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January 2019

Selma Becker, MD

Selma Becker, Managing Director and Senior Hearing Aid Audiologist

Welcome to our first 2019 online newsletter

A very warm welcome to you all and a very Happy New Year. How time flies – I cannot believe that Christmas was over in a blink and it’s now 2019!

We love hearing from you so please don’t forget to send in any of your hearing stories and follow us on social media. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook.

We have lots of articles on news, events, advice and industry news, which you can access by clicking the tabs above. Click through the tabs to view all our articles and scroll up and down each page to read the articles that are there.

 

Notes from the editor

 

Kevin & Katie at the AIHHP annual awards dinnerIt was such a busy build up to the end of the year with our highly successful Technology Days, charity events and festivities in practice. There is so much to tell you so do read on to find out more.

In November Kevin, Gilly, Jan and I attended the Association of Independent hearing health practitioners (AIHHP) annual awards dinner. Always a very elegant event and this year was no exception with the theme being a masked ball. We all entered into the spirit of the event and I particularly like this photo of a very glamorous Kevin with the lovely Katie, our area representative from GN Resound who kindly donated the hamper as the prize at our Hearing Dogs Quiz Night.

 

The importance of the independent

So many of the leading hearing aid manufacturers are now launching new lines. All the clients who attended our Open Days were amazed by the state-of-the-art technology and available artificial intelligence. The wealth of choice is almost overwhelming now, which is where we step in to show you the way to find the right aid for your needs.

Our role as an independent hearing consultant is to help guide you to the most appropriate solution. Even the best technology will need the support and experience of a healthcare professional to ensure the most successful outcome for your individual hearing needs. With our support and ongoing aftercare, we guarantee that whatever choice is made, it is the right one for you.

We hope you enjoy this newsletter. Please send us any feedback or requests you may have so we can ensure we’re providing the information you’d like to receive.

The future of hearing aids - article by Oticon

Oticon: the future of hearing aids

The future is now

Hearing aids will eventually become a multi-dimensional medical and lifestyle device using artificial intelligence. Imagine a hearing aid that becomes an “Alexa” style voice response facility to set your heating, turn on your coffee machine and record your shopping list, it will all be possible.

In November we held two Help in Hearing organised Technology Days at the Harleyford Golf Club in Marlow and the South Bucks Golf Club in Stoke Poges. They were very well attended with a total of nearly 70 delegates in all. It was a rare opportunity to ask questions and have discussions directly with each of the leading hearing aid manufacturers. The main venue area was the focus for companies to exhibit all their ranges and accessories. In a separate room a representative from each of our hearing aid partners gave a talk on different aspects of the market and a glimpse into the future.

Tele-audiology

A number of the manufacturers including GN Resound now offer the concept of tele-audiology where adjustments to your hearing aids can be made via the internet. We like to see our clients face to face as often as we can but we know how busy life can be and just knowing that this facility is available might offer a useful occasional and flexible option.

Starkey Livio hearing aids

In March we will see the new Livio aids being introduced by Starkey. These have the capability to alert an emergency contact if the wearer has a fall and will also translate for you when you are abroad. We will be featuring further information on this range in our next newsletter and are planning to hold a launch event in the Spring. Further details to follow but please register your interest.

In the next newsletter we will also take a look at fuel cell technology, a new way of charging hearing aids which is being introduced by Widex and in essence means that it will take minutes to charge yet last for days.

Phonak Audéo Marvel

Our Technology Days saw Phonak unveiling their new aid, the Audéo Marvel, which has been incredibly well received and is highlighted in our New Product section further on in the newsletter, so take a look at this product review, including a client testimonial to find out more.

Oticon talk – detailed extract on our website

As we said, at the events all the manufacturers gave a talk. It would be impossible to share them all in one go so we thought we would run a series of features focusing on some of the content. We are kicking off with The Oticon Talk on the future of hearing aids. Click to read the Oticon article extract and watch their video on hearing health on our website.

