0

Malia L

phonak remote support for phonak hearing aids

Phonak Remote Support: Adjustments and Counseling from the Comfort of Home

September 29, 2023

Telehealth, including teleaudiology, have been in growing demand for the last few years as technology has advanced and the need for remote care has grown. Whether it be inclement weather, mobility or transportation issues, or an ongoing pandemic, there are many reasons for people to want care from the comfort of their own homes. Many different hearing aid brands offer remote care options, but in this blog we will be diving into Phonak Remote Support. How it works and how it can benefit those with Phonak hearing aids!

What is Phonak Remote Support?

Phonak Remote Support allows you to connect to your hearing healthcare professional from anywhere via the myPhonak app. From fine-tuning your hearing aids in real-time, ensuring you hear your best in various environments, to counseling on acclimatization, communication strategies, and hearing aid maintenance, your hearing healthcare professional can be there for you, wherever you are. This means you get personalized care without the hassle of travel or scheduling conflicts. Remote Support breaks down barriers, making sure your hearing health fits seamlessly into your busy life.

What You’ll Need for Remote Support

  1. Your Phonak direct connectivity hearing aids, fully charged and in your ears
  2. A Smartphone equipped with Bluetooth 4.2. If you have an Apple phone you will need your iOS system running 13.0 or later. If you have an Android you will need 7.0 software or newer.
  3. Stable internet connection
  4. Access to your app store so that you can download the myPhonak app

Setting Up and Connecting to the myPhonak App

  1. Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on and install the myPhonak app from your app store
  2. Pair your hearing aids to the app. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, put them in the charger then take them out. If you have batteries, open and close the battery doors. Either action will put your hearing aids into “pairing mode” for the next 3 minutes. Then follow the directions given to you on the app.
  3. Once paired, restart your hearing aids again.
  4. Now you are ready to start a remote session with your Audiologist or hearing healthcare professional. Make sure you have scheduled an appointment ahead of time!
  5. Once you’ve started your session you will be able to chat with your hearing care professional via a video call and they will be able to adjust your hearing aids as needed.

Other Benefits of the myPhonak App

Besides allowing you to remotely connect with your Audiologist or hearing healthcare professional, the myPhonak app also acts as a hearing aid remote and captures helpful hearing data. Adjust the volume, program, turn on speech directionality, and more with the apps remote control feature. Your hearing aids will also keep track of your health data like daily step counts and average wear time. These new health tracking programs are becoming more common in hearing aid apps. It’s hard to say how accurate the data really is, but it is still fun to check out.

Today, remote care has become easily accessible and beneficial to almost everyone. If you have any questions about setting up Phonak Remote Care please reach out to us or your local Phonak provider!

hearing loss and music audeara headphones make a difference

Hearing Loss and Music Mixing Preferences: How Impaired Hearing Effects the Way We Enjoy Music

August 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how music mixing affects our perception of songs? Well, a recent study dived into the world of mixing preferences, and the results are quite intriguing. Let’s break down the science!

The study titled “Exploring level- and spectrum-based music mixing transforms for hearing-impaired listeners” by Joseph Benjamin and Kia Siedenburg explored the paradigms of music mixing preferences for those with and without hearing loss.

The Groovy Experiment: Mixing Music for Different Ears

Imagine you’re at a concert, and the sound engineer is adjusting the levels of vocals and instruments to create the perfect blend of music. That’s called mixing, and it’s crucial for making songs sound good. But did you know that people with hearing impairments might have different preferences when it comes to mixing? That’s what this study aimed to uncover.

Mixing Magic: What’s the Deal?

Mixing is like cooking. You have various ingredients (tracks) that need to be combined just right to make a delicious dish (song). In the music world, mixing involves tweaking things like vocal levels, instrument balance, and even the frequency balance (how bright or deep the music sounds). But here’s the twist: People with hearing impairments might experience music differently, and that’s where the experiment comes in.

Meet the Players: NH and HI Listeners

The researchers gathered two groups of music lovers: those with normal hearing (NH) and those with hearing impairments (HI). Some of the HI folks wore hearing aids (HAs), while others didn’t. The goal? To find out how these different groups preferred their music mixes.

Experiment 1: A Peek into Hearing Loss and Music Mixing Preferences

In the first experiment, they played different versions of songs to these music enthusiasts. Some versions had louder vocals, some had more balanced frequencies, and some had a unique EQ (equalization) transformation. They found that both HI groups preferred the lead vocals to be louder than NH participants did. Imagine being at a concert and wanting the singer’s voice to stand out even more—that’s what they liked!

