Renaissance Hearing Center

01/31/2024

How Prescription Hearing Aids Work

Prescription hearing aids are not merely amplification devices. They are intricate pieces of technology customized to meet the diverse needs of individuals with hearing loss. The marriage of advanced computer chips, tailored programming by hearing care providers and ongoing professional support distinguishes prescription hearing aids as the gold standard in hearing healthcare. Choosing prescription hearing aids is an investment in not just a device but a richer, more nuanced experience of the world of sound. Read on to find out more about how prescription hearing aids work.

The Technology Inside Prescription Hearing Aids
At the heart of every prescription hearing aid lies a tiny but powerful computer chip that is the brain of the hearing aid. It is responsible for processing sound signals to provide a true-to-life listening experience. The sophistication of these chips allows for adaptation to various environments, distinguishing between speech and background noise, and adjusting volume levels in real time.
Prescription hearing aids utilize advanced algorithms to mimic the natural function of the human ear. They can analyze incoming sounds and prioritize essential auditory information, making conversations clearer and more enjoyable. This technology not only enhances hearing, but also reduces the effort required to comprehend speech in noisy settings.
Hearing aids have multiple programs as well. If, for example, you are a musician, your hearing needs may be very different during a rehearsal, so your hearing care provider can help develop a custom program for your hearing aid. These programs can be accessed through an app on your phone or the buttons on the hearing device.
The type of earpiece your hearing aid has is also customized to your hearing loss and comfort. For those with milder hearing loss, or who have “normal” hearing at certain frequencies, an open dome is found at the end of the hearing aid. Open domes allow for the most natural sound to enter the ear alongside the prescription sound from the hearing aid. For those with more of a loss, a closed dome or even a custom earmold can be fitted to keep all the sound from the hearing aid microphone inside the ear and as loud as needed. Earmolds can be made from a variety of materials and even in various colors to ensure the user is comfortable.

The Crucial Role of the Hearing Care Provider
While the technology inside prescription hearing aids is groundbreaking, their true magic unfolds when paired with the expertise of professionals. They play a pivotal role in the prescription and fitting process, ensuring that the hearing aids are calibrated to meet the unique needs of each individual.
During an initial consultation, these experts conduct thorough assessments to understand the type and degree of hearing loss. Hearing care providers consider assessment results and factors like lifestyle, communication needs and personal preferences to recommend the most suitable hearing aid model. The prescription is then programmed into the computer chip, laying the foundation for a personalized listening experience.
Regular follow-up appointments are essential after hearing aids are programmed. Hearing aid settings will be fine-tuned, adjusted based on the wearer's feedback and any changes in hearing. If, for example, a person finds that sudden loud noises are too loud, this can be adjusted. This ongoing support is critical in making sure that the hearing aids are helpful and don’t end up being left at home in a drawer!

The Future of Hearing Healthcare: Embracing Personalization
As technology continues to evolve, the future of hearing healthcare is becoming increasingly personalized. Prescription hearing aids stand at the forefront of this evolution, offering a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and individualized care. The integration of artificial intelligence and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities in hearing aid design holds the promise of even better experiences for the hard-of-hearing.
The role of the hearing care provider will continue to be crucial to the success of hearing aids for most users – not only does the provider customize and assist the user with programming, but they offer thoughtful counsel and meaningful advice to those with hearing loss and their loved ones.

10/07/2023

Don’t Be Like Sneade

I once knew a man named Sneade
Who said, “Hearing aids ain’t what I need.
My daddy taught me – always be humble
But the rest y’all don’t speak, ya mumble.

When you repeat I still can’t hear
Even when I ask you again, my dear.
So I’ll stay home and sit and wait
Until some sense crawls into yer crate.

It ain’t me that’s got the problem.
It’s the rest y’all that’s hit the bottom.
But it’s not like me to moan and whine
So when the world wakes up
I’ll be just fine.”

Lesson here – don’t be like Sneade
Cause we got exactly what you need.
In 90 minutes you’ll be out the door
And you won’t be complainin’ any more.

Who said you can’t enjoy your life?
Put away all that stress and strife.
Believe me now, what I say is true.
There’s people out there want to talk to you!

09/12/2023

SAME DAY SERVICE

At some point, any device made – a car, computer, sprinkler system – will require service. That includes hearing instruments. One of the ways we can prevent problems from occurring is through regular maintenance. That is why at our office, all of patients are seen on a quarterly basis. That allows us to clean and sanitize your instruments, replace consumable features such as filters and batteries, test the instruments for fidelity, and make any adjustments you may wish. This keeps you hearing at your peak.

But what happens when there is an acute issue? If your instrument suddenly stops functioning properly, then what? Our patients have friends and neighbors with hearing instruments that tell them in such instances, depending on the hearing care provider, it make take up to 3 – 4 weeks to be seen in the office. How does that work? Our guess, for the patient, is not very well. During that waiting period there is probably a lot of smiling, head nodding, and missed conversations. How frustrating!!

Our practice is different. We are patient-centered. What does that really mean? It means that if your are our patient, and you require service on your hearing instruments, for any reason, we will always be able to offer you a same day appointment. Guaranteed. Our job is to keep you hearing at you very best and we take our job seriously. It’s not about us. It’ about you. Rest easy. We’ve got your back.

07/19/2023

A Truly Waterproof Hearing Instrument
Renaissance Hearing Center is happy to announce that we are now offering the second generation of the world’s first waterproof rechargeable hearing aid: the Phonak Audéo Life Lumity. It is an ideal hearing solution for those who want brilliant speech understanding and maintain an active lifestyle and need something that is waterproof and sweatproof.
They are rated as “beyond IP 68”.
What does IP68 mean?
There are a large number of combinations when it comes to IP ratings, and it can get confusing, but IP68 is one of the most common you will find on technology devices.
When it comes to solids, devices have been tested against dust and found to be dust tight. Anything with a "6" as the first numeral is as impervious to dust as can be tested and certified on this particular scale. For the second numeral, the 8 denotes that it's protected against submersion in water.
• IP = Ingress Protection
• 6 = Dust Tight
• 8 = Survives being submerged in water

Who can benefit from Phonak Audéo Life?
Hearing aid users who…
• want reassurance in cases of unexpected moisture, like a sudden rainstorm or shower
• engage in any level of outdoor physical activity:
◦ exercise
◦ gardening and yard work
◦ play softball (dust from running the bases)
• are around water and would like to continue to wear their instruments in a:
◦ hot tub
◦ pool (water volleyball, water aerobics; swimming)
Don’t let moisture dampen your hearing! With Phonak Audéo Life, you can live life to the fullest. If this is something you’ve been looking for, then call Renaissance Hearing Center at 352-461-0219 and make an appointment today.

02/02/2022