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Julian Cowan Hill "A positive tinnitus story"

Read Julian Cowan Hill’s article

A positive tinnitus story

In November we invited Julian Cowan Hill to our Tinnitus Support Group to give a talk on his tinnitus experience. He is a Craniosacral Therapist, Psychotherapist, Tinnitus Counsellor and author of A Positive Tinnitus Story, Tinnitus, From Tyrant to Friend and The Long Tide to Silence.

Julian was affected by the condition for many years and eventually found his personal solution in cranial sacral therapy. His talk was very inspiring and a number of support group members are now seeking his advice further. Essentially his message is: “Look after yourself properly and your tinnitus will take care of itself.” He has kindly written a very interesting article for us which we have published on our website. Please click to read Julian’s article Look after yourself properly and your tinnitus will take care of itself.

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Hearing tests are as important as eye test or dental checkups

Regular hearing tests are as important as eye tests & dental checkups

Hearing tests more likely in Germany

According to a recent article in Audiology World News, 45% of people questioned in a Eurotrak survey showed that Germans are the most likely to have had their hearing tested in the last five years, with 45% of those questioned visiting a professional, far higher than numbers reported in the UK.

It also showed that 12.2% of 13,583 people surveyed said they have a hearing loss and 97% of hearing aid owners say they improve their quality of life. In all countries, satisfaction with hearing instruments is higher for those people who wear the products the longest. In Germany hearing aids are worn, on average, for 9 hours a day – more than one hour longer than in the UK.

It was also interesting to note that 30% of the hearing impaired German population think that hearing loss could be linked to depression, 22% link it to sleeping disorders and high blood pressure. The EuroTrak survey also asked questions to those people who state they are hearing impaired but do not own hearing instruments. The most common reason for non-purchase is ‘uncomfortable’, ‘not restoring hearing to normal’ and they believe their hearing loss is not severe enough. The number one reason given by hearing aid owners for not wearing their devices is inability to function well in noise.”**

As you can imagine, hearing through noise is a big issue for many of our clients when they first visit Help in Hearing, but the speech directionality options are now so sophisticated that there are so many more solutions than ever before. Please talk to Selma or Kevin to find out more and don’t forget to follow the European example and remind your friends how important it is to have a hearing test – we believe people should give it as much importance as other regular health check-ups, alongside the dentist and the optician.

**Article written from the data of the EuroTrak UK survey 2018, completed by Anovum for EHIMA (European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers’ Association)

Does hearing loss make it harder to remember things?

Wearing hearing aids can reduce cognitive decline

Does hearing loss make it harder to remember things?

Previously we have featured editorials on how wearing aids for hearing loss can reduce cognitive decline. Indeed anything that reduces the clutter in our working memory will help us to remember what we hear and how we process it more effectively in real time.

I recently came across an interesting blog by Shari Eberts, who is a hearing health advocate and writer. This may ring bells with a number of our readers.

“Do you sometimes meet a new person but forget his or her name almost immediately, or hear the specials at a restaurant only to have trouble recalling them when it is time to order? And forget directions — was that two lefts and a right or two rights and then a left? This certainly happens to me quite often!

If I read something or hear it and immediately write it down, I do better, but if I hear something in the absence of other stimuli or activity, I have a harder time remembering it……

From the Huffington Post.

 

 

Avoid salt if you suffer from tinnitus

Are you monitoring your salt intake?

Salt consumption down but not enough

We all know that too much sugar is bad for us but savoury can be just as bad as far too many recipes have high salt content.

According to the BBC News online, figures reveal that adults in England have cut their average salt consumption by nearly a gram in the last decade, but at 8g per day it is still above the recommended 6g for good health.

The data from Public Health England is based on measurements taken from a random sample of 689 adults.

Too much salt can make tinnitus worse

Three quarters of the salt we eat is in foods we buy, and there has been a push for industry to cut salt levels. High salt can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of strokes. High salt intake is also on the list of foods to avoid if you are suffering from tinnitus. Stuart, one of our Support Group Members whose tinnitus was caused by Menieres Disease, mentioned at one of our meetings how much he had benefited from a completely reduced salt diet.