Experiment 2: The HA Twist

For the second experiment, they focused on the HI listeners who wore hearing aids. They compared their preferences when wearing HAs and when not wearing them. Surprisingly, they found that wearing HAs reduced the preference for louder vocals and changed the balance of frequencies in the music.

What Does it All Mean?

These findings suggest that people with hearing impairments might have different musical tastes when it comes to mixing. Cranking up the vocals a bit could potentially enhance their enjoyment of songs. And when it comes to the sound frequencies, it’s like choosing between bright and deep colors—some might prefer brighter, more vibrant sounds.

A Solution for those with Impaired Hearing…?

Luckily there are some options for altering music mixing to suit your preferences if you have hearing loss! We personally love the Audeara A-01 Headphones as they are customizable and made with those with hearing impairment in mind.

What sets Audeara headphones apart is their focus on providing users with customized sound profiles based on their individual hearing capabilities. Audeara headphones are equipped with technology that allows them to assess your hearing sensitivity in each ear. This is done through a hearing test that you take when you first set up the headphones. The headphones then create a personalized sound profile for you based on the results of this test. This profile takes into account any hearing deficiencies or variations you might have, and it adjusts the audio output to suit your unique hearing needs.

Audeara headphones continuously adjust the audio output in real-time based on your personalized profile. This means that the headphones adapt the sound to compensate for any deficiencies in your hearing. For instance, if you have difficulty hearing certain frequencies, the headphones will boost those frequencies to make sure you can hear them clearly.

The Takeaway: Music for All Ears

So, what’s the bottom line? Music mixing isn’t just about technical stuff; it’s about how we experience and enjoy songs. The experiment showed that understanding the mixing preferences of people with hearing impairments can help make music more enjoyable for everyone.

Imagine going to a concert in the future where the mixing is tailored to what you like—whether you’re a normal-hearing listener or someone with a hearing impairment. That’s the power of research and understanding how we all hear and feel music differently!

Remember, music is a universal language, and it’s all about making sure everyone gets to groove to the beat. So, next time you’re singing along to your favorite song, give a nod to the mixing engineers who make sure it sounds just right for your ears!

hearing aid repair send your hearing aids to us from anywhere and we will fix them

Hearing Aid Repair: Convenient and Hassle-free Mail-In Repair Now Available at Your Fingertips!

June 30, 2023

The world of online shopping continues to revolutionize the way we buy products and services. So why not include hearing aid repair as part of that revolution? From clothing to groceries, we can now conveniently order almost anything with just a few clicks.

We at Hears Hearing & Hearables have been happily helping those that need hearing aid chargers, ear care supplies, hearing aid accessories, and whatever other hearing help they may need. But now we are excited to be offering mail-in hearing aid repair services! This service will not only save valuable time but also ensures that those with hearing difficulties can now get their devices fixed without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

In just a few easy steps, you can mail your hearing aids to us and we will examine, diagnose, and repair whatever issue you may have.

The Ease of Mail-In Hearing Aid Repair:

Traditional hearing aid repair often involves scheduling appointments, commuting to a physical store, and waiting for repairs to be completed. This process can be inconvenient, especially for individuals with mobility issues or limited transportation options. However, with the introduction of mail-in repair services, these barriers are now a thing of the past. Customers can simply package their hearing aids and send them to our in-person clinic.  Once at our clinic we will perform the necessary repairs and return the devices directly to their doorsteps.

Streamlined Repair Process:

We at Hears Hearing & Hearables understand the importance of efficiency. We have designed a streamlined process to ensure quick and reliable repairs. When customers send in their hearing aids, they are first evaluated to identify the issues. Once the technicians diagnose the problem, they promptly carry out the repairs using the appropriate equipment and tools. And if the repair is beyond our clinic capabilities we will handle anything that needs to go to the manufacturer or elsewhere.

Convenient Communication and Updates:

To further enhance customer experience, we provide convenient communication channels for inquiries, updates, and support. Whether through email or phone, customers can easily reach out to us to address any concerns or questions they may have. Additionally, we will send regular updates on the repair progress, providing peace of mind and transparency throughout the entire process.

Mail-in Hearing Aid Repair in Just a Few Easy Steps:

  1. Make sure to check out our Troubleshooting Blog to see if the issue is something you might be able to fix on your own 🙂. You can always reach out to us via a contact form as well!
  2. Once we’re sure it’s something that you cannot repair yourself, you can go ahead and purchase our Mail-In Hearing Aid Repair. Then, safely package up your hearing aids and ship them to us at:  Hears Hearing & Hearables, 11 10th Ave S, Suite A, Hopkins, MN 55343
  3. We will let you know as soon as we receive your package and then begin examining and diagnosing the issue. Once we find what the cause of the problem is we will reach out again and let you know. Some issues will incur outstanding costs depending on the warranty status of your hearing aids. If there is an extra cost to complete the repair we will give you all the information and make sure we get the go ahead before finishing up the repair. We are also happy to check your warranties before you send your hearing aids in, just reach out.
  4. Once your hearing aid is in tip top working order we will promptly send it back to you!

