Is it the laser, or is it the Ophthalmologist that saved your vision?
Is it the artificial heart, or is it the surgeon that saved your life?
All hearing aids are a piece of plastic. Granted, some pieces of plastic are more expensive than others depending on the electronic components and computerized technology inside the plastic. But essentially, hearing aids are plastic devices.
So, is it the piece of plastic, or is it the provider you see that’s behind successful use and adaptation to hearing aids?
Purchasing hearing aids online and at retail establishments might be tempting to save money, but they lack the critical elements for successful hearing aid use and satisfaction:
- Lack of professional evaluation may not accurately reflect your true hearing ability and may miss a medical or surgical problem.
- Without professional and personalized fitting, the hearing aids may not sit correctly in your ears causing pain, discomfort, and slippage.
- Inadequate programming can lead to over or under amplification.
- You may be on your own for troubleshooting issues or adjustments.
- Lack of regular maintenance can cause more breakdowns and repairs.
While online and retail purchased hearing aids might offer a lower upfront cost, the potential for poor fit, improper programming, and lack of support and ongoing care can render the hearing aids ineffective. You’ve wasted your money.
In a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, the number one reason for success and satisfaction with hearing aids is the hearing care provider.
Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the FDA and are only available through licensed hearing care providers.
Hearing care providers, specifically doctors of audiology, are exceptionally trained and educated to diagnose the cause of hearing and balance problems, including tumors, growths, and infections. If the problem is not medically or surgically treatable, doctors of audiology have a comprehensive understanding of the software and algorithms of the different hearing aid manufacturers.
You are unique. Your brain, lifestyle, needs, and sound preferences are different from your best friend or neighbor. Audiologists assess all the above before determining which hearing aids would be best for you.
The fitting, programming and adjustments of the hearing aids are personalized for your brain’s processing ability and your listening preferences to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
Ongoing support and continuity of care are essential for optimal results and long-term hearing health. Hearing aids are not a one-shot deal. They are a lifetime _. Just like teeth, hearing aids need regular checkups and maintenance. Just like your vital statistics, your prescription can change. Yearly hearing evaluations are crucial so adjustments can be made to accommodate any changes to your hearing and brain processing ability.
Bottom line: See an audiologist for the best outcome and satisfaction with your hearing aids.
In order for your hearing aid to work properly, you need- you guessed it!- a quality hearing aid battery. Many of our patients have asked to learn more about batteries; below are our informational tidbits and FAQs.
Throw away dead batteries. They do not spontaneously regenerate!
Are there different types of batteries?
- There are two different types of hearing aid batteries: zinc-air (disposable) and rechargeable batteries. Most hearing aids still utilize zinc-air disposable hearing aid batteries as rechargeable batteries are just starting to gain popularity.
- Helpful tip: Zinc-air batteries are activated when the factory seal sticker is removed. Wait at least one minute after you remove the sticker to place the battery in your hearing aid- this will allow the battery to fully activate.
How will I know when to change my batteries?
- Most hearing aids have a beeping signal to tell you when your battery is about to die. However, if you notice that the sounds you are hearing are distorted or if you need to raise the volume more than normal, that could also be a good indication that it’s time to change your batteries.
- Always try to carry an additional battery with you if you are out and about!
How long should my batteries last?
- Every hearing aid user has a different lifestyle and experience, so there is no hard and fast rule of how long your batteries will last. A good rule of thumb is the following:
- Size 10 (yellow label): 3-5 days
- Size 312 (brown label): 5-7 days
- Size 13 (orange label): 6-14 days
- Size 675 (blue label): 9-20 days
- If you feel like you are running through batteries more quickly than you should be, there are several factors that can lead to battery drain; chief among them are moisture, wearing time, and remote usage. You can read more here.
Can I do anything to extend my battery life?
- When not in use at night, open your hearing aid battery door (pro-tip: also use a drying unit overnight to cut down on moisture found in your hearing aids!)
- Make sure to store your batteries at room temperature (heat and humidity can cut down on battery life!)
