If you are at the point in life where you find yourself having to listen a little harder to understand conversations, or can’t be sure you hear the telephone ringing, you might be at the early stages of hearing loss.

But the days of awkward, inefficient, and highly visible hearing devices are long past. If you decide to visit an audiologist for a hearing test, you will be very pleasantly surprised at the compact, attractive hearing devices now available for hearing impairments of every degree of severity.

And the chances are excellent some of the hearing aids which your audiologist will mention are manufactured by Resound, a Danish company. GN Resound is, in fact, the world’s second-biggest maker of hearing aids. It became so in 2000, when its parent GN Store Nord AS took over the Beltone Electronics Corporation.

As a truly global presence, GN ReSound has access to technological facilities from Copenhagen to Silicon Valley, and shares its acoustical expertise with Dutch microchip giant Philips.

Resound Canta

GN Resound hearing aids are available in behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely-in-canal designs, and in several different lines. The Canta line of Resound hearing aids come with both directional microphones for better conversational sound clarity, a nd feedback reduction capability. Canta Resound hearing aids employ digitally-based technology and the Canta 7 Resound hearing aids retail for $2099, including the services of a Resound-affiliated audiologist.

Resound ReSoundAIR

Resound’s ComforTec technology is available in ReSoundAIR Resound hearing aids, ComforTec has many features designed to optimize the Resound hearing aid wearer’s comfort; they include a ventilation system to alleviate ear canal occlusion–the echo your own voice creates if your ear canal is obstructed–noise reduction, and feedback elimination.

ReSoundAIR firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/prices_of_hearing_aids.html Resound hearing aids are equipped with automatic volume control which eliminates the need for the user to adjust the volume, and call attention to his or her hearing device, with every change of environment. They retail at $1499 including an audiologist’s services.

The Resound Metrix Mini

The Metrix Mini Resound hearing aids have been resized and now contain all of GN Resounds proprietary technologies in a device less than two-thirds of its former size. Those technologies include directionality, feedback reduction, and automatic Softswitching so that the Metrix Mini can instantly adjust to the listening environment.

All GN ReSound Open-Ear Hearing Aids have a standard GN ReSound two year factory warranty on labor and parts; during those two years the GN ReSound AIR 60 Open-Ear Hearing Aid has an additional $200 deductible loss/damage policy which covers each aid one time. The consumer also has forty-five days from the date of shipment to return their undamaged Resound hearing aids for a complete refund. The Metrix Mini is covered for three years for labor and parts.

You can also find more info on firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/hearing_aid_insurance.html cover hearing aids and firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/hearing_aid_manufacturers.html kinds of hearing. FirstHearingAids.com is a comprehensive resource for people suffering from hearing loss to get information on hearing aid options, prices and maintenance.

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Digital hearing aids offer many more features and options than their analog equivalents and because of this they are much more expensive. The advantages of digital hearing aids do make them extremely popular though.

First we need to establish the difference between analog and digital hearing aids. Analog aids are simply sound amplifier circuits. They perceive sound through a microphone, an amplifier circuit makes it louder and then a receiver conveys this amplified sound into the ear. Digital aids are a step further where they receive analog sound waves and convert them into digital signals (patterns of high and low). These digital signals are then used to automatically reduce or amplify sound depending on the need.

Advantages of converting waves into digital signals include noise reduction, speech enhancement and recognition, and feedback and echo reduction. Noise reduction makes it possible to reduce annoyance in sound such as low frequency sounds. It also makes the idea of speech recognition possible. Notch filtering is used to reduce feedback that is sometimes a problem for wearers of analog hearing aids. The most common cause of feedback is movement of jaw or swallowing.

Digital

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Tags: hearing aids

Good hearing is essential to the full enjoyment of life. Unfortunately, one in ten people in Hawaii have some degree of correctable hearing loss. That makes hearing loss our third most chronic health condition. Arthritis and high blood pressure are numbers one and two.

You or a loved one may benefit from hearing correction if:
People have to repeat what they say
You need the TV volume higher than others
Certain voices are hard to understand
Background noise causes greater hearing difficulty
You don’t hear well on the phone

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be sure a hearing aid will help?

You should begin with an accurate hearing evaluation. The results will indicate if you would benefit from a hearing device as well as how much improvement you can expect. Most of us don’t realize how much even a small hearing problem adversely effects our lives and that of those around us.

What is the best hearing aid brand?

There are about 23 hearing aid manufacturers. There may be little difference in comparative quality and performance. Fewer than ten actually do research and design. Many seemingly different brands are actually the same hearing aids using different names. That is why it is essential to consult with an ethical and knowledgeable hearing health care provider. The cost for the same hearing aid model may be double simply because of the brand name.

What features should I look for?

Modern digital hearing aids offer many features that can be customized for your individual hearing needs and lifestyle. Here is a partial list:

Directional microphones: Helps you to understand conversation better in noisy places by focusing on the speaker in front of you.
Noise reduction: Helps reduce background noise to enable you to understand better.
Multiple programs or memories: Enables you to control certain amplification aspects for better performance in different listening situations. Some devices do this automatically.
Feedback Canceling: Eliminates the annoying acoustic feedback or whistle associated with ordinary hearing aids.

I already have a hearing aid. Will a newer digital model be better?

