Hi all! 

I hope that everyone is staying safe and socially distancing during this time! While figuring out what our new day to day is going to look like, one of our goals is to continue to educate our patients (that is probably you, but if not, welcome newcomers!).  Today’s blog is going to focus on the available options for remote audiology assistance, which is potentially going to play a larger part in patient care as we move forward in a more cautious environment. You may not know it but depending on when/where your hearing aids were manufactured, they may already be equipped with some type of remote audiology abilities right now. 

Below I’ll outline the two basic versions of how remote audiology support can be applied, as well as list some of the manufacturers we work with that currently support this option in their software. I’ve also included links to manufacturer websites, where you can access more in-depth details about what types of remote assistance are available for any given company.  

There are two basic formats of remote audiology support: assistance that occurs in live action (takes place immediately, usually over video chat or an online messaging service, requiring an appointment with the provider before starting), or assistance that occurs on a more extended timeline (a request put in through an app that the audiologist reviews, makes adjustments for, and sends the programming back to the patient for approval).  

Live action assistance, as detailed above, typically requires an appointment to be scheduled, exactly like coming into the office, in order to make sure the provider is available, and/or camera ready. The hearing healthcare provider and the patient would then have a discussion (exactly like an in-office appointment), and the audiologist would use remote programming software to make any adjustments necessary, or walk the patient through any troubleshooting that may be necessary with the devices. Manufacturers that we work with at Andros ENT & Sleep Center offering this option include Widex, Signia, ReSound, and Phonak. Also included in the category of “live action assistance” is online messaging that goes directly to your hearing healthcare provider (manufacturers that offer this include Signia), for questions that require immediate assistance but not necessarily a face-to-face discussion.  

Extended timeline assistance does not usually require a scheduled appointment, best practice is currently to set “office hours” where the hearing healthcare provider will be consistently available at the computer, checking remote fitting software for messages, which encourages timely resolutions to requests. This approach consists of the patient initiating a request for services through their hearing aid phone application – services available remotely include hearing aid programming adjustments, and trouble-shooting suggestions through the messaging system. The hearing healthcare provider would receive the request, make whatever adjustment or suggestion that would be most appropriate for the situation, and pushes the changes made back to the hearing aid phone application through the remote fitting software. The patient is then able to try the settings. Manufacturers that we work with at Andros ENT & Sleep Center who offer this option include Starkey, ReSound, and Signia. 

While the availability of remote audiology assistance is becoming more mainstream, it is still likely that unless hearing aids have been purchased within the last 3-5 years, they will not have the ability to use the types of technology listed above – however, it really does depend on the manufacturer (compatibility varies).  While both remote audiology assistance formats offer benefits, as discussed above, it is also important to note that all require use of the hearing aid phone applications, compatible devices, and the ability of the audiologist to access the hearing aid fitting software.  

Tele-audiology will continue to grow and develop more uses, especially in this time when patient care is still close to our hearts but maintaining the safety and health of all our patients is of the utmost importance. We hope to educate you (our patients and friends) further, as time goes on. Andros ENT & Sleep Center – whether near or far, we’re hear to enhance life.  

Stay safe and be well, all!  

Andros Audiology has a unique advantage in the hearing aid world because we are connected to Andros ENT & Sleep Center. Being part of an ENT clinic means better care for you, not only hearing aid care, but also your overall ear health. Sometimes hearing loss can be as simple as cleaning out your ears, but other times it is more serious, and we can do it all!

Hearing aids are a very personal choice – they require customization to both budget and lifestyle. Our founder, Dr. Rosario, understands this and intentionally chose to not run our clinic on commission, which means that your best interest is the driving force behind any decisions made. There are so many options of hearing technology and we work with multiple manufacturers to guarantee there is an option for you.