Have a question about your hearing aid batteries that we didn’t address? Leave us a comment- we’re here to help!
“How often should I change my hearing aid batteries?” is one of the most common questions that we get from hearing aid users. Battery manufacturers use an equation to give an estimate; however, there are several factors that determine the battery life of a hearing device.
Battery Types:
Zinc Air is the most common battery type. Zinc air batteries have a tab. When the tab is pulled off, oxygen mixes with zinc oxide and the battery is activated. For best results, it is recommended to wait up to 5 minutes, after pulling the tab off the battery, before inserting the battery into the hearing device.
Rechargeable is another popular option. Though rechargeable batteries are not available with all hearing aids, more manufacturers are starting to offer them as an alternative to zinc air. Rechargeable devices are placed in a charger overnight.
Battery Life:
All hearing aids have an indicator to let you know when your battery life is low and needs to be changed. There are a number of factors that can determine the life of the battery.
Here are just a few:
Length of wearing time:
The longer the device is being worn, the faster the battery will drain.
Streaming and remote usage:
The ability to stream phone calls or music is a very popular feature; however, it can drain your battery more quickly.
Moisture:
Yes, moisture can drain your battery faster as well! You may not sweat and there might not be any humidity in the air, but your hearing aid can still accumulate moisture. It is recommended that hearing devices using zinc air batteries be kept in a hearing aid de-humidifier, such as the Zephyr, overnight to prevent moisture build up and keep your hearing device working in tip top shape!
If you feel as though you are going through batteries faster than you should be, give us a call!
-contributed by Marnie Belfor, Audiology Technician
At Hearing Health Center, our goal is try and help everyone that walks through our door despite cost. As part of our evaluation we work with you to find the right solution for your hearing loss and your hearing healthcare budget. Not only do we accept insurance benefits, but we also offer payment plan options for patients to pay over time.
Additionally, we don’t want anyone not hearing because of cost, so we work with many charitable foundations that provide support for those that qualify. From the Department of Rehabilitation Services of Illinois to our very own Fisher Foundation, we offer a wide range of help to fit the needs of each and every patient.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK FROM ANOTHER ROOM.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK WITH YOUR BACK TOWARD THE PERSON WITH A HEARING PROBLEM (OR THEIR BACK TOWARD YOU).
- THOU SHALT NOT START SPEAKING AND WALK AWAY.
- THOU SHALT NOT START SPEAKING AND TURN AWAY FROM THE PERSON WITH A HEARING PROBLEM.
- THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK IN COMPETITION WITH SOMETHING ELSE (TURN OFF THE WATER OR TURN DOWN THE RADIO, ETC).
- THOU SHALT GET THE ATTENTION OF THE PERSON WITH THE HEARING PROBLEM (DO NOT START SPEAKING WHILE THEY ARE READING OR CONCENTRATING ON TV).
- THOU SHALT TRY TO SPEAK FACE-TO-FACE AT ALL TIMES.
- THOU SHALT TRY TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS WHILE SPEAKING (YOUR HAND FROM YOUR FACE, THE CIGARETTE FROM YOUR MOUTH, ETC).
- THOU SHALT TRY TO SPEAK DISTINCTLY.
- THOU SHALT TRY TO BE PATIENT.
I got my new hearing aids from Hearing Health Center when I was in town for a concert. I didn’t know I could hear like this.
When Roger Daltrey realized he had a hearing problem, the Who’s lead singer could have gone to any audiologist in the world. He chose Dr. Ronna Fisher, audiologist and founder of Hearing Health Center in Chicago. This video illustrates both why – and how – nearly invisible hearing aids have kept him young, connected….and as cool as ever!
“I got my new hearing aids when I was in town for our concert. All I can say is WOW! I didn’t know I could hear like this. It makes me so sad that Brian Johnson (lead singer of AC/DC) has to quit doing what he loves because of his hearing. It’s time I speak out.”
