We have training in the most advanced devices available that go "beyond hearing aids".
Assistive Listening Devices
Sometimes hearing aids just aren’t enough. Sometimes, they are only part of the solution. We are unique because we regularly recommend advancements available in the hearing care industry to offer our patients supports that go ‘beyond hearing aids’.
Some of the assistive devices that we provide include Bluetooth devices, personal FM listening systems, assistive microphones or pocket amplifiers with headphones.
Bluetooth Devices
Manufacturers now produce hearing aids that are compatible with Bluetooth devices.
You can link your cellphone, iPad or computer to send podcasts, music or phone calls directly to your ears via your hearing aids.
FM Systems
FM systems can be extremely helpful in specific listening situations and for patients with very challenging hearing losses where hearing aids only help to some extent.
FM systems use a microphone that your spouse or friend can wear, or that you put in front of your tv or radio. The Fm system sends the sounds you want to hear right into your hearing aids. This allows for high quality sound without background distractions.
Sound from a distance of 20-30 feet to be delivered clearly to a person’s ears. It helps cut out background noise significantly and enables the person with hearing aids to use the microphone as a ‘3rd ear’ to hear with.
Remote Microphones
These systems are cost-effective versions of a personal FM. Although not as powerful, they can work quite effectively for patients with a mild to moderate hearing loss for 1 on 1 situations. They send the sound signal from the communication partner wearing the small microphone directly to your ears via a Bluetooth device. These are very useful in restaurants, pubs, or on car rides as well as around the house. They are best suited for speaking with 1 person at a time.
Pocket Amplifiers (Pocket Talkers)
Pocket amplifiers are simple and very cost effective devices that can be used to turn up sounds when patients don’t have or can’t manage hearing aids. We have used them frequently with patients in long-term care facilities. They look like a Walkman with headphones. The person talking speaks into a microphone which gets turned up and sent directly into the person’s ears via the headphones. There is a wire and the maximum distance between the microphone and the person’s headphones is approximately 5 feet.
Other Helpful Devices
We often recommend assistive listening accessories such as amplified telephones, shake awake alarm clocks, and television listening devices. We carry some of these devices and refer our patients to the Deaf and Hear Alberta location for the ones we don’t have.
Contact us to book an appointment to discuss these and other appropriate options.
DEAR DR. SCARFF
I am writing to you to express my elation over the restoration of my capability to participate in group meetings. Even with very high end hearing aids, I was losing my ability to contribute. I serve on a Board of Directors and a couple of Advisory Committees. These activities, and the ability to take part in any group discussions are critically important to me. I returned from my first Board meeting using the Roger Microphone on a great ‘emotional high’! My business life has been extended! My confidence and self esteem have been restored Please accept my heartfelt thanks for introducing me to this latest technology. “
Hal Rainforth, Calgary
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We are each here working hard to help you hear your world better!
We want to know what each patient’s unique hearing challenges are. We therefore complete a thorough audiometric test battery as well as ‘listening in noise’ testing. This gives us a better understanding of the ‘real world’ hearing abilities you have.
There is extensive research to show that early identification and treatment is critical to good brain health.