The new year is already going strong, and to help you have more good things this year, we’re excited to tell you about the latest hearing technology we’ve added to our collection: the Oticon More™, the Phonak Paradise, and Phonak Virto Black. These three new hearing technology options are at the top of our 2021 list of hearing technology for better connections.
Oticon More™
The Oticon More™ was released at the beginning of the year and already shows promise. Since there is a strong link between hearing loss left untreated and a heightened risk of dementia, it’s clear that Oticon has used this knowledge to design a better device. This hearing aid carries 30% more sound to the brain, which means your speech understanding can increase as much as 15%. It also means reduced listening effort, making it easier for you to remember what is said. It has even been shown to reduce tinnitus for some wearers.
These hearing aids are well-connected to today’s technology. You can use them to stream directly from your smartphone or your TV (it comes with an adapter, so your TV doesn’t even have to be a specific type). You can also make hands-free calls through your smartphone.
Maintenance on this device is very user-friendly. It has its own app so you can discreetly adjust the controls on your hearing aids. It also has its own charger that gives you a full 24 hours of life, with an additional 6 hours using the 30-min quick charge feature.
Phonak Audéo™ Paradise
Phonak also understands that better speech understanding is key to designing effective hearing technology for better connections with its new Phonak Audéo™ Paradise. This device focuses on delivering crisper and more natural sound with its Speech Enhancer feature, which “boosts soft-level speech” in quiet environments or from a distance. It also uses a personalized approach with its Dynamic Noise Cancellation feature, which allows you to choose the amount of noise to filter when you are in various environments.
Audéo™ is also user-friendly by connecting to prominent technology like smartphones and Bluetooth® (you can even connect two Bluetooth® devices at the same time). In addition, this device has a voice assistant feature you can access with just a tap, allowing you to answer calls, stream music, and more. It also has its app to give you control over your device and connect with other amazing features.
Phonak Virto Marvel Black
In search of a style that looks just like a wireless earbud? We must mention the Virto Black. This fully connected, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid combines Marvel hearing technology with the style of a modern hearable. This 2020 “Best of CES” has a customized fit for your individual ears, a clear sound, connects to all your devices, and has a smart app that gives you quick, personalized, fine-tuning options.
At RK, we are always looking ahead to sharing more advancements in technology, and more ways to serve you better. Check our “Technology” page for more information on the latest technology at RK Audiology. Then check out our 3-minute online hearing test and schedule an appointment today!
Neuroscience is looking at sensory substitution to change the lives of people with varying levels of hearing loss. As we move into a new year, we are looking forward to how those with hearing loss might find other ways to receive information.
We’ve discovered how music can have a healing effect on the body, thanks to the interaction between the many parts of the ear and the brain. So, what happens if the part of the brain set aside for hearing was no longer used because someone has hearing loss?
Sensory Substitution and Reorganizing the Brain
We’ve already noted how the brain can reorganize and reassign areas of the brain from functions such as hearing to other functions such as vision or touch. This research is now being used to help those who are deaf or hard of hearing with a technique called sensory substitution. This technique gets around the loss of one sense, such as hearing, “by feeding its information through another channel, such as touch.”
This is not new. Sign language uses the hands to communicate, create shapes and movements – patterns – that provide input through our sense of sight. This communication method can even incorporate the sense of touch by having a person who is both deaf and blind use their hands to follow the patterns of the signer.
Now, neuroscientists have developed a new kind of technology, a vest loaded with multiple sensors along the torso that transmits information through the body to the brain using a set of spatiotemporal patterns that vibrate and ripple along the skin. These patterns can correspond to varying kinds of input, but they have mostly been used so far to communicate words and ideas, much like sign language does. If someone speaks to a deaf person wearing a vest, the sensors would translate the spoken words to patterns, and those patterns would communicate the information to the deaf person.
The best part about this technique is that it is non-invasive. Even better, this technology would be a fraction of the cost of surgical options such as cochlear implants, making it available to people worldwide.
Using Patterns to Communicate
Much like sign language, the vest uses patterns to communicate information. In this case, a set of sensors are placed along the torso on the back part of the vest. These sensors have been calibrated to make a kind of pattern that is spatiotemporal. This means that instead of each sensor vibrating separately, or sets of sensors vibrating simultaneously, the sensors are instead calibrated to vibrate in a movement, like a ripple or a wave that moves across the skin in various directions. They found this to be far more effective in transmitting the information than the static vibrations, either singular or in groups.
These patterns would work much like braille, which is to say that a person would come to subconsciously relate certain patterns with certain words without having to think about it. Early tests with one deaf person have already shown this to be the case, and the creators of the vest, David Eagleman and Scott Novice, are looking forward to more trials.
Plug-and-Play Organs and Our Limited Sensory Perception
To get a better idea of how this technique is viable, it helps to have an understanding of our sense organs. Sense organs shape the way we perceive the world. They receive and transmit input to the brain, where the input is processed into information that we use to learn, make decisions, and experience life. They are how we know and understand our surrounding reality. However, this reality is not as objective as we think it is.
The first thing to understand about sensory perception is that the organs we most connect to the senses – ears, eyes, nose, tongue, and skin – are incredibly limited in the data our brains receive from them. We cannot see the many types of light, electromagnetic, and radio waves that pass through the air. Some animals can see these but not others, such as snakes that can see some infrared light waves or honeybees that are able to see in the ultraviolet range. Our other sense organs are likewise limited; imagine having the nose of a bloodhound and being able to know there’s a cat somewhere a couple of blocks away or where another person has been all day by taking a deep whiff of the bottoms of their shoes.
