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

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.  

    

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.  

Too Many Adjustments????????

Are you tired of going to your hearing aid provider for constant adjustments? Your troubles may have more to do with your specialist's understanding and experience than the capability of your hearing aids. Get another opinion. We'll evaluate your hearing and your hearing aid settings for the best possible performance, even if you bought them elsewhere. Call us at 386-265-4769

Pearl Harbor Day. Thanks to ALL veterans for your service.

Today it was my honor to take care of 94 year old Pearl Harbor veteran Wayne Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer wears GN ReSound Alera with the Unite TV streamer and Unite mini-mic. Thank you Mr. Shaffer.  

This could be you.........

Every day should start this way. My first appointment was a follow up to a fitting done last week. Her hearing loss was not typical in any sense, and her lifestyle was demanding. I fit her with two GN ReSound Verso hearing aids. I let her barrow a remote control in case she would want to make adjustments. She handed the remote control back to me and said " I didn't have to change a thing. They were as natural and comfortable as I could hope for. Leave them just the way they are."

I admit  not everyone does as well as quickly as this patient did. But it is becoming common place in this office for patients to be comfortable and satisfied after their initial fitting. Expert testing, product selection,  fitting expertise, and follow up care create a patient experience that is unmatched.
 
Are you're spending too much time getting adjustments made to your hearing aids? I may be able to help you get more out of your current hearing aids. While you're here I can demonstrate what Verso can do for you. Call us at 386-265-4769. There is no obligation. Hear the difference.

Thanksgiving Holiday History

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered a written proclamation to declare the last Thursday in November a national day of thanksgiving. Lincoln's proclamation gives recognition of the great blessings our creator God has bestowed on our people and our land. He also said we are prone to forget the source of our bounty. Lincoln is clear in his proclamation as to who we should give thanks. Lets us humble ourselves and be thankful to Almighty God.