Amplified Stethoscope Bullet Points – Quick Reference Guide

Posted on February 13, 2019 by AU Bankaitis

Configuring a hearing instrument with an amplified stethoscope comes with inherent challenges. Currently, there is no magic bullet offering an easy, straightforward solution. Furthermore, the two configuration options offering the most promise in terms of a working solution are either 1) not desired (i.e. remove hearing instruments during auscultation) or 2) rejected due to undesirable aesthetics (i.e. use of over-sized headphones during auscultation). The following is a quick reference guide on amplified stethoscopes and hearing instruments.

THINGS TO KNOW AND APPRECIATE:

  • hearing instruments and ear pieces of traditional amplified stethoscope compete for the same ear canal space, often requiring alternative configurations;
  • heart sounds essential for differential diagnosis (70-120 Hz) are lower than the low frequency setting limits of hearing instruments (100-250 Hz);
  • basic physics of sound precludes configuring an amplified stethoscope with an open-fit hearing instrument via streamer because an open ear canal allows low frequencies to escape; therefore, over-sized headphones are necessary but something the user does not want to do;
  • currently, a Bluetooth amplified stethoscope specifically designed to stream auscultation directly to hearing aids in real time is NOT available;
  • the biggest challenge in offering amplified stethoscope solutions to hearing instrument users is establishing realistic expectations as the hearing industry currently does not offer appealing or straight-forward solutions to this need.

OPTIONS AS A FUNCTION OF HEARING INSTRUMENT

  • Custom hearing instruments, no streamer
    • Amplified stethoscope with pair of headphones
    • Stethomate tips (adapters for stethoscope ear pieces). NOTE: low success rate with common complaints of discomfort and/or inability to line up sound port of hearing instrument with opening of the stethomate tip
    • Take hearing instruments out during auscultation
  • Open-fit or RIC instrument, no streamer
    • Try traditional stethoscope while wearing hearing instruments to see if configuration tolerable. If comfortable fit, proceed with hearing instrument programming as needed
    • Try Think Labs One (TL-One) amplified stethoscope while wearing hearing instruments using earbuds included in packaging. If comfortable fit, proceed with hearing instrument programming as needed.
    • Try TL-One or E-Scope II with over-sized headphones while wearing hearing instruments
    • Take hearing instruments out during auscultation
  • Streamer
    • True open-fit situation
      • Configuration with streamer NOT recommended
      • Try TL-One with packaged insert earbuds
      • Try TL-One or E-Scope II with over-sized headphones
      • Take hearing instruments out during auscultation
    • Custom or occluded BTE situation
      • TL-One or E-Scope II with over-sized headphones
  • MFi Hearing instruments
    • Eko-Core, an amplified stethoscope specifically designed to stream auscultation recordings directly to Bluetooth enabled hearing instruments, theoretically should work. NOTE: streaming in real time is not possible per the manufacturer

CURRENTLY UNDER EVALUATION

  • At this time, I am working with a couple of dispensing audiologists to evaluate any amplified stethoscope configuration breakthroughs available with hearing instruments utilizing Bluetooth Classic (as opposed to low energy Bluetooth). Specifically, we are working on assessing the TL-One and Eko amplified stethoscope configurations with the Phonak Audeo Marvel.

ADDITIONAL FYI

  • If you are in need of purchasing (or borrowing) a demo amplified stethoscope for your clinic, contact Oaktree Products’s customer service at otp@oaktreeproducts.com or toll-free 800.347.1960. They will work with you to get you what you need before you get in a situation where a hearing instrument user is asking for an amplified stethoscope solution;
  • Check out the Amplified Stethoscope resource section on the Oaktree Products website;
  • Refer to the FAQ section on the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss (AMPHL) on stethoscopes;
  • If you have suggestions, ideas, solutions, or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at au@oaktreeproducts.com.

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Popular Ear Light Gets Awesome Makeover!