Salt, or sodium as it is commonly known as on food package labels nowadays, is thought to be a key food to avoid if you’re experiencing this condition. Salt is related to a higher blood pressure level which can affect the blood flow to your ears.

Link between hypertension and hearing loss

Too much salt can also cause hypertension and there is a significant association between hypertension and a decrease in hearing. Hypertension is an accelerating factor of degeneration of the hearing during aging. Excess sodium causes high blood pressure, which constricts the flow of blood and prevents adequate blood flow to the cochlea. Hypertension is a proven trigger of tinnitus and vertigo.

Although the root cause of Meniere’s remains unknown, symptoms are thought to be produced by an increase in fluid pressure in the inner ear. The primary treatment for Meniere’s is aggressive salt restriction, as referred to by Stuart, sometimes in combination with a diuretic, or water pill.

National salt reduction targets

Voluntary salt reduction targets were first set in 2006 for a range of food categories in the UK that contribute most to the population’s salt intakes – for example crisps, butter and margarines, breakfast cereals and bread. In 2014, fresh targets were set to include popular dishes consumed outside the home, such as sandwiches, ready meals and children’s meals in fast food outlets. Campaigning group Consensus on Action on Salt and Health (CASH) said the nation’s salt intake had remained around the 8g per day level for the last few years. It wants more regulation around salt in food.

When shopping for food, you can take steps to cut your salt intake:

  • Compare nutrition labels on food packaging when buying everyday items. You can really cut your salt intake by checking the label and choosing the pizza, ketchup or breakfast cereal that’s lower in salt. Try choosing one food a week to check and swap when you are food shopping.
  • Go for reduced-salt, unsmoked back bacon. Cured meats and fish can be high in salt, so try to eat these less often.
  • Buy tinned vegetables without added salt. Do the same with tinned pulses.
  • Watch out for the salt content in ready-made pasta sauces. Tomato-based sauces are often lower in salt than cheesy sauces or those containing olives, bacon or ham.
  • For healthier snacks, choose fruit or vegetables such as carrots or celery sticks. If you are going to have crisps or crackers, check the label and choose the ones which are lower in salt.
  • Go easy on soy sauce, mustard, pickles, mayonnaise and other table sauces, as these can all be high in salt.

If anyone has any particularly good salt free recipes, do send them in.

Source: NHS Choices

Salt photo by Lorena Martínez from Pexels

 

Tinnitus Awareness Week 2019

Tinnitus Awareness Week 4th – 10th February, 2019

Tinnitus awareness week

It is Tinnitus Awareness Week from 4th – 10th February and one of our support group members was recently interviewed by the British Tinnitus Association for a feature they will be trying to place in the local media to promote awareness and the group.

We thought we would share the feature with you.

Constant ‘drone of traffic’ drove Debbie to distraction

Debbie Perry, one of our Tinnitus Support Group membersA woman from Buckinghamshire who lives with the constant sound of traffic in her ears due to tinnitus has described how she has been driven to distraction by the condition.

Debbie Perry (57), a teaching artist from Bisham near Marlow, has suffered with the often debilitating hearing problem for over 30 years and is now sharing her story in a bid to help others as part of Tinnitus Week which runs from 4-10 February 2019.

Debbie, who lives with her husband of 20 years, teenage son and two dogs, said: “At its worst my tinnitus sounds very much like the drone of the traffic, plus sometimes whistling and a repetitive booming sound. It has been a challenge to adjust to life without silence.

Traffic noise still with me on holiday

“I first became aware of it in my early 20’s. I used to go to night-clubs at university where the music was played very loudly and my ears would be ringing when I left but had usually stopped by the next day. But then, in my late 30’s, I began to become aware of the traffic near where we live. It had begun to really annoy me, and I felt I couldn’t sit in the garden. This was during a very stressful period in my life which included several bereavements and the birth of my son and my mother having dementia. It wasn’t until I was away on holiday that I became aware the ‘traffic noise’ was still with me. I became fully aware of the tinnitus from then on.

“Initially, I felt it was going to drive me insane and to distraction as it began to really bother me. The tinnitus was incredibly loud and distressing especially when I realised it wasn’t going away. I thought I would never sleep again and night times were extremely frightening.