We hope our mail-in hearing aid repair service will bring a new level of convenience and accessibility. By simplifying the repair process and providing expert service, we hope to benefit a wide range of individuals with hearing difficulties. With mail-in repair, you can now bid farewell to the hassle of physical appointments and welcome a more efficient, reliable, and customer-friendly solution for maintaining and repairing your hearing aids.

Hearing aid receivers

What is Wrong with My Hearing Aid?! Some Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

June 7, 2023

Happily wearing your hearing aid and trouble arises… It stops working.

You’ve been wearing your hearing aids and enjoying the birds chirping, the bells ringing, and participating in conversations with those you love when suddenly all those wonderful sounds are gone. Your hearing aids have stopped working and you’re left feeling like you are missing out on the world around you. Before panic sets in that your “ears” are gone, let’s talk about some common issues that are likely to occur and how to do some hearing aid troubleshooting!

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Tips:

I.  The Classic “Is It On?” Dilemma:

Okay, this one might seem obvious, but we’ve all had those moments where we frantically search for a complex solution, only to find out that the simplest answer is the right one.

First things first, make sure your hearing aids are turned on! If you have traditional batteries, try popping in a new one just to make sure. If you wear rechargeable aids and are near your charger, stick them in the charger for a couple minutes.

Be aware that sometimes the charger can be the issue in that it doesn’t work. Make sure the charging lights on your aids and on the charger are turning on and not flashing red!

II.  Wax?! Clearing the Path for Sound:

Our ears are fantastic self-cleaning machines, but sometimes they can produce a little too much wax or wax that gets in the way of your hearing aid. If you’re experiencing muffled or distorted sound, it’s worth examining your hearing aid for plugged wax build-up. One of the most common issues we see at Hears to U, Hearing & Hearables is a plugged wax trap. Sometimes called a wax guard, wax filter, or wax trap.  These little white plugs are designed to catch any excess wax and be changed out over time or when they are plugged.

If your wax guard is doing its job catching all that wax, the trap can become completely plugged. Once it’s plugged no sound can pass through and you can’t hear! So always make sure to check under your rubber ear tip or at the end of your custom earmold to see if the little white donut-looking wax trap is full. Even if it doesn’t look full and you don’t see “wax”, there still may be some as it is so small. Better to change the guard before you move on to the next step.

There are many different kinds of wax traps that vary based on the brand and model of hearing aid. We carry a large selection you can check out here! If you are not sure which one will work with your hearing aid please reach out to us and we can help make sure you get the wax guard you need 🙂

III. “Check, Check” Make Sure the Microphone is Clean:

Although hearing aids that go behind the ear are built to be quite durable, they are still prone to issues. Sometimes the microphones can get filled with debris, causing amplification to be weak, distorted, or gone altogether. If you’re having any issue with your hearing aid it is always good to give it a thorough cleaning. Using a little hard-bristled brush you can brush out the microphones on your hearing aid to remove any debris. It is important to clean your microphones from time to time regardless of if you are having issues so that debris doesn’t build up. When you aren’t hearing well this is another important hearing aid troubleshooting step to follow before you worry!

Most hearing aids come with a cleaning brush and kit, but if you don’t have one we recommend this easy to use Hearing Aid Cleaning Kit.

IV.  Moisture can Cause Reoccurring Issues :

Hearing aids and their components don’t like moisture. Moisture can accumulate inside hearing aids due to factors like humidity, sweat, or accidental exposure to water. This moisture can damage the delicate electronics of the hearing aid and affect its functionality. Some of the behind-the-ear style hearing aids are “waterproof”. However, we have seen “waterproof” hearing aids get wonky and not work due to moisture. The best way to deal with this natural exposure to moisture is a dehumidifier!

Do you own a dehumidifier? There are different kinds of dehumidifiers, but the most commonly used are either jar style dry-aid kits or electronic active drying.

Dry-aid kits are compact and portable options for removing moisture from hearing aids. These kits usually include a drying container or jar with a desiccant, as well as other accessories like cleaning tools. Users can place their hearing aids inside the container overnight to dry them.

For these type of Dry-aid kits we recommend Audiologist’s Choice or the Zephyr Dry and Store.