Posted on February 6, 2019 by AU Bankaitis

About 5 years ago, my blog post “Shed Some Light on New Ear Light” introduced the LED Ear Light. For the past five years, it has been the number one selling ear light at Oaktree Products not because of the unbelievable price of $7.50, but because of its high quality. To celebrate this product’s awesomeness, Oaktree Products recently treated this ear light to a tiny makeover, re-branding it as the Audiologist’s Choice LED Ear Light (with straight probe tip). The company stands behind this product so much, it now has the Oaktree Products name and logo etched on its aluminum barrel.

Having used an ear light on a daily basis throughout my clinical career, these are the reasons why the Audiologist’s Choice LED Ear Light is my personal favorite ear light of all time:

  • Quality: feels just like the Led Lenser but at a fraction of the price
  • Price: for the price of one Led Lenser, you can basically get three Audiologist’s Choice LED Ear Lights
  • Practicality: it operates on two (2) AAA alkaline batteries (included) rather than the three obscure size N batteries required by the Led Lenser
  • Smart Packaging: packaging is minimal and void of unnecessary foam inserts which helps the Earth stay a little greener
  • Versatile: a number of accessories (sold separately) fit the ear light including nylon and stainless steel wax loops and the grooved insertion tip for the PROS vented ear dams
  • Long-Lasting: LED is designed to last 100,000 hours; in other words, if the pen-light was left in the on-position 24 hours a day, it would shine for a little more than 11 years

At a time when everyone is looking for a high-quality product at a great price, do yourself and your clinical practice a favor and get one (or three) Audiologist’s Choice LED Ear Light (item# 12AAAPEN-B). The price includes a straight probe tip and two (2) AAA batteries. Place your order online at www.oaktreeproducts.com or call customers service toll free 800.347.1960 (and tell them A.U. sent you!).

Posted in Audiology, Cerumen Management, Otoscopes, Headlamps & Earlights | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Where are YOU turning to during these disruptive times?

Posted on January 30, 2019 by AU Bankaitis

The hearing industry landscape has drastically changed over the past several years, particularly for the independent private practice owner.  Access to hearing aids has become ubiquitous; in addition to the internet, consumers can go to Costco, SAMs Club, CVS, and Walgreens to purchase hearing aids (or PSAPs).  With the recent passage of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid act, I hear or read comments posted by colleagues about how this disruption has forced practices to re-group and think about how to strategically respond in a way that is in the best interest of their clinical practice.

While I no longer provide direct patient care, I interact with audiologists and hearing instrument specialists on a daily basis, offering clinical and business solutions in the form of products and/or information. Given all the recent disruption, as an employee of a multi-line distributor of audiology supplies, I started to wonder whether the durable and/or disposable supply business has also been disrupted in a way that hasn’t yet become apparent. Specifically, I am curious to find out where audiologists, audiology assistants, and hearing instrument specialists purchase their clinical supplies (e.g. audiology supply company and/or Amazon?) and why they rely on these sources for their supply needs.

If you are an audiologists, audiology assistant or hearing instrument specialists, take 5 minutes to complete a survey I created to answer some of my questions. My hope is to gain some insights as to where YOU and/or your primary place of employment are turning to for your clinical supply needs. Your answers will remain anonymous. Click the following link to provide your honest feedback: SURVEY

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ZPower Batteries now available at Oaktree Products

Posted on January 16, 2019 by AU Bankaitis

ZPower recently partnered with Oaktree Products to allow dispensing audiologists and hearing instrument specialists to purchase size 312 ZPower replacement hearing aid batteries for the ZPower Rechargeable System directly through Oaktree Products. The ZPower Rechargeable System (sold separately by hearing aid manufacturers) consists of two battery doors containing electronics, two rechargeable batteries, and a charger. The system allows certain hearing aid models to be made into rechargeable hearing aids by simply swapping out the battery doors. Hearing aid users can simply set their instruments on a charging stand overnight, eliminating the need to replace batteries every week or so. According to the manufacturer, one ZPower rechargeable battery will take the place of an estimated 100 zinc-air disposable batteries, saving the hearing aid user money while reducing disposable battery waste in the environment.

