Improving Hearing: The Right Instruments and Service

Good Hearing: The Right Instruments and Service Make the Difference

BY TODD ABRAMS

My previous article, in the Summer issue, was about the experience of having a comprehensive hearing test at a Miracle-Ear clinic earlier this year. The results of the test were documented for me, showing that I had mild to moderate hearing loss at higher frequencies in both ears – the frequencies of most spoken conversation. This was the right time to correct my hearing since this is when the most correction options and potential savings are available. And, by correcting hearing at this stage of loss, there is a chance of avoiding auditory deprivation, where the brain loses the ability to distinguish certain sounds because it has forgotten them. I also have had tinnitus for several years, a constant background sound caused by cochlear damage that sends false signals to the brain. I learned that hearing correction, by stimulating nerves appropriately, can reduce or eliminate tinnitus. There are basically two types of hearing instruments – behind the ear and in the ear. Behind the ear models have a barely visible wire that carries sounds to a tiny speaker in the ear. A key advantage is that they can be rechargeable so that you don’t have to buy and replace batteries. They also are more adaptable as your hearing changes over time. Advantages of in the ear models are that they really are invisible and can interfere less if you are wearing glasses or a mask. Both types of hearing instruments can be adjusted to different environments with a smart phone app. There is a range of instrument offerings for both behind-the-ear and in-the-ear models for various hearing needs and budget considerations. But one very important thing I learned about hearing correction is that at clinics like Miracle-Ear, hearing correction is not just a product, but is full range of thoughtful, caring services that begin with preparing, testing and analysis of hearing deficiencies that enable the auditory experts to prescribe the correct instruments and tune them precisely to your needs. I opted for the in-the-ear model hearing instruments shown on this page, called the ReadyFitTM. They are so small that you can’t see them in the close-up photo of me with them in my ears. The only thing visible is the tiny clear bead that is used to pull them out. I couldn’t imagine that these tiny instruments could make a difference. But they are fully programmable, and what a difference they make. Conversation, the main thing I was missing, is much crisper, and I notice that I can hear what people are saying from the back seat when riding in the car, and in other situations where I am not sitting faceto-face with those who are speaking. The adjustments I can make on my iPhone control volume, tone and to allow conversation to be more easily heard in noisy environments. There is a setting for TV or other electronics that adapts to those sounds. I have never had a whistling, buzzing or static sound as I remember hearing from others in the past who were wearing hearing aids. And unlimited, personalized service is always available to optimize performance as I use the hearing instruments. The auditory professionals at any Miracle-Ear clinic answer questions, make adjustments, clean and fine-tune at no additional charge, to adapt to hearing needs as they become more evident or change over time. The net result is that my hearing in conversations and in watching television has improved markedly. I don’t have to keep asking what was said or to turn up the volume, and others aren’t asking me to turn it down. The more I wear them the better they work, as my brain adapts to the change. I am so glad I made the move when I did!

If you would like a free, no-obligation hearing test, you can schedule a thorough examination at any one of the 13 locally owned Miracle-Ear clinics in the St. Louis metro area. Just call 314-789-5202