So, you successfully fit your patient with a high-end hearing aid with a streamer and all is wonderful in the world until they go to work. They would like to have their business phone conversations streamed directly to their hearing instruments just like their home landline phone. Unfortunately, the business phone is connected to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that limits options to hearing instrument wearing employees. The good news is there are viable solutions that work.
For hearing instrument wearers using streamers,* the ClearSounds QH2 Hub (while supplies last as this has been discontinued) and Phone Amplifier (CS-QH2) will convert and corded or cordless phone, including a (including a business phone running on a PBX system) into a Bluetooth phone. Once connected to the business phone, the CS-QH2 may be paired to the hearing aid streamer, enabling the user to hear business phone calls via their hearing instruments in a hands-free fashion. If your patient does not have a streamer but has t-coils, the still CS-QH2 remains an option. In lieu of a streamer, a Bluetooth amplified neckloop (CS-QT4 , CS-QT4LITE) may be paired to the CS-QH2. Incoming calls will be routed wirelessly from the CS-QH2 to the Bluetooth neckloop and then directly to the user’s T-coil equipped hearing instruments.
For additional information and more options, be sure the read up on the three-part series addressing business phone solutions for hearing aid wearers linked below:
*NOTE: The CS-QH2 will NOT work with made for iPhone (MFi) hearing instruments (i.e. Starkey Halo, GN ReSound LiNX2). The connection between MFi hearing instruments and the iPhone is a proprietary Bluetooth. Furthermore, the iPhone can only handle one Bluetooth connection at a time. If a MFi hearing instrument user wants to use the CS-QH2, it will require a streaming intermediary device (i.e. CS-QT4).
Hamilton CapTel unveiled the new Hamilton CapTel Noah Module at the 65th Annual IHS Convention & Expo in Chicago last week, making it very easy for audiologists to provide captioned telephones to their patients with hearing loss at no cost. The new Noah module significantly streamlines the ordering process by automating necessary forms using a system that most audiologists use every day to manage patient information. It takes as little as 30 seconds to complete the order forms in the Noah 4 Office Management Software.
How It Works:
Audiologists can download the free Hamilton CapTel Noah module from the company’s website (steps and links below). Patient record information within the Noah 4 system automatically populates Hamilton CapTel order forms. Secure, encrypted online ordering eliminates having to scan hand-written forms and submit them via fax or email. It also ensures FCC compliance and the safety of patient record data.
Click the orange DOWNLOAD NOW button located toward the bottom left-hand side of the page
Fill out the required information and click REGISTER NOW
Click the DOWNLOAD NOW button
Once the software is downloaded, follow a few easy steps to install the software module and to submit a Certification of Hearing Loss/Order Form on behalf of your patient. For more information, check out the FAQ section of their website.
About Hamilton CapTel:
Hamilton CapTel is a service of Hamilton Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications based in Aurora, Nebraska. Hamilton Relay has been providing telecommunications relay services for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have difficulty speaking since 1991. In the beginning, Hamilton Relay provided Traditional Relay Services (TRS) within its own home state. Over the years, Hamilton expanded services not only to states providing TRS, but nationally as well through the provision of Captioned Telephone Services. Hamilton Relay provides TRS in numerous contracted states, as well as Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) including Hamilton CapTel for PC/Mac, Smartphones and Tablets.
I had the opportunity to check out a local company here in Fort Collins, Colorado, called Decibullz. A friend introduced me to the company, as they wanted to reach into the Audiology community for feedback and input on their product line. The name initially caught my attention, but as I began to investigate, the company WHY and the products themselves caused me to look at them more closely with an Audiologist’s eye.
Kyle Kirkpatrick, CEO and Founder of Decibullz, sat me down and told me the story of how he grew up a gymnast. He explained how he was never able to keep any type of comfortable earbuds in his ears during activities, which frustrated him. He came up with an idea to mold his own earbuds and adjust them to create a good fit, and voila! – a solution to a problem and a company was born!
As I examined their current products, my son’s moldable mouthpiece used for football was the best way I could relate to how this innovative product works. Using a thermoplastic patented material, Decibullz products include a moldable (and RE-moldable) piece that sits in the concha area of the ear, as well as insert eartips of varying sizes that fit most ears. This type of system creates a safe solution for consumers, allowing them to have an immediate, somewhat custom fit. Initially offering a hard-wired earbud solution, Decibullz currently offers both earplug and Bluetooth wireless earbud products.
HOW IT WORKS:
The Decibullz molds have to be heated, and it is recommended to boil water up to 150-170 degrees. The mold is placed into the hot water for 5 minutes, removed and cooled off for 30 seconds, and then inserted in the ear for custom molding. Once molded, the earbud/plugs can be modified using a heating lamp, heating gun, or a hairdryer, OR placed back into boiling water for remolding.
