accounts for over 50% of the hearing aid market. Although originally designed for high-frequency hearing losses, newer models can now accommodate a wider range of hearing loss. Many of today’s models are so flexible that they can be reconfigured for a person’s hearing loss that changes over a period of time.  It is a widely held belief among patients and Hearing Professionals that Open-Fit hearing aids are the most cosmetically appealing style of hearing aid available today.

Today’s Open-Fit devices come in two versions. The first is what we call a “tube-fitting” that uses very small diameter tubing in the ear similar to the standard BTE. The microphone, amplifier/digital processor, and receiver (speaker) are housed in the hearing aid and the sound is pushed through the thin tube and delivered into the ear canal. This style is easy to maintain because there is not a delicate electric part of the hearing aid inside the ear canal.

The other version of OTE is with the receiver in the canal (RIC) or canal receiver technology (CRT). This style looks almost identical to the other except that the speaker is separated from the hearing aid. This is accomplished by running a thin wire from the hearing aid down through the thin tubing and connecting it to a small receiver (speaker) that fits into the ear canal. The only drawback to the CRT style is the possibility of increased repairs due to moisture or wax damaging the receiver. People with known moisture or wax problems should not wear the CRT style. An advantage to this style is a wider range of hearing losses can now be fit with the availability of using a different “power” receiver for a more severe hearing loss.

There is no clinical evidence at this time that one Open-Fit style is better than the other. Hearing Professionals and patients may have subjective and/or clinical preferences, however, both work rather well. Due to their small size, manual controls are very limited. Some manufacturers offer remote controls, battery re-chargers, and Bluetooth options with OTE hearing aids.  Because of their small size, batteries are smaller and may need to be changed more frequently. The three most common sizes are 13, 312, and 10A (largest to smallest).  To see if you are candidate for this type of hearing aid, please consult with a Hearing Professional for a thorough hearing examination.  The Open-Fit hearing aid style has dramatically increased patient satisfaction and almost eliminated any stigma due to cosmetics.

Steve

Hearing Aids and Insurance Coverage

Wednesday, December 17, 2008   –   0 Comments

Hearing Aid Purchases and Insurance Coverage – What’s Best For Me?

As we all navigate the numerous changes that occur regularly with health insurance coverage, some benefits seem very straightforward while others are quite confusing, even misleading.  Regarding hearing aid coverage, it is the exception when health insurance offers reimbursement.  In those instances in which the coverage may be available, it has been our experience that many hearing aid benefits currently offered can actually deprive you of certain professional services and may not offer a true cost-saving benefit.

We’ll explain some of the different general plans available, examples of true costs, and questions to ask of your insurance representative to make sure you are actually receiving a worthwhile benefit.

Hearing Aid Benefits Allowing Direct Reimbursement to the Patient

These plans offer the best options for the consumer.  These plans typically offer a set amount to which you are entitled as a reimbursement and also allow you to buy the hearing aids from the Hearing Professional of your choosing.  There are usually few, if any, limitations on the technology or manufacturers, and you able to select the best hearing aids at that most competitive price.  This type of insurance plan is most common with HearingPlanet patients.  When you purchase hearing aids from us with direct reimbursement from your insurance carrier, our Audiology Department will gladly assist you in preparing any paperwork to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Insurance Companies Partnering with Hearing Aid Distributors

When insurance carriers decide to offer a hearing aid benefit, the vast majority will simply partner with a designated hearing aid seller or distributor who will in turn offer a discount to you for being a subscriber to that insurance company.  It has been our experience that you, the consumer, should review these discounts or benefits very closely before proceeding.  The discounts are usually given off MSRP or an inflated retail price and the distributor will typically limit you to certain manufacturers and/or models.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company if You Have an Insurance Benefit

It is important to ask the following questions:

1) Can I be reimbursed directly?  Again, this allows you more control over the purchase if this is allowed.  HearingPlanet will gladly assist you with this.

