Answers to questions Omni Hearing receives everyday:
HEARING AID OPERATION
Hearing aids amplify and/or process sounds in order to improve the natural hearing ability found in your ears. Hearing aids use batteries and contain a microphone and speaker (receiver). Digitized signals are received by the speaker (receiver) and converted back into sound that can be detected by your ears. Different styles of hearing aids come with different features including the ability to control both volume and optional operational settings. These features will also be performed automatically by some hearing aids.
DIGITAL AND ANALOG HEARING AIDS
DIGITAL
Digital hearing aids use DSP (Digital Signal Processing). They typically feature more advanced technologies, including automatic functions, wireless features and adjustable controls. A digital processer inside the hearing aid analyzes speech and noise and then reproduces these sounds with improved quality. Digital hearing aids usually come with programmable memory, the ability to program precisely, modern designs and the ability to regulate hearing aid output.
ANALOG
Analog hearing aids use AGC (Automatic Gain Control) to amplify speech and noise. They typically come equipped with all basic and necessary features and sometimes a limited programmable memory. Analog hearing aids are available in conventional designs and provide a low-cost alternative to their more technically advanced digital cousins.
DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN LEFT AND RIGHT HEARING AIDS
Within the industry, the colours red and blue are used to identify the left and right hearing aids. Red markings are found on the right ear hearing aid while blue markings are found on the left. Each hearing aid also has its own serial number; these numbers are used by Omni Hearing to determine the best course of action should any service to the aid be required.
PROTECTING YOUR HEARING AIDS
Typically, hearing aids should always be removed when sleeping or showering. When not in use, hearing aids should be stored in a clean, dry area. Omni Hearing recommends always storing your hearing aids in the same location. This way, you?ll always remember where they are (lost hearing aids are a costly problem that is more common than you might think ? especially with children!) Remember to store hearing aids away from pets and any children who are unaccustomed to them. When you purchase a hearing aid from us, Omni Hearing will provide you with a dedicated storage compartment for each aid. Never keep your hearing aids in your pocket (pockets often contain dust and lint that can cause damage). Remember to power-down your hearing aids whenever you aren?t using them. Aids can be switched off simply by opening the battery door (this will also allow any moisture trapped inside to escape). After your hearing aid purchase, Omni Hearing will provide you with more detailed information about protection to help ensure they provide you with quality hearing health and hearing improvement over the long term.
CLEANING AND CARE OF HEARING AIDS
Openings on the microphone, receiver, vent and domes on a hearing aid should be cleaned daily. This is typically accomplished by using a soft bristled brush. Water and cleaning solutions should never be applied to a hearing aid because they can damage the casing and internal components. Remember to have your hearing aids serviced about twice a year. Omni Hearing?s professional staff will be happy to service your hearing aids on request to help ensure they last to their full potential.
HEARING AID LIFESPANS
Omni Hearing recommends that you replace your hearing aids ? on average ? about every five years. This number can vary depending on the quality of care a hearing aid receives. Omni Hearing is happy to arrange a maintenance schedule to ensure you get the most out of your hearing aids. That being said, the current advancements in hearing aid technology are such that – over the course of five years – many new improvements are being made. This means that choosing a new model every five years can bring you some significant benefits.
THE BEST STYLE OF HEARING AID
Generally speaking, there is not really a ?best? style of hearing aid for everyone ? but there is certainly a best style for you.? After your hearing aid evaluation, Omni Hearing will recommend a style that suits your hearing needs, your lifestyle, and the characteristics you indicate are important. There can be numerous factors to consider when selecting a hearing aid style. Omni Hearing has the expertise to help you make the right decision. Click here?to learn more about hearing aid evaluations and why they are so important when selecting a style of hearing aid.
EARMOLD IMPRESSIONS
Earmold impressions are reproductions of an individual?s ear canal. The earmold impression process is used to create the prosthetic component of a hearing aid. When creating an earmold impression, the ear canal is examined by an Omni Hearing professional using an otoscope. Memory foam is then inserted and a mold is created using soft silicone. The entire process is over in less than four minutes. Once we have an accurate representation of the inside of your ear, the impression is forwarded to one of our quality manufacturing partners and your finished hearing aid is ready in ten business days. At this point, Omni Hearing conducts a second quality control inspection and fits you with your personalized and comfortable hearing aid.
Earmold impressions are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they ensure that your hearing aids will be comfortable. They also help to optimize hearing aid performance. Hearing aids manufactured using the specifications provided by earmold impressions also fit more securely and ensure they are discrete and esthetically pleasing.
HEARING AID FITTINGS
A hearing aid fitting is an appointment that can be scheduled with Omni Hearing. Fittings take about an hour and a half. During this session, an expert Omni Hearing specialist will help you get familiar with the functions and features of your new hearing aid. Omni Hearing will also conduct ongoing performance evaluation of the aid using a various hearing aid performance measurement tools.
HEARING AID RE-EVALUATIONS
Two weeks following a hearing aid fitting, Omni Hearing will schedule a re-evaluation appointment. Re-evaluation appointments typically take less than thirty minutes and allow any follow-up questions or concerns to be addressed. Omni Hearing?s number one priority is to ensure your satisfaction and hearing health. Our re-evaluation appointments are just one of the ways we go above-and-beyond our competition to make sure you are satisfied and comfortable using your new hearing aids.
CLEAN AND CHECK APPOINTMENTS
Clean and Check appointments allow Omni Hearing to verify and ensure the proper functioning of your hearing aids. During this appointment, the microphones openings, receiver openings, battery contacts, tubing and hearing aid exteriors are thoroughly cleaned and verified for maximum performance. We can also deal with/replace other optional accessories like wax guards, domes, microphone wind screens and earmold tubing.
ANNUAL HEARING TESTS
Omni Hearing recommends that anyone who suspects they have a hearing problem should undergo an annual hearing test. These tests are absolutely essential for determining your overall hearing health as well as any changes that have occurred with your hearing. An annual hearing test will also allow our Omni Hearing experts to make suggestions about the need to adjust or modify your hearing aids.
OMNI HEARING?S TRIAL PERIOD
Every hearing aid sold by Omni Hearing comes with a 90-day RISK FREE trial period. During this time, you may return, exchange or express any concerns you have about your hearing aids or their performance ? FREE OF CHARGE. Omni Hearing offers this trial period in order to ensure every customer is satisfied and every product we sell meets their expectations.
OMNI HEARING?S 90-DAY TRIAL PERIOD AND 3 YEAR WARRANTY
During your 90-day trial period, any hearing aid you?ve purchased from us can be exchanged or returned for a full refund. This 90-day trial period is Omni Hearing?s way to ensure your total satisfaction. We will happily accept any hearing aid provided that it has not been lost or damaged. Simply return the hearing aid or exchange it for the same model. It?s just that easy.