What`s New? - Whisper Hearing Center

Supplement Your Hearing
Aids with FM Systems
Even with the most sophisticated hearing instruments, some people
have difficulty understanding people in acoustically challenging situations. Whether it is at work or in conversations with friends, speech
understanding becomes a challenge as soon as several people meet.
FM Systems can provide a valuable addition to your hearing aids.
Understanding in background noise
Depending on its microphone mode, the transmitter picks up one or
several voices and suppresses unwanted background noises. This
increases the clarity and audibility of individual voices.
Understanding over distances
The voice is picked up by the transmitter and transmitted wirelessly to
the hearing instrument. This bridges the distance between talker and
listener, giving the best speech intelligibility.
Connection to audio sources and telephone
Audio sources (TV, CD, PC, MP3, etc.) and telephones can be connected to Phonak FM transmitters with the help of the audio input or
Bluetooth link.
RECEIVER OPTIONS:
ML9S
• Top solution for active people who want to benefit from all the
advantages offered by FM technology, including Bluetooth for mobile
phone access. Compatible with many BTE hearing instruments:
MicroMLxS
• For active people who prefer an easy yet flexible wireless microphone
solution. Compatible with BTE hearing instruments of virtually all manufacturers.
SPRING | 2007
MyLink
• The easy to use and affordable entry-level wireless solution. MyLink is
compatible with all hearing instruments with a T-coil, including custom
products.
Make an appointment to find out if an FM system would help you.
EarMail
What’s New?
1
ON Santa Clara Dr. @
Sierra Gardens Dr.
151 N. Sunrise Ave #1409
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 784-3500
A GUIDE TO NEW HEARING TECHNOLOGY
750 Las Gallinas Ave, #103
San Rafael, CA 94903
151 N. Sunrise Ave., Suite 103
Roseville, CA 95661
www.WhisperHearing.com
We are amazed at all the new technology
in hearing aids. Listed below is just a few.
Benefit may vary. Discuss with your audiologist before making a decision.
IMPULSE SOUND SUPPRESSION
Helps suppress annoying sounds like
dishes clanging and newspaper rustle,
while maintaining speech understanding.
OPEN FITTINGS
The slim tube design leaves most of the
ear canal open and is virtually invisible.
This gives an open feeling and your own
voice sounding more natural.
20-CHANNEL RESOLUTION
FEEDBACK PHASE INVERTER
Helps prevent feedback or whistling in
hearing aids even with increased volume
or hat covering the devices.
AUTO PROGRAM CHANGES
The hearing aid automatically
chooses the best settings for various
listening environments.
RECHARGEABLE DEVICES
A new digital hearing aid with rechargeable batteries. Currently only one model
is available with a rechargeable battery.
ROSEVILLE
Northgate Medical Dental Bldg
750 Las Gallinas Ave. #103
San Rafael,, CA 94903
(415) 492-8888
ROSEVILLE
Raley’s Shopping Center
905 S. State Hwy 65 #30
Lincoln, CA 95648
(916) 434-1110
SAN RAFAEL
LINCOLN
YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER HEARING
2
Drs Kiener & Macri’s Office
2 Medical Plaza #235
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 784-3500
KEY FACTORS IN DETERMINING
WHICH FEATURES ARE
IMPORTANT TO YOU:
> type and degree of hear-
ing loss (i.e. mild high-frequency vs severe flat)
> your lifestyle and demands
on your hearing
> preferences for automatic
or manual volume changes
> dexterity
A TINY REMOTE CONTROL
It can change the volume and
program of your hearing aids .
Lincoln (916) 434-1110
Roseville (916) 784-3500
San Rafael (415) 492-8888
www.WhisperHearing.com
LINEAR FREQUENCY TRANSPOSITION
The unreachable high frequency sounds
are moved to lower frequencies so they
can be heard. This can increase the
enjoyment of previously unheard sounds
such as birds and high-pitched music.
photo: remote (only compatible with
Phonak hearing aids)
Hearing Aid
Compatible Cell
Phones are Here!