2) What if I do not like the contracted provider?  Don’t choose to work with a Hearing Professional with whom you don’t feel comfortable simply because you have a benefit.

3) Will I have choice of different hearing aid brands?  It is important you buy your hearing aids from a multi-brand distributor.

4) Do I have any deductibles or co-pays as part of the purchase?

Bottom Line – Look at the overall package of quality, service, current technology, and cost before making any decision.

Examples of Questionable Benefits

While generous hearing aid benefits are not common, they are quite obvious when reviewed and verified.  However, there are numerous more common plans that have to be scrutinized carefully.  Following are a few true examples recently encountered by HearingPlanet customers.

Example #1

Mary was told she had a $1,000 benefit from her health insurance towards the purchase of two hearing aids. She visited an Audiologist from her plan’s provider directory and was recommended a pair of premium hearing aids which cost $6,800.00.  The provider was to take $1,000 off his charge and Mary would pay the rest which made her out-of pocket cost $5,800.00.  She did some research and discovered those same hearing aids cost $5,400.00 regularly in comparison to the $6,800.  In addition, after receiving a second-opinion hearing test, she was told her hearing loss needs could be resolved with a different set of hearing aids costing substantially less.

Example #2

Bill received a notice in the mail that as a subscriber to his insurance company he would receive a 25% discount off a pair of hearing aids if he visited a major retailer.  After receiving his hearing test, he was told his hearing aids would cost $9,000 and with his 25% discount, his out of pocket cost would be $6,750.00.  After some research. he discovered a comparable brand and model would cost $5,200.

Example #3

A major insurance carrier announced a partnership with a hearing distributor for its members.  John looked into this and discovered that through this company his hearing aid choices were limited to a small hearing aid manufacturer and only 3 of their models.  After doing some of his own research, he discovered the three models being offered were using technology that had been on the market for 3-5 years.  In addition, the purported savings of more than 50% was off the MSRP and not the actual retail price of the hearing aids.

Summary – In the examples above, the issue is either high markup being given initially by the insurance companies’ designated hearing aid sellers to cover their costs of the required contracted discount or offering discounts which are too good to be true.

The bottom line is to always evaluate your TRUE Out-of-Pocket costs on comparable hearing aids through research.  Don’t assume that your insurance plan has the best option for you.

Bill

The Benefits to Using Hearing Aids

  –   1 Comments

According to a recent national survey by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), more than 31 million Americans admit to a hearing loss.  Only 37% are retirement age.  The majority are either school-age or in the work force.  Here’s another startling fact – only 23% of those 31 million people are actually using hearing aids!  There are numerous reasons why more people don’t use hearing aids, which in itself can be an entire article.

A landmark study published in the Hearing Review in 2000 (and repeated by other hearing aid researchers since) demonstrated not only the adverse effect that untreated hearing loss has on a person’s quality of life, but also the significant improvements properly fitted hearing aids can have.  We would like to share a summary of those findings with you. 

The author of the BHI study, Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., knew the number one reason people purchased hearing aids was the result of them recognizing that their hearing had become worse and secondly because it negatively impacted relationships with family, friends, and associates.  Essentially, their quality of life was adversely affected.  Many people wait an average of seven years or longer to purchase hearing aids and during that time most are not aware of the impact this delayed decision has had on their life and the lives of those around them. 

Dr. Kochkin wanted to discover through the use of exhaustive surveys what benefits hearing aids actually had on the social, psychological, emotional, and physical health of the hearing impaired person and his/her friends and family.  His study involved roughly 4,000 people making it the largest study in the world on the impact of hearing aids and quality of life.

Below are a summary of his findings.  When properly fitted with hearing aids, the hearing aid wearer:

1) was more likely to engage in and enjoy group and social activities;
2) described improved interpersonal relationships including greater intimacy;
3) experienced a reduction in anger and anxiety, as well as depression-related symptoms;
4) showed an improved sense of control and confidence in their life;
5) admitted to a reduction in self-criticism and an improvement in emotional stability;
6) demonstrated an overall feeling of improved health status;
7) showed a significant improvement in communication and perceived cognitive function from friends and family members;

The study is large and there are many other positive benefits to wearing hearing aids.  Dr. Firman of the National Council on Aging at the time stated in a speech to the media, “This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss…is a harmless condition.”