Tinnitus sounds are so negative

“Tinnitus is distressing because the ‘sounds’ are so negative, they are not pleasant sounds you want to listen to. I think the worst part is not being in control of it and having to accept it will always be with me. I have since also been diagnosed with hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for the past 17 years which have helped my tinnitus but in many ways I’ve had to grieve the loss of my hearing and learn to accept the tinnitus. That was and still can be upsetting at times.

“For me loud noise is the problem. It leads to anxiety which could lead to isolation if I let it and could create isolation because then I can’t hear and communicate that well. This is the main area I constantly struggle with, as do many people.

Joining a local tinnitus support group

“I have found numerous ways of learning to manage my tinnitus including mindfulness meditation so that my attention is taken away from the ‘negative sounds’, joining a local tinnitus support group and accepting my condition so I am not fighting against it. You have to find the ways that work for you, everyone is differnet. I still have constant tinnitus, though most of the time now I am not aware of it and when I am, it no longer bothers me. I have learnt to not react to it.”

Help in Hearing Tinnitus Support Group

Debbie became a member of the Marlow & Farnham Common Tinnitus Support Group when it was founded by Gilly Wright from Help in Hearing in October 2017. It provides a lifeline for people in the area with tinnitus who need somewhere to turn to if they are struggling to cope, and Debbie now attends regularly to share her experience.

The group, one of 100 across the UK that are supported by the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), is gearing up for its next meeting which will take place on Tuesday 5 February as part of Tinnitus Week 2019. Read more about this on the Events page of this newsletter.

In Other News

Women versus cancer - Eileen Huggett

Women vs cancer cycle success

In November one of our clients, Eileen Huggett, cycled 400 km through rural Rajasthan in India to raise money for Women V Cancer. An incredible 95 women took part, raising a total of £361,000 to date. When we congratulated Eileen, she said: “It was such an amazing experience and thanks to my Lyric invisible aids in both ears I could participate with confidence. Thank you Selma!”

Selma with Anthony Alford, our Autumn edition caption competition winner

Caption competition winner

In our last edition we featured a photo of Kevin and Gilly and asked our readers to think up a caption to go with it. All the entrants received a Help in Hearing branded Cross pen and the winning caption was written by Anthony Alford: “Just because we are having lunch with Mother, doesn’t mean you could leave your hearing aids at home.” Anthony was delighted to be presented with his John Lewis voucher just in time for Christmas, seen here with Selma.

Kevin was interviewed on Marlow FM

Marlow FM interview

On 20th November Kevin was a guest on Marlow FM’s Health and Fitness edition of their Mid-Morning Matters programme. He was also joined by Jeremy, Selma’s husband who, as many of you know, is one of the founder directors of Help in Hearing. Together, they were a great double act as Kevin talked about the importance of hearing tests and our Technology Days, while Jeremy touched on his own experiences as a happy hearing aid wearer for many years. If you missed the show and would like to hear our special podcast created from the interview please click here.

Alfie's antics

Alfie's antics

Alfie the Bichon’s (Gilly’s dog) New Year’s Resolution is to leave Kevin in peace while he is eating his lunch. So far he hasn’t done very well and he is looking pretty porky since Christmas. Kevin however has no New Year Resolutions and continues to give him canine treats. He has even been known to Google “Can a dog eat this, can a dog eat that” while he shares his lunch with Alfie!

Hearing dogs talk and quiz night

We raised £450 for Hearing Dogs at our last quiz night

Hearing dogs talk and quiz night

 

Win a luxury Fortnum & Mason hamper
The prize hamper

We are delighted to announce that we raised £450 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at our Quiz Night at the South Buckinghamshire Golf Club in October.

We kicked off with an interesting talk by Mike & Clare Coote, dedicated volunteers for the charity, who gave us an insight into the commitment of taking on a puppy and the training guidelines that go with it. Their delightful Hearing Dog puppies Cooper and Hedley, pictured below, also attended the event.

