Types Of Dehumidifiers

There are both passive and active dehumidifiers available for hearing aids. Passive dehumidifiers use desiccant beads to draw out moisture from hearing aids. The desiccant beads can be disposable or reusable after drying in a microwave or oven, depending on the option that works best for you.

Active dehumidifiers use heat and air circulation to better remove moisture from hearing aids. These devices are more expensive but can be more effective if you sweat profusely or live in a very humid environment.

Passive dehumidifiers are available at our clinic and both active and passive dehumidifiers can be purchased online.

If you have any questions, please call us at 404-943-0170.

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Hearing aids are programmable devices that can be custom fit for your hearing loss. The amplification of these hearing aids can be adjusted at different frequencies and at different loudness levels to ensure a good match to prescriptive targets for different types and different amounts of hearing loss. Real ear measurements should always be performed for new hearing aids to ensure an appropriate fit.

Personal sound amplifiers have set amounts of amplification and are not adjustable to match any specific type or amount of hearing loss. They may be appropriate for some types of hearing loss but are not going to provide the best audibility for most patients.

A hearing test is a good first step in the process to determine which device is right for you. Call us at 404-943-0170 to set up an appointment.

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There is also verification of a proper fitting, validation of benefit, and appropriate counseling for use of the hearing device. Real-ear measures are an important part of a hearing aid fitting as it is the only way to make sure the hearing aid is fit appropriately, although it is oftentimes not completed at hearing aid fittings or follow-up appointments.

Ear canals come in all different shapes and sizes, and these differences change the acoustics of the hearing aid on different individuals. Hearing aid manufacturers create an algorithm to estimate the appropriate amount of amplification for a hearing aid, but that hearing aid will sound different in different ears.

Real-ear measure testing involves placing a probe tube in an ear canal and measuring the output of the hearing aid in that ear. The amplification is then adjusted to ensure audibility and oftentimes to match prescriptive targets for a given hearing loss. Without this step, the fitting of a hearing aid is just a guess at where it should be set.

So, when you are in the market for a hearing aid, be sure to ask your hearing care provider if they use real-ear measures.

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Widex – The new Widex Evoke hearing aid offers a smart hearing device that can connect to your cell phone and changes its output based on your preferences

Resound – The Resound Quattro has a fully enclosed rechargeable battery, a faster processing chip, and more memory to provide you with more real time processing than was available before

Oticon – The OPN platform is now available as a BTE style hearing aid and the Siya offers Bluetooth connectivity in many different styles of hearing aid

Signia – The new Signia Styletto hearing aid has a sleek new design and fully integrated rechargeable battery that make these hearing aids stylish

Starkey – The new Starkey Livio hearing aid is the first hearing aid that can also track your health

If you are interested in how these new technologies can help you hear, give us a call at (404) 943-0170 to schedule a hearing aid evaluation.

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There are a few ways to reduce your noise exposure and reduce your chance of hearing loss. The Dangerous Decibels program suggests walking away from loud sounds, turning down the volume (if possible), and wearing hearing protection.

Hearing protection comes in many sizes and styles. Over-the-counter hearing protection is available in most health stores, such as CVS or Walgreens. These foam earplugs are designed to be compressed and placed in each ear canal. The effectiveness of these plugs is affected by placement, and an earplug that sticks too far out of the ear canal will not reduce the noise exposure as much as one that is placed appropriately. If you have questions about insertion of your earplugs, see your hearing health care provider for guidance.

Ear muffs that fit over the ear generally have higher noise reduction ratings and are more consistently used correctly. This style of hearing protection is available in some outdoor stores or online. For extremely loud events, such as firing weapons, you may want to consider using earplugs under ear muffs to further reduce noise exposure.

Custom hearing protection is also available. Custom earplugs are made from an earmold impression and can be created for a variety of different situations. Musicians’ earplugs have special filters to better preserve the acoustics at musical events. Sleep plugs are designed to be fit deep in the ear canal, so they are comfortable while sleeping. Industrial earplugs are designed to quickly change the amount of attenuation in noisy work environments. There are even electronic earplugs that can be used while shooting.

We offer custom hearing protection at Ear Consultants of Georgia. If you are interested, please contact us at 404.943.0170.

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