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1. Jeanne M. Ward, Melissa L. Hopkins,
Au.D. A Newsletter Service of Premium Hearing Solutions Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology Doctor of Audiology
PREMIUM HEARING SOLUTIONS FALL/WINTER 2007
NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER’S HEARING AID ANYMORE...
We have seen many improvements in activated by the magnetic loop that the program in the hearing aid, we can
hearing aid technology just in the past is in handset of every hearing aid provide you with small magnets for
few years. As you may know, hearing compatible phone. When the your handset that will allow you
aids are becoming mini-computers, hearing aid detects this to easily use the automatic
functioning automatically to adjust to magnetic energy, it phone setting. Just like
the noise in the environment to keep activates the telephone the other programs in
speech clear and comfortable. settings immediately. the hearing aid, the
Included in the automatic functioning Although this design is telephone setting
are automatic telephone programs, intended to eliminate the need can be adjusted for
allowing people to simply hold the for a manual telephone setting, there loudness, clarity
telephone up to their hearing aid and is still a switch on the hearing aid that and comfort. This
instantly hear clearly and comfortably can be used to access the telephone feature is avail-
without encountering annoying program, just in case the magnetic able in hearing aids
whistling or pushing a button and energy in the telephone is not strong of all sizes from
waiting for the telephone settings to enough to activate the program in the small, canal size
be activated. hearing aid. If you find the instruments, to the
magnetic loop in your behind-the-ear models.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not! telephone does not seem Just another way “We
The automatic telephone program is strong enough to activate make listening easier.”
NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT PLACE!
Welcome to our 1st edition of the new and
IN THIS ISSUE improved “Hear, Here” newsletter.
Not Grandfather’s Hearing Aid .............. 1
Our little office has grown tremendously, and to
Oticon Epoq .................................................. 2 keep up with all the great new happenings, expansion
Someone Like You ...................................... 2 was necessary! We will now have more space to keep you all
informed on hearing issues, hearing technologies, and the staff at PHS.
Awareness/Rehab Classes ....................... 2
Leading the Horse to Water .................... 3 We hope you enjoy our new look as you read about the latest developments
Tech Corner ................................................... 3 in hearing improvements.
Holiday Hours ............................................... 3
Mission Statement: Premium Hearing Solutions is dedicated to becoming a trusted ally with
Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act ....................... 4 each and every patient who seeks our services. In order to obtain the trust of our patients, we
place a high priority on ethics, patient education, and outstanding service. The “team” approach
Laughter is the Best Medicine ................ 4
between the patient, family and Doctor of Audiology is emphasized.
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2. WHAT’S NEW: Oticon Epoq, Experience the WIRELESS difference...
The newest breakthrough in hearing and computers. Conventional
technology, the Oticon Epoq, offers clear instruments don’t provide optimal
and direct access to cell phones, mp3 access to all these types of sounds – but
players and other Bluetooth devices. In Epoq does. One of Epoq’s strongest
addition, Epoq hearing devices talk to features is each instrument’s ability to
each other wirelessly at broadband communicate wirelessly with the other
speed, offering a sensational sound instrument to help people localize
experience. How does it work? A where sounds are coming from. In this
person’s ‘sound scape’ is divided into way, two Epoq devices work together in
the’“near” world or the “far” world. ”‘The much the same way as the brain works
near world is about speech and relevant with the ears. If a sound is stronger on
background sounds, while the‘‘far” world the one side, the devices will detect this
encompasses the sounds we receive and maintain the difference in intensity. Epoq - small and cosmetic
through modern communication This way you’ll be better able to locate
devices such as cell phones, mp3 players whether the sound is coming from the
back or the front, or from the left or the
right. Such brainy behavior is the result
SOMEONE LIKE YOU! of a revolutionary new processing
platform. Incorporating EarStream
processing, a proprietary short range
digital wireless system, this platform
enables Epoq devices to transfer data
between each other at a rate of 120,000
bits per second. That’s approximately
100 times faster than the best processing
in the industry to date! The benefit is
more accurate, stereophonic sound
pictures.
Florence Holiday
Dear Dr. Hopkins, Call our office for a complimentary in-
Epoq aids with bluetooth streamer
office demonstration and in-home loan.
I just LOVE my new hearing aids! They
truely are the most marvelous things!
They allow me to hear like a person with
perfect hearing! Because they are so NEW: Hearing Loss Awareness/Rehabilitation Classes
COMFORTABLE to wear, I have to keep
getting up when I go to bed at night to Even a mild hearing loss can hinder daily communication. Learning more about issues
take them off! The other day I almost related to hearing loss can lead to empowerment and an improved quality of life.
walked into the shower with them on!
Informative and fun, this series of six, one-hour programs will deal with the following
You gave me such WONDERFUL help - topics:
and I am so grateful! Thank you ever so • Understanding Hearing Loss – defining hearing loss and understanding test results
much. • Hearing Aids – Realistic expectations, caring for and getting the most out of yours
Florence Holiday, age 81 • Coping Strategies (part one) – Factors affecting communication/understanding
• Coping Strategies (part two) – Discussion of various listening situations
• Assistive Technology – hands on demo of help beyond hearing aids
• Resources – where to find support and speech reading help.