Not only that, but we have two highly trained doctors of audiology and a hearing instrument dispenser. They know all the ins and outs of hearing aids and can find you the right fit without any manufacturer affiliation. You deserve a choice when it comes to what you wear in your ears! When you come to see us, we are in a convenient location, with a well-maintained office space, as well as professionals who care and understand how hearing loss can affect your quality of life. Our goal is to use hearing technology to enhance your life, as well as help you maintain your hearing aids while you learn how to make them a part of your day-to-day experience! Being part of an ENT gives you the support and confidence you need to move forward with this life-changing decision.

Hello everyone!

With the relatively recent advent of rechargeable batteries for hearing aids, we have received a lot of questions about hearing aid batteries, and how all the different options work. The information available can be a little confusing, so we thought we would break it down for you here!

Generally, there are two different types of batteries: disposable and rechargeable.

This week, we will discuss the ins and outs of disposable batteries.

Disposable

Disposable batteries were the only battery option available for hearing aids for a long time. The “official” name is zinc-air, because the batteries are air-activated. Each individual battery comes with a sticker attached, and you peel off the sticker when you are ready to use the battery.

Disposable batteries come in four different sizes denoted by different colored stickers. From smallest to largest they are: 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 13 (orange), and 675 (blue). The size of the battery generally correlates with the size or the power of the hearing aid. The size of the battery also typically correlates with the length of battery life (the smaller the battery, the more often you will have to change it). The average battery life is about 5-7 days, however, other factors (such as stream time and wear time) can affect that number.

An advantage to using disposable batteries is general reliability; you will not need to worry about charging a device, and if the batteries do lose power unexpectedly, you can almost always find them at a local pharmacy or grocery store.

A disadvantage to using disposable batteries is the maintenance; disposable batteries require replacement about once per week, which does involve some fine motor skills and replenishing a stock as needed.

Tips: For those of you with hearing aids that require disposable batteries, below are a few tips and tricks that can help ease replacement/lengthen the life of them:

• Try and wait at least a minute between the time you peel the sticker off the battery and when you place it in your hearing aid.

• If a battery is intermittent/does not seem to work well upon placing it in your hearing aid, make sure any sticker residue is completely off the battery. You can also check the expiration date on the card or carton of hearing aid batteries – sometimes batteries can become intermittent even within a year of the expiration date listed.

• Always make sure the “plus sign” or the flat side of the battery is facing up in your hearing aid (you should be able to see the “+” when the battery is inserted in your hearing aid/there should not be any part of the hearing aid touching the top/flat side of the battery). You should not have to force the battery into its compartment, so if you are getting a lot of resistance, check and make sure it is facing the correct way. Remember – if all else fails, contact your audiologist!

Hopefully that clears up any confusion/curiosities regarding disposable batteries and hearing aids. Remember to come back and visit this space next month, where we will talk about rechargeable hearing aids!

Have a “powerfully” awesome rest of July, friends!

Hello again, friends!

With this time of year comes many opportunities to get out of the house and into the community to mingle – block parties, barbeques, and of course, city days! Here at Andros ENT, we’re heading out to see old friends and make some new ones.

We’ll be at Mendota Day on Saturday, July 13! (http://www.cityofmendota.org/MENDOTA-DAY-2014.html ; https://www.facebook.com/MendotaDay/ ) where there will be complimentary items, educational materials, and the chance to win a free hearing screening!

Since a hearing screening is part of what we’re giving away, we thought we would use today’s conversation to give all of you more detail about a hearing screening actually ENTAILS.

At a very basic level, a hearing screening is an abbreviated hearing test, where the only pitches tested are the ones considered most important for speech. A full diagnostic evaluation would test at different levels (starting louder and moving to the softest sounds that you are able to hear), a hearing screening only tests at one specific level, at what we consider “the borderline of normal.” The idea behind this, is to confirm that at the very least, you can hear the most important speech information at a normal level
for both ears. If at any of these pitches, you are unable to hear the “borderline normal” level that we initially present at, we’ll then go looking for your hearing threshold (or the softest sound that you can hear). So, that we can tell you exactly what level of hearing loss is present (if any). A hearing screening is short and sweet, and typically comes with the possibility of a few recommendations.