Electric dehumidifiers use heat or a low-power electric fan to remove moisture from the hearing aids. The devices are usually small and portable, allowing users to place their hearing aids inside the dehumidifier overnight for drying. Sometimes these kinds of dehumidifiers also include a UV light to sanitize while they dry.

Some great electric options are the PerfectDry Lux or PerfectClean.

Although both options help combat moisture, we recommend using electric active dehumidifiers as we believe they are the best at fully drying out hearing aids in-between wears.

Some brands even make chargers that include a dehumidifer, like the Widex Charge N Clean or the Signia Dry&Clean Charger.

“What? I Still Can’t Hear You”: You’ve Checked Your Batteries and Changed Your Wax Guards, Now What?

You have done all the above and your hearing aid still isn’t working… now what? From here we want to break it down to the style and type of hearing aid you wear, such as a behind-the-ear style or an in-the-ear style.  Please find your style and read for more hearing aid troubleshooting tips and tricks. If you don’t know your style feel free to reach out to us, show us a picture of your hearing aid and we will guide you.

Behind-the-Ear or Receiver-in-Canal Hearing Aids:

If you wear receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids, the next most likely issue is that your receiver has gone bad. The little wire (called the receiver) connects the behind-the-ear portion of your hearing aid to the in-the-ear portion. This wire is what receives sound from the microphone on top of the hearing aid and sends it to the speaker that sits in your ear. These little wires are prone to damage from moisture and wear over time, but luckily are easy to replace.  This can be done in the clinic.

Call up your hearing healthcare provider to see if they can change your receiver for you. We also sell replacement receivers for most hearing aids on our online store. If you aren’t sure what you need, you can always reach out to us for help!

Custom or In-the-Ear Hearing Aids :

Custom and ITE hearing aids can be the most finicky. Since all the components are in the ear, they are especially prone to issues from moisture. We recommend to all our patients that if they wear an ITE they should get an electric dryer or dry-aid kit to put their hearing aids in each night.

This type of hearing aid is also susceptible to wax and debris issues. Like we mentioned above, it is worth having a hearing aid cleaning kit with different brushes to brush the mics frequently. There are also hearing aid vacuum cleaners that can really deep clean out those microphones!

When all else fails, these custom-in-the-ear models of hearing aids probably need to go into the clinic.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids with Tubing and a Standard Earmold:

Although standard Behind-the-Ear hearing aids with tubing are usually the most durable of the hearing aid types, they can still have some issues. The tubing on these hearing aids will become hard overtime. When the tubing gets hard the sound doesn’t pass through as efficiently and you might not get any sound at all. Hearing healthcare professionals typically perform tubing replacements in a clinic, so it is advisable to schedule an appointment to see them.

Another common issue with BTE style hearing aids is the hook going bad. The hook is what connects the behind the ear portion of the aid to the tubing and helps transmit the sound. Sometimes the hook can get debris in it, or it may become lose or fall off completely. Luckily, a hook replacement is an easy fix in the clinic as well!

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Conclusion:

Dealing with hearing aid troubles can be frustrating, but remember, you’re not alone! By following these simple troubleshooting steps, you’ll hopefully be well on your way to restoring all those soft sounds you’ve learned to enjoy 😊

If these steps don’t fix the issue, please call us in Hopkins, Minnesota and we will try and help you figure out what to do next.

Thank you for reading,

Kristine can hear well with her new Widex Moment Hearing Aids

Hear it Loud and Clear: A Journey into the Mechanics of Hearing Aids!

June 1, 2023

Hear it Loud and Clear, A Journey into the Mechanics!

Hearing Aid Parts – All there is to Know!

EHow Hearing Aids Rock Your World

 

Aging is a journey (says me, an almost 28-year-old)! So… I may not really understand how it feels to be an older adult or senior, but I do see many people in many different walks of life come through our doors at Hears to U, Hearing & Hearables. I appreciate listening and learning from everyone I meet and especially from an older population. Whether stories from years past, ailments from today, or dreams for the future there is always something to be learned from those who have lots of lived experience. 

 

Being that I am in an audiology clinic everyday, the most common thing I hear about is… you guessed it, hearing issues! Hearing loss is a common side effect of aging for many people. Although hearing loss can occur at any age, the majority of hearing loss cases occur gradually over time, particularly as people age. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a common condition that typically begins to manifest around the age of 60 or older, but recent research shows that it can begin as early as 40.

 

Prevalence of Hearing Loss

In the United States, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that approximately 30% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and the prevalence rises to about 50% in those aged 75 and older.

