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NewsletterAugust 2008 |
Hello, everyone! |
 | As you can see, we've been busy making some changes to our website. |  | |
| We have updated our look ... out with the old, in with the new! We have yet to update our signage at our office, but we'll be doing that too before long. We're still the same place. Jim is still the expert extraordinaire. And we still endeavor to carry out our philosophy of excellent customer service while providing the best personal hearing devices that today's technology offers.. |
Hearing devices overcome difficulty of hearing in noisy places
Speaking of latest technology, hearing devices are becoming more chic and more savvy all the time. One of the most common complaints folks have about their hearing devices is that they continue to have trouble hearing in noisy places, such as restaurants.
Today, we have hearing devices that can overcome this difficulty. A new test by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that open-fit hearing devices with directional microphones were effective in providing good hearing help in noisy restaurant situations.
Open-fit style hearing devices
These days, the majority of fittings we do are with open-fit style hearing devices. The open-air or open-fit style does not occlude—or completely block off—the ear canal. It makes use of a very fine, barely visible tube that "floats" in the ear canal making it possible for ambient sounds to enter into the ear canal. The directional microphones help users to distinguish background sounds from conversation by reducing low frequency sounds (background noise) that come from the sides and from behind.
Open-fit style hearing devices with directional microphones
The study that Washington University School of Medicine conducted revealed that there was an average of 20% improvement in speech intelligibility while wearing open-fit devices with directional microphones compared to not wearing aids or wearing open-fit devices without directional microphones.
Those with a hearing loss often forget that those without a hearing loss struggle with hearing in noisy environments too! It's important to have realistic expectations when wearing hearing devices. Background noise is part of everyday life. The problem comes when we cannot tune it out. Sometimes it takes time for the brain to learn to do this after one begins to wear hearing aids. To expect a hearing device to completely eliminate all background sounds is not realistic. But, consistently wearing one's hearing devices in all circumstances will allow one's brain to acclimate and adjust to a variety of hearing environments.
Open-fit style hearing devices and high frequency hearing loss
Open-fit or open-air hearing devices are for those with a high frequency hearing loss. This means having normal hearing to a mild hearing loss in the low frequency range, while having a greater hearing loss in the higher range. The higher frequency area is the conversation range.
Open-fit style hearing devices and availability
This style of hearing device is available in all brands and in many circuit choices. The circuit determines what features the aid is equipped with, and what level of automatic functioning it will provide. They come in a wide price range, so they accommodate most budgets. Most people enjoy wearing this style because they're nearly invisible, they're light-weight, very comfortable, and they work very efficiently.
A good thing to do is to find a dispenser who will allow you to try wearing these devices for a few days to see if you like them and find them beneficial.
We welcome comments and suggestions
If you would like to comment or offer suggestions for topics to be covered in our Newsletter, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you! Also, if our Newsletter has been helpful to you, please forward your friends and loved ones to our web site address: www.advancedhearingplus.com .
Beth Bell |
Quote of the Month
"The most important things in your home are the people."
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Reminders |
| If you last had your hearing instruments cleaned in February, it is time to get them cleaned this month! |
Assisted Listening Devices |
| For Assisted Listening Devices, please visit our associate's online store. We offer many products, including TV Ears, at competitive prices and shipped directly to your door. Satisfaction guaranteed. |
Referrals |
If you know someone who has been thinking about getting some new hearing aids and benefiting from newer technology, please send them our way. If they purchase a set of digital hearing instruments, we will gladly supply you with 1 free box of batteries.
We appreciate your referrals! As you know, we do not use telemarketing to acquire new customers. We rely upon word-of-mouth and media advertising. Not only will they receive the best care, but we can save them money, too! |
Questions? Comments? |
| Do you have a question, comment, or concern? Do you have a testimonial that you would like us to include in a future newsletter? Please don't hesitate to contact Jim or contact me. |
How to receive our newsletter |
| If you have friends or loved ones who would like to receive our newsletter via email, we will be happy to add them to our email list. All you need to do is have them contact me to provide me with their name and email address. We also have copies of the newsletter in our office if you would like to pick them up here. |
How to unsubscribe |
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How to contact us
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Office Hours
Monday thru Friday 9-5
Saturday by appointment only
Address and Phone
816 Beltline Rd
Springfield, OR 97477
Telephone: 541-746-7671
Toll Free: 800-230-1953
Before or after hours, you are welcome to
call and leave a
message on our machine. | |
How to find us |
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