Dr. Fisher was featured in this February 2016 article from the West Suburban Living publication titled “Combating Hearing Loss”: http://www.westsuburbanliving.net/February-2016/Combatting-Hearing-Loss/
Batman Returns! The Caped Crusader returns to visit Brannon Moran in the Hearing Health Center Highland Park office!
Fisher Foundation for Hearing Healthcare gives fourth-grader Brannon Moran more than $7,000 worth of hearing aids.
By Tim Moran (Patch Staff) – November 25, 2015
Click here to read the original article on the Glenview Patch
The following article was submitted to Patch by Dr. Michael Breen.
It’s been a gut-wrenching year for the Moran family. The Glenview couple’s finances have been stretched to the limit. Yet this Thanksgiving they’re more grateful than ever.
“We’re the lucky ones,” says Brannon’s mother Kristin, “Our son is with us.”
Brannon’s once fast-growing brain tumor is now undetectable…and he’s even back with his fourth grade classmates.
Brannon’s back to school thanks to his incredible medical team…and to the Fisher Foundation for Hearing Healthcare. The Chicago foundation, a one-of-a kind, not-for profit enterprise, gave Brannon state-of-the-art $7,500 hearing aids for free.
“When the Moran family reached out to us, we couldn’t say no,” says Dr. Ronna Fisher Au.D. “I don’t think anyone could say no to a family and a child like this one.” The audiologist directs the foundation and is the founder of the Hearing Health Center in Chicago, Naperville, Highland Park and Oak Brook.
Over his short life Brannon had already fought a speech delay, ileitis, and an immune disorder. His parents paid nutritional consults, speech and occupational therapy. Then came the diagnosis of brain cancer with emergency brain surgery, a month of radiation, and six months of aggressive chemotherapy.
Yet through it all, Brannon has rarely complained. Despite his lifetime of illness and debilitating treatment, he’s remained a bright, happy Batman-loving boy.
Brannon’s therapy was life-saving but it also created yet another obstacle: his chemotherapy had taken much of his hearing. He required hearing aids to go back to school and they weren’t covered by insurance. The family already faced massive medical bills and Brannon’s mother had quit her job to care for him. The parents decided to contact the Fisher Foundation For Hearing Health Care. “We’d heard the foundation had helped another child with a brain tumor receive hearing aids,” says Kristin “so we approached them.”
For the Fisher Foundation helping children like Brannon is a departure. Dr. Fisher created the organization in 2005 to offer free hearing aids to needy adults, to educate the public about the medical effects of hearing loss (e.g. an increased risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, strokes, and high blood pressure), and to offer free high-tech hearing protection for local soldiers entering combat.
“I didn’t realize so many children needed our help,” says Dr. Fisher, “especially those with chemotherapy-induced hearing loss.”
Last month the Hearing Health Center staff fitted Brannon with his new hearing aids. They also visited Brannon’s school and talked to his classmates about how hearing aids work. Dr. Fisher says, “Kristin was worried Brannon might be picked on for wearing his hearing aids so we decided to be proactive.”
Now Brannon’s learning to use an iPad with his fourth grade classmates. The keys to his classroom success are his hearing aids…and his tremendous determination. Because of his treatments Brannon often had violent vomiting attacks during his tutoring sessions. His tutor would offer to stop; Brannon insisted they continue.
Kristin says, “It’s a miracle that he’s here…and I think there’s a reason. He’s here to teach us all a valuable lesson about courage, about always having a smile on your face and a giant heart. I’m convinced from the impact he’s had that there’s something greater out there for him. I feel that every time I’m with him.”
The Morans know there are no guarantees. But this Thanksgiving they couldn’t be more grateful: for Brannon’s life and the foundation that’s allowed him to resume it. “It’s enabled Brannon to go back to his world. I can’t put a price on that.”
Dr. Fisher says, “I’m just thankful, and privileged, that our foundation can help a child like Brannon.”
And the Moran’s plans this Thanksgiving? A family dinner at home. Simple…but it means everything.
“This Thanksgiving should be normal, a normal Thanksgiving…Thankfully.”