 

Although hearing loss can be a natural part of the aging process, it is still a difficult condition for many to manage. Some people might not think they need any help or that their life is not being affected by hearing loss. But in all reality, it is affecting their life and especially those that spend time with them. This is when hearing aids (hopefully) enter the picture!

 

Hearing aids have come a long way and made many technological advancements, especially in recent years. These small yet powerful devices have revolutionized the lives of millions. Allowing them to reconnect and enjoy sounds they may have not heard in years. Although hearing aids have a lot to offer, it is still important to remember that they are aids. Yes, they do help you hear better, but they will never restore your hearing or cure hearing loss. 

 

Understanding how hearing aids work will help wearers understand what their realistic expectations should be and how they can best utilize their hearing aids for different listening situations. To understand how hearing aids work, we first must understand the important components that make up a hearing aid:

Hearing Aid Parts:

Microphone:

The microphone is a fundamental component of a hearing aid. Its purpose is to capture and convert the surrounding sounds into electrical signals. The microphone ensures that the sounds you encounter are effectively collected and processed. This lays the groundwork for the subsequent steps in the hearing aid’s operation.

 

Amplifier:

Once the microphone captures the sounds, the amplifier steps in to enhance and boost the electrical signals. The amplifier’s primary function is to make the sounds audible and clear. It amplifies the weak signals to a level suitable for your hearing needs. Ensuring that you can perceive sounds at comfortable volumes.

 

Digital Signal Processor (DSP):

The digital signal processor is the technological powerhouse within a hearing aid. It processes and fine-tunes the amplified signals according to your unique hearing requirements. It employs sophisticated algorithms to distinguish between different frequencies and filter out background noise, ideally prioritizing the sounds you want to hear. 

 

Receiver (Speaker):

After the signals have been processed, the receiver, also known as the speaker, takes over. It converts the electrical signals back into acoustic sounds, delivering them directly into your ear canal. The receiver ensures that the sounds reach your ears accurately and with optimal clarity.

 

Battery:

Hearing aids rely on a power source, usually a small traditional battery or rechargeable lithium-ion battery, to function effectively. Modern hearing aids utilize advanced energy-saving technologies to prolong battery life, ensuring extended usage without frequent replacements.

 

Customizable Features:

Hearing aids today offer an array of customizable features to suit individual preferences. Almost all models have a downloadable app to accompany the aids that allows for adjustments in volume, noise reduction, directional focus, and even connectivity to other devices such as smartphones or televisions. 

 

Hearing aids these days include advanced technology and features to offer users customizable, high-quality hearing help. Although they will not restore hearing back to what it once was, it does allow users to experience many of the rich sounds of life that were once lost as well as communicate more effectively with those that they love. 

Hearing aid, Hearing Loss, Assistance with Feedback Loop

What is that Chirp from my Hearing Aid? It never happened before. What, Hearing Aid Feedback?

May 23, 2023

I wish we would have written this blog on Hearing Aid Feedback long ago, or perhaps we did but it has disappeared into blog heaven.

In our clinic in Hopkins Minnesota, Hears to U, Hearing & Hearables, we have received many phone calls, emails, walk-ins, and fly-ins (you get the point) questioning a peculiar sound coming from their hearing aids. The chirping sound wasn’t there in the beginning. Why is this happening now? We professionals call this hearing aid feedback.

These are some examples of the questions we receive from our patients –“Why are my hearing aids chirping?” “I have a sound coming out of my hearing aids that everyone can hear” “My hearing aids are malfunctioning with these music tones” My hearing aids are making noise, what should I do?”, “My friend told me my hearing aids were screeching and I was so embarrassed!”  Recently one of our patients came in saying, “Help make the chirp-o-mania stop!”

Can you relate? Have you gone to your audiologist asking these types of questions? Well, we are here to help you online, giving you some guidance.

These are common occurrences from a leakage of sound that we Hearing Care Professionals call – feedback. Nothing to fear!

What is this feedback that audiologists talk about when you report some random ringing or chirping from your hearing aids? Have ever held a microphone too close to the speaker and it makes this horribly loud screech only to have the entire room groan and cover their ears because of the disturbingly loud, high-pitched screeching you’ve created, then you’ve experienced “feedback”? It seems to happen most when a band is setting up and testing on stage and somehow the speakers and the mic get a little carried away with feedback.

Luckily, when it comes to hearing aids the speaker is not nearly as powerful so if feedback happens to occur, usually only you and the people close to you can hear it. And sometimes if the hearing aid wearer has a high-frequency hearing loss, they might not be able to hear it at all. In our clinic in Minnesota, we have many patients who report that their significant other can hear it and can we fix it so the others won’t be annoyed?