The charity provides the invaluable gift of independence, confidence and companionship to more and more deaf people. Hearing Dogs receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of members of the public, trusts and companies to continue its important work.

The winning team, “The Old Crocks”, won the Fortnum & Mason hamper, donated by Signia Hearing Aids. We look forward to seeing them bid for the champion title once again at our next Quiz Night in April/May. Tickets will be on sale in practice, with more details in our next Newsletter.

 

     

Paws for coffee this Christmas

Paws for Coffee this Christmas

Paws for Christmas coffee morning

Christmas shopping can be quite a stressful experience. On Saturday 1st December Hearing Dogs for Deaf People encouraged people to ‘Paws for coffee’ and help raise funds at Farnham Common Library. The event was a great success even though it was a dreary, wet morning and we raised £201.81, with special thanks to Jan’s delicious bakes and our client Jane Ring, who gave up precious Christmas shopping time to help us.

Paws for coffee morning group at Farnham Common Library

Jan & Gilly at the Paws for Christmas coffee morning Jane Ring and Jan at our Paws for Christmas coffee morning

Mike & Clare Coote & their hearing dog puppies

David Stanbury won our Technology Days Fortnum & Mason hamper

David Stanbury with Selma and his prize hamper

Technology Days hamper winner

All visitors who attended our Technology Days entered into a prize draw to win a beautiful Fortnum and Mason Hamper. Our lucky winner was David Stanbury, who wears Phonak Audeo Q90 BTE hearing aids and is seen here being presented with his prize by our lovely Selma. He very kindly planned to pass on his festive goodies to someone in need, as he was already prepared for the Christmas feast in plenty.

Jess Conrad with Selma and Jan

Jess Conrad with Selma and Jan

80 years young - a special visit

Our client, singer, stage, film & TV actor Jess Conrad, who wears Phonak Virto B Titanium hearing aids, joined us for a festive celebration at our mulled wine and mince pies afternoon in Farnham Common in December.

Jess recently appeared in ITV’s Last Laugh in Vegas, which followed eight comedy and variety acts from the 60s, 70s and 80s as they took a two week trip down memory lane to Las Vegas. The showbiz veterans who joined Jess Conrad were Anita Harris, Cannon and Ball, Su Pollard, Bernie Clifton and Kenny Lynch. They lived in a house together as they explored the city and prepared for a one-night-only variety performance.

Still a superstar, Jess is so amazing that he was also recently picked to feature in a Daily Mail article on octogenarians who look fabulous without any medication.

Read the Daily Mail article here: How to be 80 Years Young.

Tinnitus Support Group Events

Book your place at one of our Tinnitus Support Group events

Tinnitus Support Group events

Whether you have Tinnitus or not, you are very welcome to join any of our events. Bring your friends and family – just contact us to let us know. Our schedule of events over the next few months is below.

Tuesday February 5th, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Help in Hearing, Cedar House, Glade Road, Marlow SL7 1DQ (free parking on site)

Improve your sleep

Many people with tinnitus struggle to get a good night’s sleep. We have invited life coach Mary Nash from Marlow based “Bloom with Mary” to run a workshop on lifechanging strategies for getting a better night’s sleep.

Tuesday March 12th, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Help in Hearing, Cedar House, Glade Road, Marlow SL7 1DQ (free parking on site)

Spring Social

A chance for an informal chat with the group.

Saturday June 1st, 10:00am – 12:00 midday

The Thames Room, Liston Hall, Marlow

Art, hearing and tinnitus workshop

"Summer" by Debbie PerryTeaching Artist Debbie Perry (also member of the Tinnitus Support Group), will be running a fun art workshop with all materials provided and no experience necessary.

We will be using a variety of art materials to explore how art can be used in a positive way to both help us accept our tinnitus and distract us from unwanted sounds. This will also be an opportunity to discuss and explore with others your tinnitus experience by working in small groups. Places are limited to 12 so must be booked in advance. Please wear suitable clothing or bring an apron.

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Selma Becker

What our patients say about us

Read some recent feedback and reviews we’ve received from our patients. We’d love to hear your feedback too, so please email us if you’d like to provide feedback or a testimonial about our service.