The outcomes typically involve the following:

– You passed! Hooray! This means you heard every sound we presented at the “borderline of normal”; for the different speech tones, and you can go about your merry business with little to no interference from us! We recommend getting your hearing tested every 1-2 years as preventive care, even if you pass your screening with flying colors, but you should always feel free to come in sooner if any new concerns come up.

– At one or more pitches we tested, we found some hearing loss – what now? The next step will typically be a diagnostic evaluation – the concept is similar to a screening, except in far more detail – more information is better!

– This diagnostic evaluation may be scheduled only with the audiologist, or it may involve “tandem”; (or associated) appointment with an ENT physician. Typically, you only have to see the physician if there are any FDA referral symptoms, or if you have concerns, you’d like addressed from a medical standpoint.

– FDA Referral Symptoms – quickly: ringing/buzzing, especially if it’s only in one ear; pain; sudden hearing loss; a large difference in hearing ability between your ears; fullness in either ear; active drainage from either ear; dizziness; earwax; or any trauma to your ears

– At some point during your diagnostic evaluation, your friendly neighborhood audiologist may mention that you are what we consider a hearing aid candidate – don’t panic! This is the beginning of a conversation that you are an active participant in – your opinions matter, and this is the time to get any questions you may have addressed. We’re here to educate, offer you opinions with the knowledge that we have, and most importantly, LISTEN to YOU. You drive the next step in the process.

So, there it is: your 60-second snapshot into a hearing screening, and some of the potential outcomes. Come see our faces at Mendota Day on Saturday, July 13, and we’ll be happy to answer even MORE questions (we might even reward you with candy)!

Happy summer-ing, all!

Welcome to summertime, Minnesotans! It’s that wonderful time of year when we all remember outside
exists and is GLORIOUS! But with the glory also comes questions about how best to keep hearing aids in
tip-top shape as the heat rises.
With that being said, we are here to help! We address five common situations you may need to combat
during summer with some helpful suggestions to keep your hearing aids in the best condition.

Situation 1 – Moisture:
a. It’s in the air, it’s behind your ears – moisture is EVERYWHERE, and as we all know, moisture can
be considered the villain to a hearing aid’s hero status.
b. What can you do to combat moisture?
i. When they’re not in your ears, keep the hearing instruments in a cool, dry place –
potentially even a dehumidifier or in a container with a desiccant pack (which can be
purchased through your audiologist!)
ii. If you’re going to be doing something where you’re highly active (working out, working in
the yard, swimming [ESPECIALLY swimming]) – take the hearing aids out, and leave them in
the aforementioned cool, dry, place
iii. When taking the hearing aids out of your ear’s wipe them down with a dry cloth – if you see
any moisture or debris present near the microphones, try your best to brush the moisture
away from there
iv. Finally – if you’re noticing issues with your hearing aid that you feel may be related to
moisture – come in and see your audiologist!

Situation 2 – Heat:
a. Just like any other piece of electronics, hearing aids are susceptible to extreme temperatures –
that includes the internal electronics, as well as the zinc air, Z-power, or lithium-ion rechargeable
batteries that are available in hearing aids.
b. When they’re having to combat truly terrible temperatures, hearing aids may not function at their
peak performance level. Particularly if you’re going to be taking them out – be sure to put them
either in a travel case, or inside, in a cool, dry location.
c. Do NOT leave them sitting in direct sunlight for long stretches of time – if your cell phone doesn’t
like to overheat, neither do your hearing aids!
 

Situation 3 – Yardwork:
a. Common question during the summer months: Can I wear my hearing aids while mowing the
lawn/gardening?
i. See above – if you’re going to be active in the garden, it may be best to leave the hearing
aids inside where they are cool and safe – both from a moisture and heat standpoint.
b. Another consideration for the garden – if you’re going to be using any type of power tool (lawn
mower, weed whipper, etc.), you should really trade in those hearing aids for hearing protection,
and keep your remaining hearing safe!
 