Advantages and key points of discussion include:
The ability to have a quick and immediate solution for a custom fit earplug with an NRR 31 rating and custom wireless earbuds without having to wait 1-2 weeks for production
Re-moldable in case of growth of ears and any difficulty in initial molding process
Modular design to interchange one set of Decibullz molds to be used with multiple Decibullz products (i.e. earplugs AND earbuds)
HOW I SEE IT FIT INTO AUDIOLOGY:
Currently, these innovative earplugs and wireless earbuds are available at Decibullz.com and sold direct-to-consumer at the suggested retail price of $25.99 and $119.99 respectively. An Internet search will quickly reveal that these same products may be purchased at Amazon.com, Cabela’s, and other hunting and outdoor sporting goods stores. Since the material is re-moldable, audiologists have an immediate opportunity to offer consumers a service where the product may either be molded for them or, in the case of a poor do-it-yourself outcome, remolded to achieve an optimal fit and charge an office visit fee.
If this product were made available to audiologists at a discounted price for resale, an innovative product like Decibullz could positively impact a clinical practice in several ways as it will:
help differentiate your practice from only selling hearing aids
provide an immediate, custom hearing protection and listening solution for your patients and consumers
Solve other clinical needs, including expanding the scope of same day services ranging from custom earplugs for pressure-equalization tube placements to providing other earplug solutions for musicians, security, and dry ear precaution situations
offer new opportunities for chargeable office visits to assist consumers who need help to create a better custom fit they could achieve on their own
Furthermore, if Audiology practices were able to be listed as preferred fitting centers and had the accessibility of providing multiple products for 1 set of earplugs (to purchase direct-to-consumer you would have to purchase the whole kit for each device), this could be a way to get consumers in the door to your office for very little time and very little cost to overhead and supplies. Another option would be to allow the Audiologist to have access to different materials to include multiple colors for swirling, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark materials that only an Audiologist would be able to provide.
All in all, Decibullz earplugs have been ranked as one of the best (Top 5) earplugs for shooting and also have one of the highest noise reduction ratings of 31 NRR for custom earplugs. As far as sound quality, Decibullz’ wired earbuds were voted the best earphones of 2015 and won a Consumer Electronics Show Innovation Award in 2014 and 2016. Decibullz has a very promising list of products that I feel I can incorporate into my clinic immediately. Their collaborative efforts with the Audiology industry also demonstrates that they are interested in providing more products that will work for both consumers and providers. Stay tuned for their entrance into the industry and check them out at the upcoming Audiology Now in Indianapolis on April 5-8, 2017!
Dr. Natalie Phillips is the Senior Audiologist with Advanced Otolaryngology and Audiology in Fort Collins, Colorado and Director of Audiology with EarQ. Dr. Phillips has served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Academy of Audiology and on various convention committees for the American Academy of Audiology as well as the Support Personnel Task Force. She is a founding sister of Women Unite, a group of women who’s mission is to inspire, ignite, and assist other women achieve their potential in today’s professional setting. Dr. Phillips is currently serving as a Global Ambassador and on the Legacy Project Steering Committee for Empowering A Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020), a global initiative and movement to provide the tools, technology, and resources to empower women as leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
Dr. Phillips has experience developing early hearing detection programs in various hospitals throughout the state of Texas. Her work then took her to Southern California, where she collaborated with a neurotologist, taking over the practice of Dr. William House. She has participated in research within the field of audiology, including cochlear implants, tinnitus devices and a fully implantable hearing system. Dr. Phillips is particularly interested in tinnitus and has been providing tinnitus and sound sensitivity therapy options to patients for the past 18 years. She continues to pursue opportunities to participate in humanitarian audiology as well as believes in connecting with people both inside and outside of the hearing industry to be able to make a bigger impact in the world.
If you have information at your fingertips, it means the information is convenient, easy to find, and easily accessible. The Oaktree Products website offers information at your fingertips beyond product details and pictures that will help you make informed decisions about your clinical supply and/or patients’ communication solution needs. Not sure which otoscope fits your current needs? Check out the Otoscopes Solutions resource page to learn all about otoscopes including some basics (types, light source technology, battery technology) or to review product comparison tables to help find the perfect pocket, full size or video otoscope for you. Need to identify amplified stethoscope options for your patients with hearing loss and to understand fitting challenges? Read up on all the great information listed in the Amplified Stethoscope resource page. Confused about what is the best alerting system for your patients? Explore the Alerting Systems resource page which will take you through the basics and help assemble the best alerting system for your patient. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!