Although feedback is a common occurrence with hearing aid wearers, it is also a sign that something is not quite right. Ideally, your hearing aid should fit snugly in your ear canal so that all the sound is being directed to your eardrum, and not escaping out of your ear. When or if the sound escapes out of your ear it will get picked up by the hearing aid microphone which then causes the escaping amplified sound to be re-amplified, and now you have a feedback loop and your hearing aid is “yelling”, “chirping”, “buzzing”, “screeching”, and/or “singing” at you. However, you want to describe it, it is not pleasant for you or those around you.

So now that you know what feedback is, the question becomes “Why is it happening and what can you do about it?”. Feedback can be caused by a few different things, and to make it stop you first have to figure out why it is happening in the first place.

Some common factors that cause hearing aid feedback are:

 

  • Poor fit: If your hearing aids are not properly fitted or inserted into your ears, sound leakage can occur, leading to feedback and screeching. Your hearing aids should feel snug and secure! We are hopeful that this issue will be addressed in your first few fittings when you get your hearing aids.
  • Earwax or Debris in the way of the sound: Accumulated earwax or debris on the hearing aids themselves or in your ear canal can obstruct the proper functioning of your hearing aids. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids as well as your ears can help prevent this issue. Remember not to use Q-tips as it typically causes any earwax to become further impacted!
  • Volume settings to loud for the fit: If the volume on your hearing aids is set too high, it can cause the sound to leak, creating a feedback loop. If you’ve turned the volume up higher than your fit setting, try turning it back down to see if that stops the extraneous noise.
  • Dome, Tip, or Earmold Quality: You may have an older dome or tip that is falling apart and not holding the sound in as well.  Perhaps your mold has a leak or a cut in it that allows too much sound to escape out of your ears.  This is a reason to get some backup domes/tips/molds.
  • Weight loss or gain:  Believe it or not your ears may get bigger, yes bigger if you lose weight.  Or smaller if you gain weight.  This can lead to a poorly fitting part in your ear.

Learning about hearing aid feedback and what to do about it is just another lesson in your hearing aid journey.

 

It should not be a cause for concern and instead, a cause for you to check in and figure out what is creating your feedback. You can always reach out to us with questions, or make an appointment to see your hearing healthcare professional and have them help you diagnose the cause and find a solution. If there is a will, there is a way to get the “chirp-o-mania” under control! We thank Mark for inspiring us to write this blog for you.  We hope this shed some light on your hearing aid chirps.

Cheers.

Hears to U, Audiology, Hearing & Hearables is Now Accepting HSA and FSA Payments Online

May 4, 2023

Hears to U, Audiology, Hearing & Hearables is Now Accepting HSA and FSA Payments Online

HSA and FSA payments enable patients to cover out-of-the-pocket medical expenses with their pre-tax income, making hearing and ear wellness more accessible.

Hears to U, Audiology, Hearing & Hearables, a hearing healthcare provider, is pleased to announce that they are now accepting Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments through their online platform, making it easier for their clients to access high-quality audiology services and products without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

This move aligns with the need for greater accessibility and affordability in the healthcare sector and emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing healthcare as an integral part of overall wellness. Moreover, it is a testament to the company’s commitment to outstanding customer service, client support, and quality products.

“Hearing Health Care is part of your health care wellness and using your health savings or flexible money accounts to help get what you need” says the team at Hears to U, Hearing & Hearables.

FSA and HSA payments are convenient, tax-advantaged ways to pay for medical expenses.

FSA is a benefit program that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses. It typically has a use-it-or-lose-it provision, meaning the funds must be spent within a year, or they will be forfeited. This makes FSA an excellent option for people who have predictable healthcare expenses.

HSA, on the other hand, is a type of savings account that individuals can set up if they have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). HSA allows them to contribute pre-tax money to their savings accounts that can be used for qualifying medical expenses. Unlike FSA, unused HSA funds are carried over to the following year, so it’s great for people who want to save for future medical expenses.

While both FSA and HSA have their differences, they share the goal of making healthcare services more affordable for individuals and families. They cover many healthcare expenses, such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, and over-the-counter products including those related to audiology and hearing healthcare products. Such products include Hearing aids, OTC Hearing aids, ear wax removal kits, hearing protection, and other products to help with your ears or hearing needs.

Hears to U, Hearing & Hearables understands that dealing with hearing loss on top of managing healthcare expenses can be overwhelming for individuals and families. So while they have always accepted FSA and HSA payments in their physical brick-and-mortar store, they are now expanding their payment options in their store online.

