So here’s a great behind the ear hearing aid which is available from lots of retailers online. It’s the MDHearingAid Acoustitone PRO Hearing Aid.
Our impression is that this hearing aid is great for lots of different types of users. Some of our thoughts on this:
- Great for those who are deaf in one ear
- Better than an Opticon
- Battery performance is excellent
- Better built than hearing aids that cost close to $1000
So our verdict: Don’t spend thousands on ‘top of the line’ aids, get an Acoustitone!
So, it’s been a little while since I’ve talked about the songbird flexfit disposable series. A friend of mine was asking what I thought and I felt I should post of my feelings. So, I think these things are great! First, it’s not just about boosting high frequency.It’s got fabulous volume too! Also, for those who like a low profile, the flexfit is practically invisible. That’s pretty impressive as it is an over-the-ear hearing aid. Some have commented about battery life, but I’m happy with that I must say!
So the Songbird Ultra has had a lot written about it and for those who read this blog, you know we have been covering every Songbird product out there from the FlexFit to the disposable. So we have taken a look at the Ultra which retails for $299.50 and this is what we think:
Wearing them everyday recently, I hardly knew it was there
Great in meetings with lots of people
Very comfortable fit
More expensive than other models, but more tailored to individual needs
A con: you have to open the battery compartment to turn the aid off and I really don’t like this!
Hope this helps in your decision process! Leave me a comment if it did or didn’t!
The Flexfit disposable by Songbird is an interesting hearing aid as it is disposed after a period of use. We were skeptical of this product originally, but its energizer powered system has led to some interesting results. Apparently, it lasts about 400 hours and that’s good for 2-6 months depending on use.
Its features and benefits include that 1) Can be used in left or right ear, 2) No batteries to replace and 3) No maintenance required
We have been reading a lot about baha hearing aids and a lot of folks say that the minor surgical procedure is well worth the amazing results of the The Cochlear™ Baha® 3 Sound Processor. Have you had any positive or negative experiences (including bone anchored hearing aid complications) of a baha hearing aids, cochlear bone anchored solutions, and cochlear baha bp100. Post your experiences here.
We are always looking for information regarding Cochlear Implant Candidacy and we came across an excellent resource at the National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University. We highly recommend it. These are general Cochlear Implant Candidacy requirements for children from their website:
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lowered the recommended age requirement to 12 months of age. While this is the FDA-recommended age, this age is not legally binding and some hospital centers are completing the procedure earlier based on expectations of improved outcomes for early implantation. In addition, specific circumstances may allow for earlier implantation. For example, if meningitis is the cause of hearing loss, it may be important for the child to be implanted as early as possible as this condition causes ossification (bone build up) in the cochlea, making it increasingly difficult to surgically insert the electrode array as time passes. Note: There may be questions related to insurance payment for the procedure if it is completed prior to 12 months of age.
The FDA states that a child should have a bilateral (both ears), profound sensorineural hearing loss; however, increasing numbers of children with hearing loss in the severe range are being considered for cochlear implants.
Negligible functional benefit (limited open-set speech recognition) from appropriate amplification is often mentioned as a criterion. When such measures cannot be obtained on young children, hospital centers make individual decisions regarding whether or not a child would be able to do well on such tests given documented hearing levels and traditional hearing aids. There are varied implant center requirements regarding the use of traditional hearing aids prior to implantation. Some centers waive an extended hearing aid trial requirement in the interest of time when it is clear that the child would perform better with a cochlear implant.
A child who is failing to progress in speech, language, and listening development with traditional hearing aids based on parent reports and educational information, may be considered as a candidate.
Family willingness to follow recommendations; enroll in speech, language, and listening therapy; and return for follow-up appointments are factors in candidacy.
Having no medical contraindications to electrode insertion or receiver placement is a factor in candidacy.
Educational and home environments that are supportive of cochlear implants are factors in candidacy.
We always are on the look out for hearing aid guides and this one from the National Council for Better Hearing gives great tips for buying new hearing aids. We have copied and pasted some important parts of their review below (All content was written by the National Council for Better Hearing and not stillnosound.com):
“Buying new hearing aids is an important decision with the potential to greatly enhance your quality of life. Keep in mind these important considerations as you compare hearing aids types and styles, and find the best solution for your hearing problem. Hearing-Aid.com and the National Council for Better Hearing offer this top 10 list of tips for anyone planning to buy new hearing aids.
1. Choose a qualified hearing professional – Several types of hearing professionals including audiologists; hearing aid specialists; and ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors can provide information about, and help with hearing aids. Hearing professionals with strong qualifications such as appropriate education, license or certification, experience and a good reputation in the community are generally a wise choice.
2. Research hearing aids types– Learn about hearing aids types and hearing technology to gain a basic understanding of the many choices available.
3. Undergo a hearing test and complete hearing evaluation – A comprehensive hearing test and evaluation is the first step toward identifying hearing loss and finding the right hearing aid for a specific hearing problem. An online hearing test is a good way to get started, but it is essential to visit a hearing professional for a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
4. Honestly identify hearing needs – Some hearing aids are well suited for noisy situations; others are not. Some hearing aids types are perfect for an active lifestyle, while others are better suited for quiet activities such as watching television or listening to music. Features, controls – even color – may be important factors to consider when choosing a hearing aid.