Some of the most hazardous sounds we hear are brief sounds – noises from impacts and impulses. These arise from sources like household tools, construction, industrial noise, firecrackers, guns, and even automotive airbags. The progression of damage to the ear from such impulse sounds differs from damage to the ear that progressively occurs as a result of long-term exposure to high-level noise. Beyond understanding the various mechanisms and related damage-risk criteria specifically associated with impulse noise, it is important for audiologists to recognize appropriate hearing protection recommendations for such noises, including understanding how hearing protection device efficacy is measured, how these products perform, and suggestions for use.
To gain insight on the topic, 3M is offering a free webinar presented by Elliot Berger, M.S. on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm (CST). For nearly 40 years, Mr. Berger has studied hearing protection, hearing conservation, and related topics, and has presented his research in 14 textbook chapters and over 60 published articles. He chairs the ANSI working group on hearing protector attenuation and has served on a National Academy of Science committee evaluating hearing loss in the military. Log in, listen, and learn!
To register for this free seminar, click HERE. Be sure to first click the ADD TO CALENDAR button to sync with your Outlook or Google calendar. You will minimally be required to enter your email address and title to enter the event. Certificate of participation is available by checking the YES box. Access to the event will be made available 30 minutes prior to the event start time. I have already registered and hope to see you all there!
The PerfectClean®, the first and only system in the world of its kind, is a patented electronic device specially developed for the safe and effective removal of earwax from all types of standard or custom hearing aids. Each device comes complete with a USB micro cable and wall adapter capable of 100-240vac 50/60hz operating range. This is achieved by a 90 minute, three-cycle process consisting of washing, drying and disinfecting of the hearing aid receiver. For optimal care and best results, the recommended use of the PerfectClean is on a daily basis. What makes this device so unique is the ease of operation. With just the simple press of a button, the device is able to perform on its own, and turns off at the end of the operation. To use the PerfectClean all the patient needs to do is place the hearing aids inside, close the lid, and press the power button.
MG Development has been in development and field testing of this revolutionary product for over 5 years. PerfectClean uses our patented Electronic Safe Solution in a 25 minute agitation vortex motion for the ear wax removal. A second cycle is then followed by forced air heat of 60 minutes, at 113° Fahrenheit to ensure the removal of moisture. The final cycle is 5 minutes of strong UV-C light for proven 99% disinfection of the hearing aid. The electronic Safe Solution comes in a plastic refill cartridge that offers your patient approximately 45 cycles of usage. The PerfectClean also has built-in distinctive light indicators to alert the user when the device is running, requires a new solution refill cartridge, or the filter is in need of cleaning. All PerfectClean also come with a 2 year warranty. Get your patients a PerfectClean today so they can also “hear well every day”.
My name is C.J. Loeffler, and I am the Director of Sales at MG Development. Before taking on this role my previous career years were spent in the technology industry. My background comes from being the National Field Manager of North America for Google, and District Manager for Microsoft. At MG Development my bold promise is to grow our brand and product line, constantly improving and developing more efficient and quality products to evolve the hearing aid industries hygiene and maintenance care options. Our goal is to offer a solution to your patients, so they can also stand by our slogan, “hear well every day”.
Snoring can be very disruptive to one’s sleep and has a much deeper negative impact than may be initially realized. Studies show that spouses lose more than an hour of sleep as a result of their snoring spouses.1 Also, the sleep they do manage to get is oftentimes so disrupted and fragmented, that a severe debilitating shortage of restful sleep results. There are many who may not even realize the extent that their sleep is disturbed by noise. According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Noise can jostle your slumber – causing you to wake, move, shift between stages of sleep, or experience a change in heart rate and blood pressure – so briefly that you don’t remember the next morning”.2 It’s so bad, that couples often resort to extreme measures. Almost a quarter of American couples end up sleeping in separate bedrooms in order to cope.3
Beyond snoring, there are many other noises that can disrupt sleep including noisy neighbors or roommates, and unwanted sounds of the city. In addition, tinnitus is a condition that can be quite bothersome for many individuals particularly when trying to fall and/or stay asleep. Audiologist are involved helping patients manage their tinnitus and now have a new, unique solution to offer some of their patients as a solution at night.
Hush is the world’s first smart earplugs designed to block out sound using the combination of two proven methods: 1) passive noise reduction, and 2) noise masking. Like earplugs, Hush’s foam insert earphones passively reduce outside noise up to 30 dB. In addition, the earphones wirelessly pair to any smartphone, providing the user with access to 15 soothing sound tracks that mask any residual unwanted noise. By synergistically combining an earplug with a sound machine, Hush offers your patients an elegant, economical, and effective means of blocking out unwanted noises to help facilitate a good night’s sleep.
