The Passion 440 by Widex has been both excellent hearing aid technology in a very tiny case, and also has provided relief for so many suffering with tinnitus (ringing in the ears.) This has now made it possible to function in most daily activities with little or no awareness of the tinnitus. Sleeping through the night becomes possible again as reported by some of our patients. Millions of people experience tinnitus, it can be a slight nuisance to extremely debilitating. If you experience tinnitus and are interested in both the benefits of better hearing and to find out if the Passion 440 may help with your tinnitus, a demo in one of our offices can give you an immediate answer. As always, there is never a charge for a consult/demonstration. The other exciting new technology has been the Phonak Smart IX, V and III, providing amazing technology for improved hearing especially in noisy settings. It is also a very small open-fit device with the receiver in the canal enabling improvement in a variety of listening settings we have not previously experienced with other technology.

The Sound Recover, wireless blue-tooth, and Zoom features have opened up a whole new world of communication possibilities. Again, we invite you to listen to the new Phonak Smart and decide for yourself. And lastly, is the InSound Medical Lyric, the invisible 24/7 technology that is worn up to 31/2 months before needing to be replaced. This technology was recently featured on Dr. Oz, in Popular Science and on Good Morning America. We have now had the opportunity to work with the Lyric for over a year and are amazed at how happy our patients are with their hearing, no hassle with the devices and that they are invisible. This device is not for everyone. We will be happy to schedule a consult appointment at our 91st and Mountain View location if you are interested in learning more about the Lyric.

I would also like to address all of the ads and direct mail so many of our patients have asked about. As the old adage goes "if it is too good to be true, it probably is." This is when I advise anyone considering hearing instruments to get a second opinion. We are all looking to save money especially in this tough economy. Spending fewer dollars for hearing aids that have not solved a hearing loss can be a huge waste of money. Replacing hearing instruments in 1-2 years because of minimal benefit is no savings. Be sure you are receiving the best technology, service and cost for what should be a solution to your hearing problems and a long-term investment. Never hesitate to get a second or third opinion if you are in doubt. We have always offered a consultation visit at no charge to include a screening of your hearing, an opportunity to listen to new technology and to evaluate this new technology in both quiet and noisy settings. Hearing aid technology is now quite varied in pricing to meet most budgets and hearing loss.

If you have not been in for a check up for awhile, we look forward to seeing you in the near future for a free check up.

Wishing you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Cathy Kurth, Au.D.