GroHawk 10/10 review for Help in Hearing

Ray Campsie

“Selma is always so helpful and I enjoy her explanation of the technology and her willingness to ensure that I am exposed to the best aids for my needs. Reception is also courteous and efficient and a visit feels more like going home than a medical appointment. Thank you all.”

GroHawk 10/10 review for Help in Hearing

Cliff Edwards

“You are sure that the company is interested in putting you first, Selma is clear and patient – with the added bonus of really being understanding. You know they have completely assessed all the options right up to date and give you best advice to suit both your hearing needs and your business/social needs for hearing aids. None better!”

GroHawk 10/10 review for Help in Hearing

Margaret Hickey

“You are a very efficient practice. Appointments are always on time and staff are friendly and professional. Testing is carried out with top of the range technology equipment and one is never pressurised to buy. I would highly recommend you to my friends.”

GroHawk 10/10 review for Help in Hearing

Chris Zaremba

“Very kind and professional approach, that really puts the needs of the client first – Help in Hearing know it’s best to build a relationship that the client trusts in order to make the client a long-term advocate, customer and friend. The level of care and concern for my needs that I feel when I am with the team is unparalleled.”

How to drive safely with hearing loss

Tips for driving safely with hearing loss

How to drive safely with hearing loss

Top tips revealed

While the sense of sight is the most important aspect when driving, the sense of hearing is equally helpful. It helps you hear the raucous horn of an irritated driver, detect approaching emergency vehicles, or even remind you that your indicators are on. People with hearing loss do not drive any more dangerously than other drivers. However, it never hurts to take extra safety precautions when on the road. Keep these tips on how to drive safely with hearing loss in mind anytime you’re behind the wheel.

Eliminate distractions

Due to technological advancements, today’s hearing aids are marvels. They feature sensitive microphones tailored to differentiate between background noises and speech. Even with hearing aids, it’s very important to avoid any form of distractions.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Reduce your car’s audio volume
  • If you have passengers, ask them to keep their conversation to a minimum
  • Always close your car window
  • Avoid using your phone, drinking, eating

Use your vision (rely on visual clues)

Your sight should compensate for your reduced hearing ability. While good sight is essential for all drivers, it’s a must-have if you’re suffering from hearing loss.
Some of the things you can do to amplify your vision include:

  • Always ensure your windows and windscreen are clean
  • Buy an extended rear view mirror
  • Keep your attention focused and eyes on the road
  • Be on the lookout for flashing lights at railway crossings and on approaching vehicles

Have a set of hearing aids to improve your hearing performance

Another way of becoming a safer driver is by purchasing and using hearing aids. They make it effortless to focus on sounds (warning signals, sirens, and horns) which matter on the road.

Do you already own hearing aids? If yes, take these extra precautions when you’re driving:

  • Have your hearing assessed frequently
  • Always wear your hearing aids when driving
  • Always have an additional set of batteries

Your car must be in top condition at all times

For drivers with hearing loss, keeping a car in optimum working condition is an absolute necessity. Strange car noises might occur unheard, which can turn out to be a safety hazard not only to you and your passengers, but to other drivers as well. Consequently, you must stay up to date when it comes to routine maintenance to ensure the vehicle is in top condition.

Whether you have hearing challenges or hear well, there’s no doubt that driving demands a lot of responsibility. Part of the responsibility is to take care of your safety and that of others on the road. The above are just some of the tips to help you drive safely with hearing loss.

How to drive safely with hearing loss – where to find out more

If you think your hearing needs to be assessed, do get in touch with us and we can arrange a thorough hearing check-up. We also now provide several brands of hearing aids that are rechargeable so if you’re travelling away from home you can take your charger with you and not have to rely on batteries.

Image: Driving a car by Erik Starck licensed under Creative commons 4

Phonak Marvel hearing aid

Introducing the Phonak Audéo Marvel™ hearing aid

Phonak have introduced a new aid known as Marvel and it is proving to be very popular with all our clients, as Pat has commented below. Marvel focuses on a first-class experience, with a clear, rich sound, even in the most challenging environments. Phonak say it is a “new generation marvellous piece of technology, offering better speech understanding and reduced listening effort in noise.”