The size 312 ZPower replacement batteries available through Oaktree Products are shipped fully charged and ready to use out of the box so there is no need for “pre-charging”. Depending on how long a user wears their hearing aids and the type of streaming they utilize, on average, it will take up to 7 hours for a battery to fully recharge. In the event a user forgets to charge their batteries, traditional disposable zinc-air batteries can be used. It is important to note that active hearing aid dehumidifiers (e.g. Dry & Store Global) may have temperature ranges that exceed recommended rechargeable battery operating temperatures, which can reduce the life of the ZPower battery. As such, the manufacturer recommends removing the batteries from the hearing aids prior to drying. For this reason, a compatible ZPower hearing aid dehumidifier has been designed and will be available soon from Oaktree Products. For pricing, login to your Oaktree Products account and search item number ZPOWER312 or contact customer service toll free at 800.347.1960.

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Database of PSAP and OTC Performance Potential

Posted on January 2, 2019 by AU Bankaitis

The profession of Audiology has been subject to recent legislative scrutiny, resulting in traditional service-delivery model disruptions.  While hearing instruments remain the gold standard for treating hearing loss, alternative amplification options in the form of Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) have gained market traction, generating an influx of commercial devices from manufacturers within as well as outside of the hearing industry. With the recent passage of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act, this inundation of new alternative amplification devices is expected to continue.

The decision to ignore versus to embrace alternative amplification technology by the practicing audiologist remains an individual choice and/or business strategy decision. Currently, there are no clear-cut answers as many details regarding the OTC Hearing Aid Act need to be figured out by August 2020. Regardless, access to objective performance data of commercially available PSAPs (and OTC hearing aids) would be beneficial not only to help navigate consumers and/or potential patients through an informed purchase decision process, but to stay abreast of viable options for adults taking the first steps toward developing a relationship with an audiologist for their hearing loss needs.

A research project initiated in 2017 with the Division of Adult Audiology at the Washington University School of Medicine has culminated into the availability of an on-going database.  A portion is currently accessible from the Oaktree Products home page by clicking PSAP DATABASE.  Electroacoustic and laboratory real ear aided response (REAR) measurement performance (first fit and programmed results) for eight standard audiometric configurations have been published for a sampling of PSAP devices.  Data were collected during two different PSAP projects.  The first project was completed at the Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Adult Audiology and published by The Hearing Review (Coupler and Real-Ear Performance between PSAPs and Hearing Aids). The second project was completed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center utilizing the same established protocols at Wash U. On-going data for a third PSAP/OTC project is currently underway at Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Adult Audiology.

The PSAP (and OTC database) remains a work-in-progress with updates made as new data becomes available.  In addition, the comprehensive PSAP RESOURCE section of the Oaktree Products website offers information ranging from basic overview (e.g., definition, intended use, limitations) to PSAP vs hearing aid comparison study summaries (e.g. electroacoustic, on-ear fitting capabilities, speech performance, sound quality).  Be sure to share PSAPs: Basic Info and Limitations with patients and consumers. Send suggested edits and/or additions for the PSAP Database or PSAP Resource pages to au@oaktreeproducts.com.

 

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Rethink, Reimagine & Revisit Your Clinical Practice Experience

Posted on August 16, 2018 by AU Bankaitis

Do you find yourself wondering how to take your clinical practice to the next level and really make it grow? Take advantage of the upcoming opportunity to learn from the best in the audiology business this Fall. Dr. Gyl Kasewurm has owned and operated Professional Hearing Services in St. Joseph, Michigan for over 30 years. Her single office generates 10 times the annual revenue of an average audiology practice!

On October 11-12, 2018, Dr. Gyl is offering her biggest and best meeting ever! She will teach your how to create your dream practice, share the number one way to grow your practice, and offer purposeful direction to guide your practice to a million dollars and more!  This event will also feature informative and inspirational presentations from Drs.  A.U. Bankaitis, David Fabry and D’Anne Rudden.  Last and certainly not least, Dr. Robert Sweetow is coming out of retirement for a rare and exciting presentation on two surprising skills you can add to your practice to make more money.