“happier is the hearing man than
the speaking man”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
RATINGS | TRYING THEM OUT
You should be able to go into
a phone store and purchase a
wireless phone that is telecoil
compatible for hearing aids and
cochlear implants. According
to Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) requirements, a percentage of wireless
phones should be telecoil (T3)
compatible and made available
in each retail store owned/operated by the provider for consumers to test in the store.
T = telecoil and 3 is the minimum rating required by the FCC.
Ratings may be T3 or T4. The
higher the rating, the better.
They also have to offer handset
models that are microphone
compatible. Phones should
comply with a minimum of M3
rating for use with microphones
on hearing aids and cochlear
implants.
M = microphone and 3 is the
minimum rating allowed by the
FCC.
WHAT IS A “M” RATING?
Phones with an M-Rating of
M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to
generate interference to hearing
devices than phones that are not
labeled. M4 is the better/higher
of the two ratings.
WHAT IS A “T” RATING?
A telecoil is a small device
that is built into some hearing
aids for use with the telephone
as well as assistive listening
devices. Not all hearing aids
have telecoils. Phones with a
T-Rating of T3 or T4 meet FCC
requirements and are more likely
to work well for people who use
hearing aids with telecoils with
telephones. T4 is the better/
higher of the two ratings.
WHICH PHONES HAVE ACHIEVED AN
“M” OR “T” RATING?
A Family Affair
HOW FAMILY AND FRIENDS
CAN HELP LOVED ONES
WITH HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss not only effects the person with the
loss, but also those trying to communicate with
them. Family and friends are often the first to
notice and are sometimes the most frustrated by
the hearing loss. A little empathy and a lot of support go a long way in improving the problem for all
concerned.
GETTING HELP
Encourage the person with the hearing loss to
discuss the problem with their physician and have
a hearing examination by a licensed audiologist.
This determines if they are a candidate for hearing
aids and if any medical problems exist.
USE GOOD COMMUNICATION
Trying to talk to someone with your back to them
or from another room is difficult for anyone, and is
especially challenging for those with hearing loss.
Face the person when talking to them and speak
clearly. This will prevent having to repeat yourself.
GET THEIR ATTENTION FIRST
People with hearing loss have to listen and watch
more intently to hear everything. Face them, say their
name or get their attention before you start to talk.
ATTEND APPOINTMENTS TOGETHER
Bring a family member or friends along with you to
your appointments. Having a familiar voice helps in
programming the hearing aids and allows both of you
to receive all the needed information.
BE PATIENT: IT TAKES TIME TO GET USED
TO WEARING HEARING AIDS
Better hearing takes time and new hearing aids need
adjustments over a few visits to maximize results and
comfort. If they are having problems, encourage them
to tell their audiologist, as most can be resolved.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Encourage your family members to wear their hearing
aids, and don’t just remind them to wear them, reinforce how much easier it is to communicate with them
when they are wearing their hearing aids.
DON’T GIVE UP!
Just not talking to them or shouting is not the answer.
Encourage them to make an appointment with one
of our audiologists to see if their hearing can be
improved.
T4 RATING (Best for telecoil use)
Motorola i870, also M4 rated
T3 RATING
The Motorola i580 and i670
Sanyo SCP-2400, Sanyo SCP-3100,
LG LX350, and LG LX550 Fusic.
LG CG300, C2000, CU400, also M3
Motorola V3r, V3i, also M3 rated
Samsung, Zx20, A707, also M3 rated
M4 RATING (Best for microphone use)
Motorola i870
LG LX550
M3 RATING
i560, i580, i670, i760, i836, and i850;
Sanyo SCP-3100, Motorola c290, LG LX350, LG PM-225, Sanyo
SCP-2400, Samsung SPH-A580, Samsung SPH-A640, Samsung
SPH-A420 and Motorola i870
LG CG300, C2000, CU400
Motorola V3r, V3i
Samsung, Zx20, A707
Rated phones per Sprint’s and Cingular’s web site. Rating not
verified. Other models available online and retail stores. Check
manufacturer’s specifications for hearing aid rating.