by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. Audiologist Erin Newman, Au.D., is on the ball and goes the second mile to help her patients. She wrote, A couple of years ago, while searching the Internet for articles I needed for an Au.D. course, I came across your wonderful article entitled: “Becoming Friends with Your New Hearing […]
Buying Hearing Aids—To Shop Around or Not Shop Around
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady asked: If one likes one’s hearing aids perfectly fine, does one really need to try different kinds? I’ve been reading the hearing aid forums, and I feel almost embarrassed that I went to the audiologist, bought very expensive hearing aids, and headed out into the world. I’ve worn contact […]
Does Loud ‘N Clear Live Up to Ads’ Claims?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. August 28, 2009 You don’t want to be taken in by ads that claim you will hear well with the latest hearing device. NewsChannel 5 ( WTVF) recently wrote a story that begins: If you’re having trouble hearing, you might be tempted to buy a new product called the Loud […]
Automatic T-coils and Cell Phones—A Workaround
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady explained: If someone has an automatic t-coil on their hearing aid, they will have problems hearing on their cell phones if they want to do so in t-coil mode. They will need a magnet glued to the phone’s earpiece in order to activate the automatic t-coil. I don’t have […]
Which Is Better—Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man asked: Which is better, hearing aids or cochlear implants? The true answer is “It depends.” You see, it’s not hearing aids or cochlear implants, rather its typically hearing aids first and then, when your hearing aids no longer significantly help you hear, its time to see about getting cochlear […]
Trust Your Audiologist on Open Fit Recommendations
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: I would like to know if my audiologist has given me the right information. She has told me that I cannot use an open fit or slim tube hearing aids because my hearing loss is too bad. I am using Phonak BTE aids now. They are not open […]
Wax in Your Ear Canal Can Cause Sudden Feedback
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady explained: Last night, all of a sudden my ear began itching so I took my hearing aid off and with my little finger I was scratching in my ear canal. When I put my hearing aid back on, it started to give feedback all the time. This morning I’m […]
Control Your Hearing Aids from Your Cell Phone—You Gotta be Kidding!
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. June 18, 2009 What will they think up next? Did you ever want to change the settings on your hearing aids, but felt embarrassed, and didn’t want to be obvious about it? That is where a remote control comes in handy. I loved to be able to do this with […]
T-coils Have Been Around Since WHEN?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lot of people think that t-coils and loop systems are a relatively new invention. I’ll bet you’ll never guess just how long t-coils have been available in hearing aids. If you’re like most people, you probably guessed some time in the 1970s or 1980s. If you guessed that, you’d be […]
How Do I Eliminate Electrical Interference in a Vehicle When Listening Via My T-coils ?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: I just bought the MaxIT bluetooth neckloop and recently tried it in my 2003 Honda Odyssey van. The electrical interference from the engine was so loud that I couldn’t use it. As the engine went faster the sound got louder. I then tried the MaxIT in my 1996 […]
Sources of Good Hearing Aid Information
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man asked: Could you provide sources or websites that rate hearing aids? I’m getting conflicting input from audiologists, ads, and hearing impaired folks. Where can I find an impartial source that rates hearing aids that address my profound needs? I’m not aware of any source that actually rates hearing aids—giving […]
Hearing Aids—Ain’t It the Truth?
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. Hearing aids aren’t perfect, but they help us hear better. As someone noted, “Hearing aids help me hear about as well as my grandmother’s walker helps her run!”
Tips Before Buying New Hearing Aids
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. with Steve Barber Steve Barber is a great hard of hearing guy and a friend of mine. He also knows his stuff. If you are thinking about getting hearing aids, you would do well to read the following. Steve writes: I get asked a lot about how to shop for hearing […]
Lyric Hearing Aids—Don’t be Fooled by All the Hype
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man asked: What do you think of the new Lyric hearing aid shown on their website? I’d be interested in your thoughts. I have mixed feelings about this Lyric hearing aid. Personally, I don’t think I would ever get one—even if my hearing was such that it would help me. […]
The Best Drier for Your Hearing Aids
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A man wrote: I’m interested in any recommendation you might have about hearing aid dryers. The local hearing aid office dries mine occasionally, but I must be running a wet ear season. Both of my digital Oticon aids cut out on a recent trip to Seattle, and then came back fine […]
My Mom Won’t Wear Her Hearing Aids
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A concerned (and frustrated) daughter wrote I’m hoping that you can help me. My mother is 63 and has significant hearing loss which was diagnosed about 20 years ago. She bought hearing aids about 2 years ago and has never, ever used them. She is not in denial about her hearing […]
Water-proof “Dolphin” Hearing Aids for Swimming!
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A mother wrote: My daughter loves swimming but obviously struggles without her aid in. Can I buy something to protect the hearing aid while she is swimming? As you know, hearing aids are not supposed to get wet—if you want them to work properly, that is. I’ve never heard of anything […]
Good Source of Hearing Aid Batteries
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote: I highly recommend ordering hearing aid batteries from http://www.hearingaidbattery.org. Free shipping and great prices on batteries! I’ve been ordering mine from there for years. So much less expensive than any drug store or audiologist. I can’t say these are the best prices for hearing aid batteries I’ve seen, […]
Setting Hearing Aids to Control Tinnitus and Recruitment
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. A lady wrote: I have tried several different brands of hearing aids over a period of years. These are high-cost name brands, but none are helpful because they make my tinnitus worse to the point of giving me an ear ache. My hearing is declining so much that I’m hoping that […]
Fully Implantable Hearing Aid Trial Begins
by Neil Bauman, Ph.D. People have been wanting totally invisible hearing aids for a long time. Now, the ultimate in invisible hearing aids, totally implanted hearing aids, are approaching reality. Otologics, Inc. is beginning trials on their fully implantable hearing aid. This hearing aid is totally invisible as it is all under your skin—including the […]