By moving this capability to their online platform, they are taking another step to make audiology services and products more accessible and convenient for their clients and customers. In addition, these payment methods also encourage patients to take an active role in their hearing healthcare decisions by offering flexibility and control over how they allocate their funds.

Check out this article on these awesome sources:

https://www.newsnetmedia.com/story/48815917/hears-to-u-audiology-hearing-hearables-is-now-accepting-hsa-and-fsa-payments-online

https://digitaljournal.com/pr/news/getnews/hears-to-u-audiology-hearing-hearables-is-now-accepting-hsa-and-fsa-payments-online

https://news.rainbownewsline.com/story/475750/hears-to-u-audiology-hearing-hearables-is-now-accepting-hsa-and-fsa-payments-online.html

published article hearing loss in minnesota, hearing aids, hearing help

“Audio-sharing Bluetooth is opening up a new world of sound”

March 22, 2023

Bluetooth has become a cutting-edge technology today.

 It has greatly enhanced the way electronic devices connect, providing many conveniences for different niches. Among the many areas it has helped elevate is the hearing experience, especially for hearing aid device wearers.

Audio-sharing Bluetooth, known as LE Audio or AURACAST Audio is a promising capability for all Bluetooth-enabled devices. The new feature allows two or more hearing devices to connect to a source and share the audio. While Bluetooth has been widely used to connect earbuds or headphones to any electronic device to hear its sound, audio-sharing Bluetooth takes it to a new level by allowing more than one hearing device to be connected to an audio source so users can listen to its audio together, regardless of what they are doing, without disturbing others around them.

This new Bluetooth feature can offer many opportunities for streaming audio to a wider audience. It will benefit people who use personal hearing devices such as headphones, earbuds, and speakers when they listen to music (or a television program in a public place like the airport).

At the same time, it will also benefit hearing aid device wearers who need all the conveniences available to make their day-to-day activities lighter. People with hearing loss have a hard time hearing from a distance, like when they’re watching a TV at a sports bar.

“Imagine that you, who may or may not have hearing loss, walk into a sports bar to watch a football game and want to hear the announcers. It will be easy to just connect to that TV with Auracast, LE Audio Bluetooth, and just like that, the sound is right into your Bluetooth audio device. It’s game-changing. Maybe the movie theaters will offer LE Audio for people so you won’t miss a word of that movie,” said Kim Fishman, audiologist and founder of Hears Hearing & Hearables.

With this promising improvement, Hears Hearing & Hearables is keeping tabs on the progress of this Bluetooth upgrade.

Hears Hearing & Hearables is an online Ear and Hearing store that offers carefully curated products for ear and hearing needs, such as amplifiers, streamers, and other assisted listening devices. It also created a community dedicated to hearing wellness.

Hears Hearing & Hearables also supports its members who may or may not have hearing loss by keeping up-to-date with the latest technology, like the new Bluetooth and devices that help people hear to the best of their abilities. Again, one such exciting upgrade in technology is the audio-sharing Bluetooth feature posing with better connectivity as well.

As hearing aids are fairly similar to personal hearing devices (such as earbuds) in terms of their use of streaming audio and size, upgrading hearing aid devices to have this new capability might be a little more of a sting in the users’ pocket than updating the earbuds.

Since Bluetooth technology is quite affordable, hearing device manufacturers will adopt this new LE Audio Bluetooth feature, so many users across the globe will slowly upgrade their units to enjoy its benefits. Hearing aid device wearers will no longer need to use different headphones whenever they wish to hear the same audio as others. They will simply connect their hearing aids to the audio source to listen.

 

Get the latest on hearing aid devices like this and more only at https://hearshearingandhearables.com. Hears, Hearing & Hearables keeps readers updated across the country with the newest and most exciting technology and features that will benefit the hearing wellness of its clients through its website.

About Hears Hearing & Hearables
Hears Hearing & Hearables was established to create a community dedicated to hearing wellness and to support its customers. It serves its communities by providing excellent, accessible, affordable, and transparent hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare products.

published article hearing loss in minnesota, hearing aids, hearing help

“Hears Hearing & Hearables Makes Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Accessible”

February 7, 2023

Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues across the globe. But despite its prevalence, very few interventions are made to improve hearing loss outcomes compared to other chronic diseases. 

Aside from poor accessibility to healthcare professionals, the expensive cost of hearing aids prevents people from getting the help they need. Hears Hearing & Hearables aims to change this by making over-the-counter hearing aids readily available for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and connecting them with hearing health professionals across the US.