Hearing Aid Financing Instructor Liz Kobylak, a new PHS staff member, has severe to
Hearing aid financing is available profound hearing loss and has taught hearing loss rehab classes
in affordable monthly payments and speech reading since 1999. She is a recent cochlear implant
as well as no-interest financing! recipient.
Feel free to ask anyone at PHS
for more information. Want to join the fun? Call our office to find out when the next
session begins! Liz Kobylak
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3. LEADING THE HORSE TO WATER TECH CORNER
After 8 years of business (hard to believe it has been that long!), we have heard every By now, many of
excuse possible for not wanting to wear hearing aids. If you have a spouse or parent you have met Tim
with a loss, we bet you’ve heard some of them, too. And in fairness, some of the excuses Kennedy, our
were valid ~ at least until now. very skilled
Audiology
You may have already heard of the new “micro” style behind-the-ear devices. They are Assistant. He has
very small, and can barely be seen when worn. And oh-so-comfy! They reduce been a member
Tim Kennedy
background noise, improve speech understanding without making everything louder, of the PHS family
and best of all, they are fully automatic. No more pushing buttons, using a remote for almost 2 years.
control, or changing the volume control. These hearing aids are truly amazing, and we Tim has become very proficient in all
guarantee you will love them as much as we do. areas of hearing aid work; from computer
programming to making ear impressions
to in-office repairs and hearing retesting.
OLD EXCUSE NEW REALITY
He is very knowledgable when it comes
Are too big Are practically invisible to assistive devices outside of hearing
aids; things like infra-red TV systems and
Don’t help in Noise Have ‘speech finders’ that can locate speech in a
amplified telephones.
noisy environment and boost it
Hate sound of own voice Have ‘open ear’ fitting, allowing for natural voice In addition to Tim
quality and comfortable fits K e n n e d y ,
Can’t hear on phone Have auto telephone settings or blue tooth Elizabeth (“Liz”)
compatibility for cell phone users Koblyak is
currently training
Annoying “whistling” Has anti-feedback circuits to reduce whistling to be another
audiology
assistant. Even Liz Kobylak
though Liz is
technically in training, she already has
extensive background in hearing issues
since she has had hearing loss for almost
30 years. She will be heading up our new
rehabilitation/counseling classes.
Tim and Liz are at PHS to handle all
routine hearing aid checks and problems.
If you are having a minor issue with your
hearing aids, or no problem at all and
only need a clean and check, please
schedule your appointment with Tim or
What’s stopping you? Make your complimentary appointment to check them out today! Liz. Thank you!
Holidays are Here Once Again!
In keeping with the spirit of being with family and friends during the holiday season,
our office will be closed on the following days:
Thanksgiving - November 22 and 23
Christmas - December 24 through January 1
Reopen - January 2 at 9:00 a.m.
We will be checking voice mail and emails through these closures, so if needed, please leave us a message and we will get
back with you as soon as possible. Don’t forget to schedule your final check and clean before we close! And have a safe and
blessed holiday season.
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4. HEARING AID TAX CREDIT ACT
On May 15, 2007, the Hearing Aid tax credit for seniors age 55 or older, and
Laughter is
Assistance Tax Credit Acts were dependent children, every five years. the Best Medicine
introduced in the US House of
Representatives and the US Senate. Sen. Coleman has championed the tax
Representatives of the Hearing credit legislation in the last two
Industries Association (HIA) Congresses. Addressing HIA
were on Capitol Hill as part of members, he said, “It takes a
HIA’s biennial “hearing on the little time in Washington to
Hill” assemblage. They get things done. The key to
applauded the introduction of success is often just staying at
the bill, and lobby members of the table.” He told the story
Congress, who supported the of his father’s hearing loss and In Sunday class one day, the
legislation. success with hearing aids, teacher was talking about Noah
underscoring the importance and the flood. One student
Representatives Carolyn of treating hearing loss and raised his hand and asked, “Do
McCarthy (D-NY ) and Vern reinforcing the importance of you think Noah did lots of
Ehlers (R-MI) introduced HR 2329, and the tax credit for hearing aid purchases. fishing while on the boat?”
Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) He emphasized, “In America, there Before the teacher could
introduced the companion bill, S1410. shouldn’t be a financial threshold for you answer, another kid said, “How
The bills propose a $500 per hearing aid to have the ability to hear.” could he with only 2 worms?!?”
- Info provided by Advance for Audiologists, August 2007
Submitted by
What can you do to further the cause? Contact your electorial legislators in Washington, D.C. Patient Robert Clark
and urge them to support the Tax Credit Act as a sponsor. Without enough sponsors, the Tax Madison Heights
Credit Act will not become a law.
555 West 14 Mile Road, Ste. 2-A
Clawson, Michigan 48017
HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
We are also available early mornings,
evenings and weekends; just ask and
we can set up an appointment. Most
hearing aid insurance plans accepted.
Phone: 248-435-6811
Fax: 248-435-6855
www.premiumhearingsolutions.com
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