Hearing Aids   90-95% of our patients who complain of a hearing loss have nerve damage. The medical treatment for this type of hearing loss includes hearing aids. If your diagnosis indicates that hearing aids would be helpful, we work with you to help you choose the right devices for you. Using your case history, we combine information from your audiological evaluation and your lifestyle information to determine what options are best for you. How do you know which hearing aid is right? We look at the following information: Hearing loss severity Possible known cause of hearing loss Progressive nature of hearing loss (how fast is it shifting) Other health considerations Dexterity Vision Memory Life style (work, church and recreational activities) Size preference and comfort Affordability The key benefits you can expect from new hearing aids are: Improved speech understanding, best in quiet Improved speech understanding in noise, but with some limitations Improved quality of life Improved self esteem Improved relationships at home and work Improved earning power, for those still in the workforce Patients may find significant discounts on these hearing aids. Hearing aids go beyond the purchase of a product; it should include a careful fitting, verification, validation and rehabilitative services leading to a successful outcome. Purchasing hearing aids over the internet deemphasizes the services needed for a successful fit.   We Offer Lots of Choices We work with the top hearing aid manufacturers so that we have the widest possible selection for you. Not all hearing aids work alike and one size definitely does not fit all. We chose hearing aids based on hearing loss, dexterity, memory, and lifestyles, need for noise reduction, and costs. To help determine exactly the right hearing aid for you, we perform the following tests:   Speech in Noise Testing Quick Speech In Noise Testing (Quick SIN)is available to determine if you have difficulties hearing in noise and helps to determine the type of technology that would be beneficial to you, such as type of noise reduction and use of directional microphones.   Real Ear Measurements / Speech Mapping We have the capability to hook you and your hearing aid up to a device that produces speech and measures how much of the speech signal you are actually picking up. Using this devices allows us to verify that you have the correct prescription and to address concerns you may have about your hearing capabilities and problems with occlusion and feedback.   Occlusion is the complaint that your voice sounds like it is in a barrel with the hearing aids on. Feedback is that annoying whistling sound heard by you and others while wearing your hearing aid.   Sound Field Speech Testing We use sound field testing to evaluate how well you hear with your hearing aids and to help determine the need for further aural rehabilitation and assistive listening devices.   Outcome Measures This is a way for you to evaluate if the hearing aid(s) are meeting your expected needs and are providing the benefits you are looking for, through a specially designed pen and paper questionnaire.   Manufacturers We have chosen to work primarily with the following manufacturers, based on product and service excellence: Bernafon, GN Resound, MicroTech, Oticon, Phonak, Rexton, Sebotek, Siemens, Sonic Innovations, Unitron, Vivatone, and Widex.   ...life never sounded so good!™