In another study published in May 2007 by Dr. Kochkin and the Better Hearing Institute, the following follow-up information was reported.  In a survey of more than 40,000 households utilizing the National Family Opinion panel, hearing loss was shown to negatively impact household income on-average up to $12,000 per year depending on the degree of hearing loss.  However, the use of hearing aids was shown to lessen the financial impact of hearing loss by 50%!

In summary, HearingPlanet has spoken with tens of thousands of people who have told stories about how hearing loss has adversely affected their jobs, social activity, relationships with spouses and family, hobbies and avocations, and many other situations.  We have also witnessed firsthand the benefits hearing aids can bring to someone’s life.  Remember, untreated hearing loss is not hidden.  The behaviors a person exhibits with an untreated hearing loss and the quality of life ramifications that result, are much more obvious than wearing today’s hearing aids. 

Today’s hearing aid technology has never been more comfortable, more advanced to keep up with our busy lifestyles, more discreet, and more reliable.  With our unique position of selling multiple hearing aid manufacturers, and seeing technology improve dramatically, this statement can be made with confidence.  Look for an upcoming blog entry about why some people don’t try hearing aids.

Steve Eagon (Steve’s bio)

What is the best hearing aid?

Friday, November 14, 2008   –   0 Comments

This is a question we get asked every day by numerous people, and it’s not the easiest question to answer.  If you’re like me, when it comes to making a big purchase I like to research my options.  I also like to read user reviews and independent product reviews.  With hearing aids, however, you may find an occasional user review, but there is no such information source pertaining to independent product reviews.  Let me explain why.

There are two major components Hearing Professionals use when selecting a hearing aid for someone – the hearing test results and the lifestyle of the individual.  Assuming the proper hearing aid selection addresses the person’s hearing loss and provides the appropriate features for their lifestyle, a good foundation is then set to start evaluating hearing aids.  However, the one aspect nobody knows when predicting hearing aid success is the “auditory processing” of the amplified sound when it travels from the inner ear to the brain.  This can vary greatly from person-to-person.

For example, let’s say you take 10 people with similar lifestyles and the same hearing loss, and fit them all with the same hearing aids.  Every person will experience something completely different as they begin wearing the hearing devices.  Some people will absolutely love them, some will think they’re terrible, and others will fall somewhere in the middle.  For those that don’t receive proper benefit, does that mean the hearing aid is not a quality device?  Absolutely not!  It simply means that for some reason that particular set of hearing aids wasn’t right for them.  This subjectivity and unique personal listening preferences, which we all have, is why you won’t find a ranking of the “best hearing aids”.

Occasionally there are studies in our industry that examine certain features and their benefits.  For example, see this link regarding the benefits of a certain type of hearing aid fitting.

So what should you keep in mind when researching and choosing hearing aids?  Here are some thoughts.

1) Work with a company and Hearing Professional who offer multiple manufacturers.  Your hearing needs and lifestyle shouldn’t be limited by lack of hearing aid choices.

2) Depending on your budget, make certain you are fit with hearing aids that have the appropriate features for your lifestyle.  This should be discussed with you by your Professional.

3) There’s only so much research you can do.  To find the best hearing aid, you simply have to begin with a good test and consult, feel comfortable with the recommended devices, and then start your trial/evaluation period.  This is the only way you’ll know if hearing aids will have a positive effect on your quality of life.  Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people research themselves to the point they don’t do anything, and at some point you must begin trying.

4) Work with a Hearing Professional face-to-face in your local area.  The programming complexity and flexibility of today’s digital technology combined with the uniqueness of your hearing loss and lifestyle, make the importance of this relationship crucial.

