IN Fox Chapel Area Fall 2018 | Page 39

INDUSTRY INSIGHT Rechargeable Hearing Aids YOUR HEARING SPONSORED CONTENT Why should I care about that? R echargeable hearing aids are all the rage right now. Does this change the functioning of a hearing aid? Not really. Is it helpful? It can definitely be helpful. Most conventional hearing aid batteries last approximately 5 to 7 days. That holds true as long as you open the battery doors at night when you’re not using the aids. Changing a hearing aid battery takes some degree of manual dexterity. Some people find it easy; many do not. If there is numbness in the fingertips, tremors, or poor vision, changing these tiny batteries can be quite a challenge. It is much easier to put the hearing aids into a charger at night. There are two different types of rechargeable hearing aids. One has an embedded battery that is a lithium-ion battery similar to the type in cell phones. The other type uses a silver-zinc battery that is similar to a regular battery but can be recharged. The lithium-ion battery will last for about four years and can only be AM changed by the InFoxChapel Oticon Compass_Eartique 2/27/18 1:27 Page 1 manufacturer. The silver-zinc battery lasts a little over a year and can We’re taking hearing aid technology in a whole new direction. be changed by you or the audiologist where you purchased the aids. There are pros and cons to both; a few of which are listed below. Lithium-Ion vs. Silver-Zinc Holds a 24-hour charge Holds an 18- to 19-hour charge Battery compartment is sealed – possibly more durable and resistant to the elements Batteries can be swapped out with regular batteries (useful for times when power is not available) Slightly larger batteries = larger device Smaller batteries = smaller device Batteries are non-toxic and fully recyclable Another consideration in this day and age is the fact that hearing aids are compatible with iPhones, Androids, iPads, etc. For those who make and receive phone calls and hear the calls directly through their hearing aids or listen to music, books, or podcasts through their aids, there are no more worries about battery consumption. Call and make an appointment with the audiologists at Eartique at 412.422.8006 for a free consultation. We can evaluate the status of your current hearing aid or evaluate your hearing to see if you’re ready to dive in with your first set of hearing aids. Eartique offers a free 30-day trial on hearing aids. Eartique is the Last Stop You’ll Make in Successful Hearing Aid Use. This Industry Insight was written by Debra L. Greenberger, the owner of Eartique. She received her master’s degree in Audiology (Hearing Science) from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and she is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids for over 25 years. Oticon Opn. ™ features a revolutionary microchip that adjusts and balances all sounds in your listening environment, not just the ones directly in front of you. Debra L. Greenberger, M.S., CCC-A Serving the Pittsburgh area for over 25 years The last stop you’ll make in successful hearing aid use Call today for a FREE consultation! Squirrel Hill ~ 2703 Murray Ave. ~ 412.422.8006 Beth M. Kenny, AuD, earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Science & Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts in Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her clinical doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still University in 2005. Beth is certified by the American Academy of Audiology and has been practicing since 2003. Leslie A. Dunst, MS/CCC-A, is a Clinical Audiologist who has enjoyed providing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative services for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, and her Master of Science in Audiology from West Virginia University. Leslie is also certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her diverse background spans three states (Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania) and includes private practice, ENT offices, and clinical and hospital settings. Leslie is dedicated to providing quality service to her patients and committed to helping improve their quality of life by helping them to hear their best. She resides in Peters Township with her husband and 14-year-old son. FOX CHAPEL AREA ❘ FALL 2018 37