Keep in mind, there are some things that a user will need to be able to hear while using Hush. Through the use of the Hush app, key notifications will continue to be wirelessly communicated from the user’s smartphone to the smart earplugs. The user has complete control over which notifications will be active, including selecting what phone numbers or alarms will wake the user. The added bonus is that these alarms will only sound in the user’s ears without waking anybody else.
Marketing aside, while Hush comes with a variety of tips(foam and silicone) that should find a good fit with most people, Hush will not be a perfect fit for everybody. Hush is intentionally designed to be an in-ear device that sits flush inside the concha cavum such that it is comfortable even for side sleepers, but this can vary based on unique ear shapes.
Here are two unique ear characteristics to watch out for that might compromise Hush’s comfort and practical usage for some:
When an individual’s tragus severely obstructs entry to the ear canal, Hush will not be able to fit correctly. This is evident if somebody inserts Hush and the tragus is stretched significantly. Although a person might not initially report discomfort, if the tragus is stretched significantly, it will become uncomfortable over a few hours, making Hush not a viable option for those with tragus-obstructed ear canals.
When an individual’s concha cavum is very shallow, Hush will not be able to sit as flush to the profile of the head as intended. If that individual is a side/stomach sleeper, the protruding Hush may become irritating over a few hours.
For more information on tip choices, see the Oaktree Products LEARN MORE document located on Hush product page on their website.
Hush values our audiologist partners highly and is completely dependent on their expertise for our mutual success. Where the expertise of an audiologist comes into play is in being
able to identify when Hush would be a good option for a particular person. Our goal with with Hush is to maximize the amount of user happiness which is made possible by ensuring Hush is prudently offered to those for whom it would be a good fit. Hush is available to audiologists at Oaktree Products. For product information, contact Oaktree Products at 800.347.1960 and ask for customer service, or email inquires to otp@oaktreeproducts.com Daniel Lee (pictured right) is one of the founders of Hush, a San Diego based technology company dedicated to improving lives by helping people sleep better.
As previously mentioned in a guest post submitted for my colleague Gyl Kasewurm’s blog (see Hearing industry: rose bush full of thorns or thorn bush full of roses?), the hearing industry has been undergoing a drastic change, bringing the independent private practice owner newer and more challenging competition. Even if you choose to ignore it, the Internet has made it both possible and easy to purchase hearing instruments and hearing-instrument-look-alikes. Big box stores offer end-users hearing instruments at lower price points while PSAPs continue to ruffle some audiology feathers. The change is happening and technology is becoming more readily accessible to everyone’s fingertips. For example, there now is a relatively new app that can turn your smart phone into a TV listening device at a press of a button without any additional accessories.
Tunity is a free app that allows anyone with an iPhone or Android to stream audio from a live TV, even when it is muted, directly to the smart phone. When you scan the TV of interest, the app quickly identifies the channel and then automatically streams live, synchronized audio to your smart phone.
So, if you (or your hearing instrument wearing patients) are in a loud bar during March Madness trying to watch your alma mater play amongst the other competing games, you can easily access the audio of your TV of choice and have it streamed directly to your smart phone via the Tunity app. Likewise, if you find yourself in a dorm room situation where you want to watch TV while your roommate needs to study, use the app to direct the audio to your headphones. It is applicable at home, at the airport, in waiting rooms, and any other situation where there is a TV that is hard to hear whether or not you are a hearing instrument wearer. The applications are endless and the app is very cool. As an avid sports fan and frequent traveler, I now personally use it to optimize my TV listening experiences. Check it out for yourself at Tunity.com and let your patients know how they too can optimize their TV-listening experiences with the free Tunity app.
So, you successfully fit your patient with a high-end hearing aid with a streamer and all is wonderful in the world until they go to work. They would like to have their business phone conversations streamed directly to their hearing instruments just like their home landline phone. Unfortunately, the business phone is connected to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that limits options to hearing instrument wearing employees. The good news is there are viable solutions that work.
For hearing instrument wearers using streamers,* the ClearSounds QH2 Hub (while supplies last as this has been discontinued) and Phone Amplifier (CS-QH2) will convert and corded or cordless phone, including a (including a business phone running on a PBX system) into a Bluetooth phone. Once connected to the business phone, the CS-QH2 may be paired to the hearing aid streamer, enabling the user to hear business phone calls via their hearing instruments in a hands-free fashion. If your patient does not have a streamer but has t-coils, the still CS-QH2 remains an option. In lieu of a streamer, a Bluetooth amplified neckloop (CS-QT4 , CS-QT4LITE) may be paired to the CS-QH2. Incoming calls will be routed wirelessly from the CS-QH2 to the Bluetooth neckloop and then directly to the user’s T-coil equipped hearing instruments.
