Question: What is the difference between Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Custom Fitted Hearing Aid Amplification Devices?

Answer:

OTCs are personal sound amplification devices (PSAPs). FDA defines PSAPs as being wearable consumer electronic product intended for non-hearing impaired individuals to use to augment hearing in environments, such as recreational activities. PSAPs are not intended to compensate for ​hearing impairment ​and ​they ​ are ​one ​size ​fits all.

Custom Hearing aids on the other hand, are wearable devices designed for the purpose of aiding persons with impaired hearing. Hearing aids are considered Class 1 Medical Devices and are fitted by Audiologists or Hearing Healthcare Professionals. Hearing aids are measured to accommodate ​ individual ears, ​sizes ​ ​ and ​ ​ shapes.

Improving hearing and communication requires more than increasing overall volume, which is about all PSAPs can do. Louder does not mean clearer. Louder can be noisy and uncomfortable. Most OTCs are amplifiers that make everything equally loud, including the speech you want to hear ​and environmental noise ​ ​ you ​don’t. Hearing aids are custom and programmed specifically to the degree and configuration of your hearing loss, providing amplification to the deficit frequencies. Instead of just making everything louder, hearing aids can actually discern between noise and speech you want to hear. Hearing aids can automatically adjust, enhancing speech while suppressing background noises. Hearing aids can help you hear better in wind, reverberate rooms, crowds, and other challenging listening ​ ​ environments. ​ ​OTCs ​ simply ​cannot​ ​do​ this.

Consumers are cautioned that by skipping the audiologic evaluation and health-care professional, underlying hearing issues could be missed or untreated. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, fall risks, dementia, and ​ ​ diabetes.

If you or someone you love is having difficulty hearing, listening, or communicating, Dr. Tara Fuchs and Dr. Jane Brady invite you to contact them for a consultation. Their offices are in East Windsor ​ ​ 609-448-9730 ​ ​ and ​ ​ Pennington ​ ​ 609-303-0291.

We are excited to share the first in a new “Get to Know Us” interview series with Horizon Audiology employees, starting with our newest audiologist to join the team, Dr. Tara Fuchs. Dr. Fuchs came to Horizon in May 2015, with almost 2 decades of audiologic experience and has dedicated herself to her patients and our practice every day since! We are proud to share a bit about Dr. Fuchs background.

1. How did you enter into the audiology field?

I entered the field of audiology without even knowing that I would love it. I was 16. My parents were going to dinner with their friend, whom is an Industrial Audiologist.  He asked me if I’d like to working in office entering data, filing and such.  After a few weeks I asked “what do the “x” and “o” mean?  Hence I learned about an audiogram and hearing loss and hearing protection.  When I turned 18, I became certified to perform industrial tests and spent my summers through college testing hearing at industrial plants for OSHA compliance. I also learned about hearing conservation and noise surveys.

2. What is your favorite activity to participate in outside of the office?

My most favorite activity outside of the office is going to the beach with my girls and my husband. I love the sounds of the waves crashing on the sand and the soothing hum of the ocean breeze. [Editors Note: These subtle sounds of life are those that patients are most overjoyed to hear again when they are fitted with new hearing aids!]

3. Is there anyone who’s influenced or inspired you?

Throughout my life I have been inspired by several people starting with my 6th grade teacher who encouraged me to reach for the stars, to my high school band director, who taught me that life is not only about hard work but the fun you can have to achieve your personal goals. Of course I wouldn’t really be who I am today without having my big sister by my side and my parents to pushed the importance of being strong and independent.

4. What’s your favorite thing about working at Horizon Audiology?

I would have to say my favorite thing about working at Horizon Audiology has been the ability to work with such caring and knowledgeable individuals.  I have grown both as a person and and an Audiologist during my tenure a Horizon. Looking forward to many more years.

5. What was your favorite subject in school growing up?

Honestly, I disliked academics in elementary, middle and high school. I was all about the socialization and how many activities I could jam pack into my schedule. If I had to choose one, I would say English/ Language Arts. I love to write blogs, poems, letters etc.

6. Have you had a most memorable moment at Horizon Audiology that you’d like to share?

Memorable moments? I’m not sure exactly but I can say “growing” moments. Since I have started with Horizon, I have been able to participate with community outreach. I love teaching others about hearing loss and sharing my knowledge with others.

We would love for you to get to know Dr. Fuchs better through learning how she can help you hear better. Having difficulty hearing? Call Horizon Audiology and schedule an appointment just in time for the holidays. Keep up with our blog and look out for our next interview in the “Get to Know Us” series!

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East Windsor, NJ – 2/27/17 ─ Horizon Audiology is proud to announce that it now offers groundbreaking rechargeable hearing aid technology to the general public. The revolutionary Audéo B-R hearing aid features a built-in lithium-ion battery that provides 24 hours* of hearing with one simple charge. It is fully charged after only three hours and a 30-minute fast-charge  provides six hours of immediate hearing. This means today’s hearing aid wearers can now focus on enjoying life instead of worrying about the last time they changed batteries. Wearers will also enjoy the confidence in knowing that the Audéo B-R comes from Phonak, the global leader in hearing aids and wireless communications solutions.

The Audéo B-R eliminates the hassles associated with disposable batteries. Thanks to advances in smart charging technology, the lithium-ion batteries lasts for years. Compared to traditional hearing aids that use disposable batteries, two environmentally-friendly Phonak Audéo B-R devices replace up to 100 hearing aid batteries in a typical year.

“We are thrilled to be among the practices who can now offer this truly life-changing technology to the public,” said, Dr. Jane Brady, Audiologist of  Horizon Audiology  ”We know the vast majority of hearing aid wearers don’t want to fumble with tiny batteries every five to seven days. They’re tired of worrying about whether they put them in right, or when they last changed batteries. With Audéo B-R, Phonak has given us a next-generation solution that not only provides our patients with an effortless hearing experience, but also simplicity and peace of mind.”

For added convenience, Audéo B-R hearing aids come with several smart charging options. In addition to its elegant, yet protective home charging case, a mini charger is a compact solution that is perfect for travelers—or for placement at work in the event the wearer forgets to charge at home. An optional power pack easily attaches to the charger case and provides wireless power for seven full charges, ideal for short trips or when no power source is available.

The Phonak Audéo B-R hearing aid is now available at Horizon Audiology in East Windsor, NJ. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit www.horizonaudiology.com  or call Horizon at 609-448-9730. For general information about the revolutionary Audéo B-R solution, visit www.phonak.com.

* Expected results when fully charged, and up to 80 minutes wireless streaming time.