Hearing Aids Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline

A long term study has shown that for people with a reduced hearing range, wearing hearing devices reduces the cognitive decline associated with hearing loss. A 25-year study recently published in an American journal compared the path of cognitive decline among older adults who were using hearing devices and those who were not. The study found that those people who would have benefited from hearing devices, but did not wear them, were more likely to score lower on a well-established cognitive function exam conducted during the 25-year follow-up period.

The study shows the importance of looking after your hearing and making sure that it is the best it can possibly be. At Key to Hearing we recommend annual hearing evaluations so you have evidence if and when your hearing range changes. Without this proof it can often be difficult to notice when you are missing out on the sounds you used to hear.

Contact us if you would like to book an evaluation.

References

[Oticon]: First Study to Show Hearing Aids Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline: [http://www.oticon.com/about/press/2015/pressrelease-reduce-risk-of-cognitive-decline]

Unitron announce release of Stride™

"This new fresh product family gives our customers a wide range of style options and even more avenues to help their patients enjoy, understand and take part in conversations in multiple listening environments.” - Bruce Brown, Global Vice President of Marketing, Unitron.

Last week Unitron announced the release of Stride™ their new range of BTE's and ITE's. The Stride joins the recently released Moxi Fit range on the new North processing platform. Unitron reports that the Stride™ is packed with technologies that truly let patients focus on conversations in all listening environments.

The new behind-the-ear models pair design focus with intuitive controls delivering natural sound and enjoyable conversations in two wireless 13 battery options the Stride P and Stride P Dura. The Stride In-the-ear devices feature a new design inside and out and are customised for comfort. The ITE's feature a volume control, push button, plasma coating and microphone ports that reduce moisture and debris ingress.

What we say

We're looking forward to seeing the new Stride hearing devices from Unitron and will be attending their UK launch in November. Check back for further details in the coming months.

Unitron Stride ITE family

References

[Unitron]: Stride leads the way in patient-centric design: [http://unitron.com/unitron/global/en/about/news-release-standalone-pages/news-stride-20150929.html?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=hyperlink&utm_campaign=stride]: [Sep 29, 2015]

Phonak release the Virto V

"There is no other hearing aid this small that is capable of this much performance" - Martin Grieder, Group Vice President Phonak

Phonak Virto V coming soon to the UK

This week Phonak announced the release of the Virto V the successor to their Virto Q custom fitted hearing device. The Virto V joins the Audeo V and Bolero V on the new Venture platform.

The Virto V runs on Phonak's AutoSense Operating System, a staple of the Venture platform, which draws on the help of 200 settings to adapt to a sound environment automatically without any manual interaction.

A new Floating Antenna design enables the Virto V to provide more performance in a smaller size (25% reduction in visible surface) and a more agile custom product. The new design also features a faceplate with nano-coated battery doors, volume control and push button.

The Virto V is compatible with the Phonak Wireless Communication Portfolio and CROS II (for single-sided hearing) and also features Phonak’s Binaural VoiceStream Technology, Wireless Functionality the Tinnitus Balance noise generator. Expect to see the Virto V to land on these shores in the next few months.

References

[Phonak]: Phonak Virto V: New custom hearing aid offers more performance in smaller size than any other custom hearing aid: [http://www.phonakpro.com/us/en/about-phonak/press-center/2015/2015-september-15-virto-v.html]: [Aug 31 2015]

How you can benefit from a telecoil in your hearing aid

The telecoil is a really useful hearing aid feature that is often overlooked by many wearers. In this article we’ll look at what it is and how you can benefit from its use.

What is telecoil?

A telecoil is a small metal wire coiled around a metal rod located inside a hearing aid. It acts as an antenna picking up magnetic signals and turning them into sounds streamed through your hearing aids.

Internal mechanisms of a Widex behind the ear hearing aid with telecoil

How does it work?

The telecoil works as a receiver picking up signals from a loop system that acts as an electromagnetic field. If the telecoil feature has been activated on your hearing aids they will convert the electromagnetic field into a sound signal. Only the sound from the loop system’s microphone is amplified and background noise is minimised.

Do I have telecoil in my hearing aids?

Many behind-the-ear style hearing aids are fitted with telecoil. If your hearing aid has a T-switch or telecoil program then you will be able to activate the feature. Some in the canal hearing aids do not have telecoil due to their small size. Ask your hearing aid dispenser or audiologist if you are not sure.

How can it help me?

If you are at a place where a loop system is installed then the telecoil feature of your hearing aids will stream spoken word directly into your ears whilst minimising background noise. For example at a place of worship you should be able to hear their voice of the speaker directly into your ears meaning you’re seating distance from the speaker will have little or no impact on how clearly you hear them.

Where can I use it?

You can use the telecoil feature wherever a loop system has been installed and activated. They can be found at: -

• Places of Worship
• Concert Halls and Theatres
• Taxi Cabs (London)
• Guided Tours – Museums, Buses
• Counters – Banks, Libraries, Stations, Airports and Shops

If you see the below symbol this should signify a loop system has been installed.

Telecoil Loop System Symbol

Telecoil Loop System Symbol

Who can I seek for assistance?

If you are interested in hearing devices then contact your hearing aid professional to find out more. If you are local to Bournemouth then contact us to find out how you can benefit from a telecoil.

References

Sheehan, Jay: Understanding Hearing Loops: [http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/understanding-hearing-loops-794]: [Dec 5, 2001]

[Unattributed]: What is a telecoil?: [http://blog.widex.com/post/83699151141/telecoil]: [Apr 24 2014]

Protect your hearing aids from moisture

As hearing aids are worn on and/or in our ears moisture cannot be completely avoided. However it is very important to keep your hearing aids dry to make sure they continue to work properly. A clever way to do this is to use a drying pot/bag and drying capsules.

To use: -

• Add a drying capsule to the reusable drying pot/bag.

• Place your hearing aid/s in the drying pot/bag without the batteries and leave the battery door/s open as this allows moisture to escape more easily.

• Ensure you close the lid of the drying pot or seal down the bag and leave overnight.

• In the morning your hearing aids will be ready to wear.

Keeping your hearing aids dry helps to prolong their lifespan and ensures they remain in the best working condition. Bags, pots and capsules are available from us. Contact us today or click the link to find out more about batteries and consumables.