Audiology features archive for November 2014
Lyric 24/7 hearing: could it help those with tinnitus?
About Lyric Hearing Since its launch in 2008, Lyric represents the first and only device of its kind establishing a new category of hearing solution: 24/7 extended wear. Lyric is placed several millimetres within the ear canal, near the tympanic...
Making sense of modern wireless hearing aid technologies
Before diving into the topic of the technology behind wireless hearing aids, it is important to define two key concepts. The first is wireless frequency. This is the frequency at which a wireless signal is transmitted. In the context of...
Case studies – transformational benefits of using connecting hearing aids
While hearing aids can provide great benefits there remain some challenging situations for people with hearing loss. These include listening in background noise, groups, using the telephone and listening to TV / music. Hearing aids with integrated wireless functionality allow...
Remote hearing aid fittings and maintenance – exploring applications in Africa
Introduction Technology and connectivity are allowing audiological services to be provided in novel ways. The field of telehealth, although firmly established over the past two decades, is buoyed by the continued and rapid advances in information and communication technologies. Remote...
‘The Sun does not forget a village just because it is too small’ – African proverb
Solar powered hearing aids In the middle of the morning of January 24, 2002, I had been in Otse for only three days, a village of 3500 in the south of Botswana, when I heard a knock at the door....
Tackling information overload and retention – interactive multimedia videos for first-time hearing aid users
If you are an audiologist reading this article, how confident are you that all the information and advice that you offer your first-time hearing aid (HA) patients is understood, absorbed and then acted upon once they leave the comfort of...
Lawrence Werth (19 October 1956 – 19 August 2014)
In August the audiology community was saddened to learn that Lawrence Werth (57), Chairman of PC Werth Ltd, London had passed away after a brave battle with skin cancer. A prolific contributor to this magazine over the years, he is...
How I lost my hearing aid…and other patient experiences
All audiologists, I am sure, would claim that they give full explanations of hearing aid controls and use of the devices at all fitting appointments. However, we know that patients do not always absorb all that they are told and...
New challenges ahead for the hearing aid industry
Technological advancements empower the world to hear In an increasing age of connectivity, the hearing aid industry is headed into new territory. Previously, to wear hearing aids was simply a mark of ageing. Now hearing aids are smarter and, as...
Will it ever happen?
Audiology is a rapidly evolving field, with many exciting developments on the horizon. David Baguley identified some topics of interest, and asked some international experts ‘will it ever happen?’ Gene therapy for deafness After years of development, gene therapy for...