5. Understand hearing aids prices – Hearing aids are a major purchase and as such, the buyer should receive a written contract which includes the cost of the hearing aids, as well as any services provided by the hearing professional. These services may include fitting, training and follow up appointments. Insurance coverage and financing may also be available to help make hearing aids affordable.
6. Get a comfortable fit – Custom earmolds ensure the best fit when purchasing new hearing aids. New hearing aids require a period of adjustment, and any level of discomfort could make the transition difficult.
7. Follow up – Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time as the brain learns to hear again in a new way. Follow up appointments with a hearing aid specialist are imperative to get the most out of new hearing aids.
8. Ask about the return policy – Most hearing professionals will offer a trial period for new hearing aids. Some may charge a fee if the hearing aids are returned; others may offer the opportunity to try a different hearing aid style.
9. Understand the warranty – As with any major purchase, hearing aids may come with a warranty to cover repairs or replacement. An extended warranty may be available to protect in the event of loss or damage to hearing aids after the initial warranty has expired.
10. Consider using hearing aids with other assistive listening devices – Many hearing aids are designed to work well with phones and audio equipment. New wireless hearing aids may be the ultimate in convenience for the hard of hearing. A hearing professional can answer questions about the compatibility of hearing aids with assistive listening devices.
For more information on hearing loss and hearing aids, visit Hearing-Aid.com, sponsored by the National Council for Better Hearing.”
We keep a close eye on songbird offers and there very popular 30 day trial has been extended to 45 days. Wow! Visit www.trysongbird.com to take advantage of this.
From Songbird’s site:
“We want you to get the most out of your hearing solution. That’s why we’re extending the 30 Day Trial to 45 Days! You’ll have an extra 15 days to try the Flexfit for the same trial price of $14.95. And remember, we’re here to help should you need assistance during this acclimation period. Contact us anytime at 1-800-789-1830.
The Songbird Flexfit represents the best way to try a high quality hearing solution for under $200. Designed to be the ultimate in performance and convenience, its innovative technology enables a standard 312 hearing aid battery to last up to twice as long than with traditional aids.
The Songbird Flexfit also features a unique modular design, enabling easy battery replacement and flexible maintenance options, allowing you to replace the Earpiece at your convenience. Combined with its innovative technology and crystal-clear digital sound, the Songbird Flexfit allows users to experience the benefits of better hearing conveniently and affordably.
We just came across this Songbird video on YouTube about their Flexfit hearing aid. Anyone have any experience with these aids. Post up your comments!
Introducing the New Flexfit® hearing aid with replaceable batteries, the latest digital hearing solution from Songbird Hearing! The New Flexfit® was designed to be the ultimate in performance and convenience. Its innovative technology enables you to get more life out of standard 312 batteries than traditional digital aids. And its unique modular design enables easy battery replacement and flexible maintenance options. Take advantage of a 30-Day Free Trial now by visiting www.TrySongbird.com. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
1 comment - What do you think? Posted by
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April 11, 2011 at 12:00 am
“A bone-anchored bearing aid is basically a modern development of a bone-conduction (b/c) hearing aid, something that has been with us for over 60 years. In a traditional b/c hearing aid, the user places a tight, elastic, metal band over his or her head. A bone-conduction vibrator (oscillator) is fixed to one end of the band and placed behind the ear and connected to a body-worn hearing aid via a wire cord. These oscillators are essentially the same devices still being used during routine audiometric testing. People wearing such b/c hearing aids would frequently complain of discomfort and headaches because of the constant pressure of the vibrator behind their ears.
The people who were candidates for b/c hearing aids were those whose hearing losses were primarily conductive, that is the sound was not being “conducted” through either the ear canal or middle ear because of some impediment to the transmission of the sound vibrations. This impediment could be caused by ear-canal infections (external otitis), chronic drainage from the middle eat or a congenital malformation of the outer or middie ears – anything that precluded the insertion of an earmold in the ear canal.
In these instances, it would be appropriate to fit the person with a b/c hearing aid in order to by-pass the outer and middle ears and directly vibrate the cochlea through the skull. In other words, instead of amplified sound being transmitted through the ear canal to the inner ear via a traditional hearing aid, tiny skull vibrations would deliver the same sound signals to the inner ear (the cochlea) via bone conduction. Once sound signals from either source arrive at the inner ear, they are analyzed by the auditory system in exactly the same way.
The BAHA® requires that a titanium screw be inserted into the temporal bone behind the ear. This sounds rather fearsome, but I’m informed that it is really a minor surgical procedure. After about three months, the process of “osseointegration” and healing is completed. Osseointegration refers to a process in which an organic connection occurs between implanted material (the titanium) and living tissue. This type of connection provides for a much more efficient way of transferring energy from an external vibrator through the skull to the cochlea than traditional b/c oscillators. The titanium screw terminates in an abutment into which the hearing aid can easily be attached and detached.
The hearing aid itself (there are several models, ranging from ear level to body-worn types) contains the usual hearing aid circuitry and can be modified and upgraded independent of the inserted portion which is permanent. The vibrations produced by the BAHA® are transmitted to the embedded titanium screw and passed along to the cochlea via the bone conduction pathway.
Unlike previous generations of b/c hearing aids, because of its vibratory efficiency, the BAHA® is also appropriate for people with mixed hearing losses; i.e. part conductive and part sensorineural (up to about a sensorineural component of about 45 dB). The ear-level instrument contains a direct audio input jack into which assistive listening systems or an external telephone coil can be plugged. Further information about the BAHA® can be obtained from www.entific.com.”