There have been tremendous advances in technology in the past few years. If your hearing aids are more than two years old, you should get many benefits. More clarity, better understanding in noise, more natural sound and comfort are only a few reasons to try a new hearing device. Ohana Hearing Care offers a free 45 day trial. That way you have a opportunity to experience the benefits without any financial risk.

If I use a hearing aid, will my hearing get worse?

Research indicates that our ability to understand words deteriorates more rapidly if the nerve path is not stimulated. If you delay using a hearing aid, it may be more difficult to adapt and thus, get full benefit later on.

Unfortunately we see many people who postpone getting a hearing aid because, in their opinion, they “just miss some words”. Our free hearing check-up is the best way to determine whether you should consider trying a hearing device or not.

How much should a hearing aid cost?

Hearing aids have a wide price range. Style, brand name and technology are some of the reasons for this price difference. Ohana Hearing Care clients have the assurance of our written low price guarantee. Since we offer all major brand names you can count on us to recommend the best solution for your individual hearing needs, your lifestyle and your budget. Make sure you know what warranties and services are included in the price. All our services are provided in a state-of-the-art, friendly and professional atmosphere.

Since 1966 Ohana Hearing Care has helped the people of Hawaii regain their quality of life. Hearing loss affects every aspect of your life. Ohana Hearing Care has pioneered a demonstration method that is on the cutting edge of technology. It enables you to hear for yourself the best solution for your unique hearing loss. Through this exclusive process, you’ll be able to experience how our advanced digital solutions are able to improve your hearing. Please visit our website OhanaHearingCare.com OhanaHearingCare.com If you have a question you can email us anytime at: mailto:help@OhanaHearingCare.com help@OhanaHearingCare.com You will receive a prompt answer. Hawaii residents may wish to get a copy of our “Hearing Aid Buyers Guide”. Call 593-2137 and we will mail it to you.

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If you are looking to buy a hearing aid, the best advice anybody can give you is to shop around. Try out different models and brands, talk to you audiologist for their recommendation, and look for deals. There are lots of styles out there, and you want to find the one that is best for you. It’s a big and important investment!

Here are a few things to consider when hearing aid shopping:

Analog or Digital
If you’re already shopping for hearing aids, you might have noticed that analog hearing aids are cheaper than digital. Why is that? And what’s the difference?

The difference between analog and digital is that analog takes that sound and simply makes it louder. Digital hearing aids have a computer chip that analyzes and adjusts the sound for you.

What this means is that digital hearing aids have more features and can be customized. You can do some customizing with programmable analog hearing aids, but digital aids are much more flexible.

This also means that digital hearing aids are more expensive. Regular analog hearing aids are being phased out and replaced by programmable analog and digital. In fact, many dealers only sell digital aids, which are far more popular among hearing aid users.

Types Of Hearing Aids
There are a few broad categories of hearing aids, based on the placement of the aid itself.

* Completely In The Canal (CIC) - With CIC hearing aids, the mechanism is in a tiny plastic case that goes all the way into the ear canal. These hearing aids are the smallest available, so the available features are limited. Because they are small, the batteries have a short lifespan. CIC hearing aids are also the most expensive. They are best for those who suffer mild to moderate hearing loss.

* In The Canal (ITC) - These are similar to the Completely In The Canal hearing aids, except that they don’t go all the way into the ear canal. Like the CIC aids, they are small and quite expensive, but you can put more add-on features on them.

* In The Ear (ITE) - These hearing aids sit in the concha and helix of the ear. This is the part of the ear that is shaped like a bowl. In The Ear aids are larger than CICs or ITCs, and they mostly fill up the bowl. They are recommended for mild to severe hearing loss.

One drawback to In The Ear hearing aids is that they are known to sometimes pick up feedback and wind noise. This depends on the quality of the model and also the correct placement in the ear. If you are hearing wind or feedback, try adjusting the hearing aid, or talk to your audiologist.

In The Ear hearing aids are quite large, so they are great for using add-on features. They are much more flexible than the CICs or ITCs.

* Behind The Ear (BTE) - This type of hearing aid is a little plastic case that sits just behind the ear. It is connected to the earmold by a piece of plastic tubing.

These are the most flexible hearing aids, and are effective for any range of hearing loss. They are the most flexible and can be used by any age. The downside is that they are also the biggest and most visible, although companies are making models smaller and more inconspicuous.

Behind The Ears are the most powerful, and the easiest to customize. If you prefer to get add-on features, BTE’s might be the best for you.

Add-On Features
There are many kinds of extra features you can get for your hearing aids, to suit your particular needs. These include:

Adjustable Settings: You can have different settings which you can change. A switch allows you to instantly switch from one setting to another. For example, you might have a setting that is good for noisy places.

Directional Microphones: Some hearing aid users choose this feature, which focuses on what is directly in front of you. This allows you to tune out background noise. It can be switch operated.

Telephone Adapters: This technology uses a telecoil which attaches to your telephone. It blocks out background noise so that you can hear the other end of the telephone better. The phone must be adaptable, and cordless phones and cell phones are usually not.

If you are thinking of using special add-on features, make sure that you buy a hearing aid that is compatible.

Learn more about firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/prices_of_hearing_aids.html cost of hearing aids on our site. You’ll also find other information such as firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/best_hearing_aids.html best hearing aids and firsthearingaids.com/comparereviews/discount_hearing_aids_online.html discount hearing aids. FirstHearingAids.com is a comprehensive resource for people suffering from hearing loss to get information on hearing aid options, prices and maintenance.

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