“We want to help people with hearing loss find affordable and accessible hearing solutions,” says the team behind Hears Hearing & Hearables. “While we are membership based, consumers do not need to be a member to shop with us. We work with you to make your hearing better.”

The company carries a range of self-fit hearing aids from reputable brands such as Sontro, Sony, and Jabra. The products highlight a customizable interface to suit every wearer’s preference and a comfortable and sleek build that is discreet and virtually invisible. Each one is carefully chosen for its performance, durability, and intuitive design, enabling wearers to go through their day with ease and confidence.

Beyond providing consumers with high-quality and affordable hearing aids, Hears Hearing & Hearables emphasizes educating consumers about their hearing health.

The Hears Hearing & Hearables team understands how hearing loss can significantly impact one’s way of life – from relationships to work and educational prospects. So they are passionate about empowering clients with comprehensive solutions and meeting them wherever they are in their health journey. The team is available to answer clients’ questions anytime and guide them in choosing the best option that fits their unique situation.

The company is also proud to be the leader in transparency. Its OTC hearing aids are FDA approved and vetted by audiology professionals. Clients can always count on Hears Hearing & Hearables to be a reliable partner in improving their hearing health outcomes.

Moreover, by becoming a member, they can access a range of perks, including exclusive rewards and discounts from healthcare partners and the ability to sell and buy gently used products. Members also get to be a part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering each other in their hearing wellness.

Hears Hearing & Hearables offers everything from OTC hearing aids and Assistive Listening Devices to consignment hearing aids and accessories, ear care kits, and hearing aid care products.
Find more information about their product offerings here: https://hearshearingandhearables.com/.

published article hearing loss in minnesota, hearing aids, hearing help

“Hears Hearing & Hearables Introduces a Trusted Model in Hearing”

January 6, 2023

Hearing treatment is one of the most undervalued industries as many people remain unaware of how to address related needs. 

Understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for this, Hears Hearing & Hearables offers affordable and accessible choices for different people.

There are a variety of products their expert team has in stock as there is no single product for everyone.

“We started Hears Hearing and Hearables because we feel the field is not transparent and often does not have the consumer’s best interest in mind. We want to highlight that everyone has their own needs and therefore we will help find that special solution for each person.”

Kim Fishman, CEO and Audiologist

To ensure that every consumer has a seamless experience, Hears Hearing & Hearables allow them to personally have a choice of the product deemed best for them. This is unlike when going into a clinic which is often owned by a manufacturer (or has conflicts of interest in business) and imposes a product beneficial for the business. Moreover, compared to other online marketplaces, many models are still owned by one manufacturer which does not really give a wide range of quality options.

Hears Hearing & Hearables put its customers first before profit

Not caring about selling only the big-ticketed items. Its delivery model is also transparent with the pricing and products. “Aside from helping our customers find accessible and affordable products when there is no one else to assist them, we can also support them by finding a provider near them that is also trustworthy,” Kim Fishman added. Kim Fishman also shared that they will provide affordable support via telehealth or as she said “teleaudiology”.

It is also worth noting that Medicare does not cover hearing aids while the advantage plans offer discounted options. People think they are getting a hearing aid benefit, but it is not a benefit, it is a discounted hearing aid. Although, those plans are not transparent which can lead to the customer being pushed to a certain product again. Hears Hearing & Hearables ensures that this wouldn’t happen with their proven and tested model in hearing health care and delivery.

Some of Hears Hearing & Hearables products and services are over-the-counter hearing aids, hearing aid chargers, batteries, and tinnitus treatment among others. Even as a new start-up company, many have already left testimonials which can be found on their website that shed light on their personal experience with Hears Hearing & Hearables.

It is evident that the clients and consumers who work with Hears Hearing & Hearables are extremely happy with the reliability and over-the-top care that their staff provides apart from the trusted reputation it has built in the industry from the Audiologists long time in the field helping others in Minnesota.

Feedback for Hears Hearing & Hearables has completely endorsed its quality customer service. One of its customers, Bernard said

“They go the extra mile to help and work with you. I live in Maryland and received great advice for my problems. I wish that this service was available in my area.”

 

To know more about Hears Hearing & Hearables, visit their website now at https://hearshearingandhearables.com and check the best hearing solutions available. For people who don’t know what is best for them, reach out to the awesome team at Hears Hearing & Hearables and they will provide the best support.

About Hears Hearing & Hearables
Hears Hearing & Hearables online was created to help support its patients and to create a community dedicated to hearing wellness. It serves its communities by providing excellent, accessible, affordable, and transparent hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare products.

Load More
Post Categories
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
      Apply Coupon