To sum everything up, the “best hearing aids” will be the ones that work best for you.  And the only way you’ll find out is by trying something and working closely with a hearing professional.

Bluetooth and hearing aids

Thursday, November 13, 2008   –   0 Comments

Over the past 18 months, a few hearing aid manufacturers have introduced hearing aids that are able to receive Bluetooth communication from cell phones, computers, and MP3 type players.  I’ll explain the various aspects of how this technology works, and what to look for.  In addition, I’ll include a link that summarizes each state’s laws regarding hands-free use of cell phones since this may influence a person’s purchase decision for new hearing aids.

First, what is Bluetooth?  Bluetooth® is an international wireless communication protocol. It includes software and hardware, which allows secure, two-way audio or data streaming between Bluetooth devices such as computers, mobile phones and PDAs. Bluetooth devices send data and voice in a clean, clear, digital format up to 10 meters.  The low-power design of Bluetooth transmission systems has two advantages. It minimizes battery consumption for portable devices. Also, it places an intentional limit on the range of transmission - 10 meters - which helps to avoid interference among nearby devices.  With hearing aids, the Bluetooth signal is picked up by the added accessory (see below) and fed into the hearing aids by a wireless transmission process.
There are about 5 options currently available for hearing aids.  I’ll touch on the most popular and latest options below.  The cost for a pair of digital hearing aids and their Bluetooth accessories ranges from $4,500.00 to over $6,500.00.

1) Phonak Hearing Instruments makes the iCom which is an accessory that works with two of their hearing aid models – the Exelia and Naida.  The following link will provide more info - phonak icom

2) Siemens Hearing Instruments makes the Tek accessory which works with their new Pure line of hearing aids.  Click here for more information:  Siemens Tek

3) A unique option that works with any standard digital behind-the-ear hearing aid with a telecoil is the NoizFree Beetle.  The lightweight single earhook rests next to the hearing aid on the ear connected to a very small receiver that clips on your shirt.  The receiver picks up the Bluetooth signal, transmits to the earhook which then sends the signal to the hearing aid.

I anticipate that even more hearing aids will come available in the near future to provide more options for patients. The hearing aid/Bluetooth options listed above have proven to work very well for our patients, and I recommend them regularly.

As with any hearing aid purchase, the most important thing to accomplish is to make sure the hearing aids will provide the necessary benefit for your hearing loss and lifestyle.  The Bluetooth device will provide limited benefit if the hearing aids aren’t at least meeting the majority of your hearing needs.

If you are considering a new hearing aid with Bluetooth accessory, another notion to consider is that several states and municipalities have enacted laws that either restrict or prohibit the use of a cell phone while driving, unless you have a hands-free device.  See this link for more information about your state - HandsFree Cell Phone Laws.

Welcome to the HearingPlanet Blog

Friday, July 18, 2008   –   0 Comments

I’d like to say Welcome to the HearingPlanet Blog.  We’re just getting started but we’ll be adding as we go along.  Some of the topics we’ll discuss here are hearing aids, hearing aid features and technology as well as hearing loss and related issues.  We’d also like to bring bloggers some insight into the hearing related challenges facing the many people we talk to everyday.

Since HearingPlanet was founded in 1999, we’ve always tried to provide visitors with straight forward information about hearing aids and hearing loss...trying to take some confusion out of a confusing process.  We view this blog as an extension of that philosophy.  We’ll try to bring some real world experience to the many choices of hearing aids out there today.  We’ll also bring some insight into some patient stories.  This, we hope, will help other make decisions about how to address the hearing challenges they or a loved one faces day to day.

And now for a bit of a plug for the website....Our site HearingPlanet recently earned an Award of Distinction from the Communicator Awards. Check out Communicator Award Press Release.  We redesigned the site in late 2007 to help our visitors find information they are looking for more easily. This included identifying the different people or “personas” coming to the website. We identified people researching hearing loss, people looking for information on a specific hearing aid model and those looking for a clinic location.

Check back for more....

Bill

Technorati Profile