The event will take place at the Shadlowland on Silver Beach in St. Joseph, MI and include an evening at Dr. Kasewurm’s innovative office for dinner, drinks and MarketPlace.  Learn and mingle with the best of the best in the business while earning CEUs (submitted & pending 1.3 AAA CEUs). Reserve your spot on or before August 20th to receive $100 off of registration (coupon code  ComeBack2018). This is not your ordinary seminar! View the itinerary, get registered, and book your hotel at either the Fairfield Inn & Suites or at The Inn at Harbor Shores (call 269.983.1111 for reservations, use code 106974). See you in October!

 

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Hottest Product from 2017 You Gotta Know About

Posted on January 11, 2018 by AU Bankaitis

While this hearing instrument dehumidifier is not new to the 2018 Oaktree Products catalog, the PerfectDry Lux (item# 00016) resonated with many of our customers (and their patients) last year, resulting in skyrocketing demand. The PerfectDry Lux first appeared in our 2015 catalog with modest sales; there was probably some hesitation as to the effectiveness of the product in pulling moisture from hearing instruments since it operates without a desiccant. Within a short period of time, customers feel in love with the product, including how the device is so nicely packaged.  It makes patients feel like they are either getting or buying something really special.  Sales of this product in 2017 increased by nearly 220% from the previous year with a return rate of less than 1%. Unless a patient experiences out-of-the-ordinary moisture build-up, this is a product worth checking out.

More than a handful of our customers have incorporated the PerfectDry Lux as part of their premium hearing instrument package. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of around $70 is at a price point that many patients feel is a good investment given the device benefits with regard to minimizing repair costs and associated inconveniences associated with moisture build-up. To find out your pricing, login to the Oaktree Products website or contact customer service at 800.347.1960.

The things I hear the most from customers regarding what their patients like about the PerfectDry Lux include ease of use, no need for using a desiccant, the quick 30 minute drying cycle, and the overall look and feel of the product. To learn more about this dehumidifier, read my previous blog post Perfect Product with an extra WOW! from early 2016 and check out our QuickFlick on the PerfectDry Lux on the Oaktree Products YouTube Channel.

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New Year, New Posts, & New Oaktree Products Catalog!

Posted on January 4, 2018 by AU Bankaitis

The New Year comes with the opportunity to make a fresh start and/or re-commitment toward achieving specific goals and pursuing opportunities. My last post was published on July 20, 2017 which shared insights from an informal Facebook survey to dispensing audiologists about PSAPs and OTCs. That seems so long ago and lots of change has happened and will continue to unfold throughout the hearing industry in the next few years. Part of the reason for my blog hiatus this summer was to spend time objectively assessing disruptive technologies. The majority of my “extracurricular”activities involved working with Mike Valente, Adam Voss and Kristi Oeding of Washington University School of Medicine’s Department of Adult Audiology and John Pumford of Audioscan to assess electroacoustic performance and on-ear fitting capabilities via probe-mic measurements of PSAPs versus hearing aids. The data have been collected as we continue to finalize the information across several different formats for purposes of sharing our findings and insights with the audiology community.  One such informational source will soon be available in the form of PSAP Resource Pages through the Oaktree Products website. These pages will offer information and specifically designed to inform and assist audiologists in making informed decisions about PSAP technology. Look for this resource sometime in late January 2018. In the meantime, check out two of my free-to-view webinars on AudiologyOnline addressing PSAPs and our role in this disruptive environment including Regulatory Issues & Research Findings, and 2) Clinical and Business Practice Issues.

What would a New Year be without a new catalog from Oaktree Products? The 2018 Oaktree Products catalog should be hitting your clinic’s doorstep soon!  Be sure to take advantage of the significantly lower prices on Power One Mercury Free hearing aid batteries (sizes 10, 13, 312, 675) listed on the top of page 13.  Check out our new PSAP and Hearables sections on page 119.  Look for upcoming new product highlights and announcements via this blog, the Oaktree Products website, and the Oaktree Products Facebook Page. A couple of exciting products that did not make this year’s catalog will be made available in the Spring so stay tuned!

Posted in Audiology, Hearing Instrument Technology | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments