Friday, November 8, 2013

Attention Veterans

First let me say Thank You for your service. Recently I've had a number of veterans come in for hearing help that were not aware they may have hearing aid benefits through the Veterans Administration. This is a well deserved benefit that should be used if you have a hearing impairment. I am a private, for profit, small business and would never turn business away. But, when veterans come seeking hearing help I will first make them aware of the the benefits that may be available to them. If you choose to seek help outside the VA then I would be honored to help and I offer an additional discount for all veterans.


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

How to choose a hearing aid. Which hearing aids are the best?

There are so many great products available today it's hard to say that one hearing aid brand or style stands alone as the best available. There are manufacturers that provide better products for different hearing loss configurations than others. In my practice the product recommendation is driven by patient requirements. For example, if wireless connectivity is required I'll use ReSound. If a bi-cros is required I may use Starkey, Oticon, or Phonak. Other times I may be restricted by insurance providers like Humana that offer a discount plan administered through a third party such as HearUSA which is owned by Siemens. Of course Siemens has an approved product list with their own price schedule.

It is important to remember the service and trust factors when purchasing a hearing aid. Never allow yourself to be pressured and or make decisions based on "the deal of the week". Also, don't allow yourself to be restricted by insurance or memberships. Competitive markets provide the best products at the best price with the best service. You deserve the best and I am honored to provide it.  

Monday, July 8, 2013

Amazing New Technology Free.....Everything is Free......But not Really

Free hearing test, free hearing aids, free hearing aid batteries, free hearing aid repairs, 75% off, huge trade in for you old hearings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The technology available in today's hearing aids is remarkable, but the way they're advertised is not. Hearing aids are not free, and the value of quality service plays as much or more of an important roll in the success of your fitting than the amount you spend on the hearing aids themselves.

We offer a number of great manufacturers such as ReSound, Starkey, Siemens, Oticon, and Phonak to name a few. All of them offer there own version of wireless connectivity to enhance the listeners understanding ability.

So what's so great about wireless connectivity?

Sound dissipates over distance. As you move further from the sound source, there is less signal for you to hear. That dissipation is noticeable over just a few feet.
With wireless connectivity you have the sound source directly in your ears.......like the person is next to you speaking right into your ears. It isn't about making everything louder. It's about giving you a more complete signal which makes it easier to UNDERSTAND. It's more CLEAR.

Will insurance pay for your hearing aids?

Some insurance carriers do offer a hearing aid benefit while some offer a discount program. We'll be happy to check your coverage and honor most insurance programs.

There are some insurance programs that are very limiting and restrictive with the products they offer. We offer competitive pricing and can often beat your program discount price. Whichever works best you is the way to go.




Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Diabetes, heart disease, blood circulation, and thyroid problems

Why talk about these ailments in a blog about hearing loss? All too often our hearing is a casualty of these conditions. These are only a few of the many health issues hearing loss can be linked with. Depression and anxiety can be linked with hearing loss as well. While many people are quick to address medical, emotional, and psychological conditions, they don't realize the role hearing loss plays in their lives. Whether hearing loss is a result from another condition, or hearing loss plays a role in the cause of another condition, every adult should have their hearing checked. For more information and related articles go to the bottom of the Information page of this web site and click on betterhearing.org

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Hearing aids and the cost of value?

If you have ever purchased hearing aids you know they can go from one end of the spectrum to the other, in price and technology. You can buy amplification devices on television for $10 and when you call now they'll send you a second device FREE. Just pay additional shipping and handling. You know the pitch. You might see newspaper ads offering hearing aids  for as little as $295, buy one get one free, or Federal Workers receive hearing aids at NO Cost! What do your instincts tell you when you see those ads? Follow your gut feeling on this.

The truth is there are a lot of good hearing aids available and the prices for quality products are very competitive. You need to remember that knowledge, experience, service, and trust have to be considered as you compare cost. I have acquired many new clients who purchased hearing aids elsewhere and later were not able to get service, were never seen by the same provider, the business closed, moved, or change ownership and name. The math is pretty simple on this. If the deal seems too good, they're not planning on being around long.

When to beware...........
When a new business enters the market and suddenly has multiple locations. The potential problem is that these outlets generally answer to central management that isn't local, and may not even be in our state or country. Too often these locations are staffed with trainees or providers with little experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but with no experience there should be proper supervision on site. Florida law requires a licensed specialist to be on site for a trainee to do a hearing fitting.

What to look for........
Industry experience, product knowledge, fitting experience, and National Board Certification are good places to start.  

    

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Hearing Aid Insurance Benefits


Do you have hearing aid benefits with your health insurance plan? Many insurance providers are now adding
hearing aids to their list of benefits. Like anything else....some of the plans are good and some are not so good.

What you should know..........


  • Very few plans actually pay for hearing aids.
  • Most plans are a discount guarantee.
  • Some plans will cover a portion of the cost while you cover the balance.


Some health insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits that are administered through a separate company that is owned by a major hearing aid manufacturer. Hmmmm, imagine that! It isn't a"bad thing". It isn't illegal. But, you should understand your benefits and know that you are not restricted by them.

If your benefits offer quality product choices and quality providers to fit and service the product, you should feel good about helping yourself and your family through better hearing. Don't be afraid to go outside your health insurance plan if it doesn't offer what you need. Do what is best for you and your hearing needs.