Situation 4 – Accidentals:
a. So, your family or friends thought it would be hilarious to take you for a dip in the lake, but forgot
you had your hearing aids in – what do you do now?
i. First things first: remain calm!

1. Once you get back on dry land, get those hearing aids out of your ears.
2. If you have battery doors that open, now is the time to open battery doors, and take
   the battery out. Let the hearing aids lie flat with the battery doors open to dry out!
   a. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, and don’t have battery doors that open,
   DON’T try to open them. Just lay them flat and let them dry.
3. If you have a dehumidifier or a container with a desiccant in it, go ahead and get the
   hearing aids in there and let them stay there for a few hours.
4. Do NOT panic and try to dry the hearing aids with a hair dryer, or any other kind of
   tool that dries things other than hearing aids – that is how you end up with wet AND
   melted plastic that used to be a hearing aid
   ii. And finally – call your audiologist and schedule a hearing aid check, to make sure everything
   is as it should be

 
Situation 5 – Vacation
a. Before you leave on the fabulous vacation you have planned, whether it be overseas or up north,
there are a few things you should double-check that are in your suitcase:
i. Batteries

1. If you have the kind of hearing aids that use batteries, you should make sure to bring
   an extra pack when you go on vacation – it’s like an extra set of contacts, or a backup
   pair of glasses – better safe than sorry!
2. If you have the kind of hearing aids that use a charger – make sure you have the right
   cords!
   ii. A travel case
3. Here is a rule of thumb that is accurate ALL the time, but is especially important when
   traveling: if the hearing aids are not in your ears, they should be in your case.
4. Let me say it again for those in the back: IF THE HEARING AIDS ARE NOT IN YOUR
   EARS, THEY SHOULD BE IN A CASE
   ii. What to do if you have a hearing aid issue out of town
5. First things first again – we are still remaining calm!
6. If it’s within normal business hours, call your audiologist. They may be able to walk
   you through troubleshooting the problem over the phone, or find an appropriate
   referral for you wherever you are.
7. In the worst case scenario, if you’re unable to find an appropriate referral or resolve
   the issue over the phone, you may have to put your hearing aids in a safe place (like
   their case), and keep them there until you can get home and get to your audiologist

 
Here’s your bottom line for summer: go have fun! If things go wrong and you need some help, stop in
and see us at Andros Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, or give us a call at 651-888-7800.
Happy summer, everyone!

Hearing aids are sophisticated computer technology. Like all computers, this technology is under constant development for improvement. One focus of hearing aid manufacturers is to improve speech understanding in noise. Companies have also worked to improve product durability from moisture and wear. Now, companies are starting to introduce sensors that can track more than just how many hours it is used. What does this mean for the future and hearing aid users?

People who would benefit from hearing aids are not getting the help they need. Thus, hearing aid manufacturers are striving to make technology that people will want to wear and use. Imagine if you could wear a small device on your ear that not only helped you hear better, but also tracked fitness, blood sugar levels, and could even translate languages real-time. These features may be coming down the technology pipeline for hearing aids.

Smart Technology of the Future

Hearing aid companies have already introduced smart sensors that learn about incoming sounds and environments. This makes the computer better able to identify this sound or environment in its next encounter. It “learns” similar to how our email “learns” what is junk, and what is important to us. When the computer can learn more about how to distinguish speech versus background noise, the user will benefit.

The future of hearing aids will also include more connectivity to the other “smart” devices we use on a daily basis. For someone who relies on hearing aids, the doorbell’s ability to communicate with hearing aids, and ring a tone in the user’s ear if there is somebody at the door, may be a really big deal. Televisions will also be able to seamlessly stream the sound into the custom fit hearing devices, therefore improving listening experiences. Believe it or not, hearing aid technology is already able to provide most of these features!

Bottom Line

Smart hearing aid features are already here and technology is only going to get better. As time goes on, more and more technology will reach the hands of consumers to help people improve their hearing on a daily basis.  Andros Audiology can help you find your perfect technology. Call (651) 888-7888 to schedule an evaluation with our Doctors of Audiology today!