Hands free phone calls with the Phonak MarvelHands-free phone calls

Enjoy true hands-free calls with built-in microphones that pick up your voice. Answer or reject a call with a simple push of the button, even if your phone is across the room. In addition, you can even set your phone notifications to be heard through your Marvel hearing aids.

Remote support

With the myPhonak app, you get access to remote support services. Your hearing care professional can support you and adjust your hearing aids remotely in real-time. Like this you always get the best out of your Marvel hearing aids.

Airstream technology

Combined with Bluetooth, Marvel also features Airstream technology for streaming from any TV and stereo system, using a simple plug and play solution called the Phonak TV Connector. It is just like using wireless headphones, but the aids distinguish between streamed speech and music signals and automatically adjust to give sound quality optimisation.

Phonak Marvel – what our client says

There is never a better advocate for a new product than an existing wearer. One of clients that has been wearing aids for many years has recently been fitted with the new Audéo Marvel aids by Phonak, unveiled at our Technology Days. She says:

“I am delighted with my new Phonak Marvel hearing aids. They charge overnight and give me better hearing than ever before. They are better in places where there is much background noise like restaurants – I can still hear people speaking who are near me. On an overnight charge they last up to 24 hours before needing a recharge. I have worn privately supplied hearing aids for many years, but these are by far the best for my present hearing disability. They are good for the TV and radio – I don’t need the sound deafening others in the room. I can even hear the birds!”

Phonak Marvel rechargeable batteriesRechargeable battery technology

Marvel also has powerful rechargeable battery technology with smartphone and TV connectivity. Unlike any other hearing aid, it can connect directly to IOS or Android smartphones, or other Bluetooth enabled phones, to stream any kind of audio to your ears. You can enjoy true hands-free phone calls with built-in microphones that pick up your voice.

 

Phonak Roger technologyRoger technology

In situations where loud noise and distance do affect your hearing, understanding speech can sometimes be particularly challenging for those with greater hearing loss. This is when Phonak offer Roger microphones to boost the hearing performance. It functions by picking up the voice of the speaker and wirelessly transmitting it to the listener while reducing background noise.

The Marvel aids will, in the not too distant future, feature Roger Direct which allows this technology to stream directly. Phonak have now introduced a new circular microphone called Roger Select. If you ever need a boost to your hearing in restaurants or meetings for example, you can fully participate in conversations without having to connect an external receiver. Just Bluetooth to your Roger device and take control of the direction you want it to focus on.

Tele-audiology

We mentioned earlier in our Technology Day review about the advent of tele-audiology. Using the myPhonak app you can share information with Selma or Kevin so that the aids can make a quick adjustment without having to visit the practice – even though they do stress the importance of full follow-up appointments.

Phonak Marvel – 5 models available

Audéo Marvel is available in 5 models including the non-rechargeable option. There are 9 colours to choose from including Sandalwood, Champagne and Alpine White, as well as the more traditional Silver and Graphite Gray. If you would like to find out more, please do call or email us.

Gilly’s review of the Phonak Marvel

We thought we would ask Gilly to test them out for us and she was amazed by the hands-free facility. She said:

“It’s brilliant – I can answer or reject calls with a simple push of the button on the top, even if the phone is across the room or in my handbag. My mobile rings in my ear and I don’t even have to pick it up which is great for someone who is constantly saying ‘where’s my phone?!’ I can even have my phone notifications set through my aids if I want to and I can stream stereo sound quality music, videos, e-books and podcasts. I also love the powerful super quick recharging, with a mini charging case that will be great for travelling. The sound quality is excellent and I am looking forward to further exploring all the other benefits of the aids.”

 

Watch the video to learn more about the Phonak Marvel

Phonak Marvel – where to find out more

The Phonak Marvel hearing aid is now available at Help in Hearing. If you’d like to find out more, please give us a ring on 0345 222 0579 or fill in our contact form online.

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