So, when a person loses the function of one of these organs, it’s much easier to find a substitute for delivering certain kinds of input to the brain than you might think. They are more like plug-and-play devices for computers and video games, which can be replaced with another device as needed. Some of these devices need a software download, teaching the computer how to work with the new device. This is similar to how these plug-and-play sense organs work. If one of them stops functioning, the brain can reassign that area to something else, like heightening one’s vision or learning to work with this vest through touch.
In addition, sensory substitution, these neuroscientists believe, can eventually become sensory addition, adding new perceptions to our sensory experience. This can help with rehabilitative and assistive processes, as well as other forms of neural plasticity research and technology. That’s information worth sharing with everyone.
For more information on how hearing and the brain are related, follow our blog, follow the research, or make an appointment today. You can get started with understanding your own hearing in a socially distanced way by trying out our new 3-minute online hearing test. Here’s to a Happy New Year! Bring on 2021!!
Invisible Hearing Aids Get a Boost from Phonak with the Lyric4
Phonak Lyric™ invisible hearing aids are best known for their invisibility, comfort, and convenience. Now they’re creating a brand new gold standard with the launch of Lyric4.
If you are looking to level up your hearing aids, Phonak recently released the new Lyric4, and it is better than ever. It was already a 100% invisible hearing device, designed to be worn comfortably 24/7 for months at a time, stands up to showering and challenging environments, and is controlled with the SoundLync™ tool. Here are its newest features:
The smaller size has made this device more viable for people with smaller ear canals so that they can enjoy the convenience of having a 24/7 invisible hearing aid.
The LyricTM design uses the ear canal, rather than an outside device, to capture and process sound for a more natural hearing experience. The new Lyric4 has a more effective design for collecting debris and cerumen that interfere with the receiver. This allows it to prevent clogging between maintenance and fittings.
As you can see, Phonak has taken the Lyric™ invisible hearing aid to the next level. Check out their site for more information, or schedule an appointment today!
Bonus Tip: If you feel that your hearing has changed and/or if you are noticing more difficulties hearing in this day of masks and social distancing, prior to scheduling an appointment, check your hearing now at https://rkaudiology.com/online-hearing-test/
If you have a dog, you want them to be as healthy as you are. Special diets, exercise, and regular trips to the vet are all important, but what about their ears? Just like humans, the state of your dog’s ears affects their overall health and can be an indicator of other health issues. Likewise, methods of safe ear cleaning for dogs are often best left to professionals, but you can still do some at-home maintenance with RK Audiology’s help. Whether those ears stand up or droop, these safe cleaning tips will help make sure man’s best friend has healthy ears and hearing.
Different Breeds Need Different Types of Care
Safe ear cleaning for dogs starts with knowing each dog will have different ear care needs. Depending on who you ask, there are between 200 and 350 different breeds worldwide. Each breed comes with its own unique anatomy, as well as health issues that can affect, or be affected by, ear health. Talking to your veterinarian and dog breeder about breed-specific concerns will make you better able to make good decisions for Fido.
Know When It’s Time for a Cleaning
Even with breed-specific concerns, there are still ways to know whether it’s time for at-home treatment or time for a visit to the vet. Certain breeds need more frequent cleanings than others, such as dogs that spend a lot of time in the water. There are, however, some general rules. Dogs with ears that hang down tend to trap moisture and dirt, while dogs with ears that are open or stand up are prone to infections.
You can also tell a lot by spot inspection. Before you can do one, you will need to know what a healthy ear looks like. The best time to learn this is with your vet but, overall, the inside of dogs’ ears should look pink rather than red. Redness is a sign of inflammation and possible infection. They should also leave no odor. If you do notice a slight odor, or if your best friend is shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot, the American Kennel Club suggests it’s time for a cleaning. If the ear looks red and inflamed or smells yeasty, however, head to the vet.
How to Safely Clean Your Dog’s Ears
If it’s time for a home cleaning, remember that safe ear cleaning for dogs is similar to safe ear cleaning for humans. That means this is not the time to break out the cotton swabs. Nor should you go directly for a bottle of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Because of the structure of a dog’s ear, these items can irritate the ear canal. Furthermore, they don’t actually remove all the wax, dirt, and other irritants, and you may possibly damage the ear trying.
Instead of using items that can cause or worsen an infection, try cleaning drops specially formulated for dogs. These drops dissolve ear wax, and some have antifungal or antibacterial properties. We recommend Earwax PETTM
Here are simple steps for using this to effectively clean your dog’s ears:
Lay the dog on their side and gently wipe away any debris from around the outer ear with a cotton ball or facial tissue. This can also be done with the dog in a normal standing position.
For large dogs (greater than 35 pounds), slowly place 1 full dropper into the ear canal. For small dogs (less than 35 pounds), slowly place ½ dropper into the ear canal.
Gently massage the base of the ear for several minutes.
Keep the dog still for 5-15 minutes to allow the wax and debris to dissolve.
Allow the dog to shake its head as needed to remove excess fluid. (This is why we recommend doing this outside!)
Dry outer ear canal with a clean cotton ball or clean tissue.
Repeat immediately if the ear canal is not visibly clean.
Treat ears every month or as directed by your veterinarian.
As you and your veterinarian decide what is the best way to treat your dog, please make sure to always be gentle. Dog ears are easily damaged when proper care is not taken. If you have questions on safe ear cleaning for dogs, contact your vet or the American Kennel Club. You can also contact RK Audiology for more resources and to schedule your next appointment. You are, after all, your dog’s best friend.
RK’s Top 5 Remote Hearing Care Hacks For These Changing Times
As we continue to weather these changing times, RK Audiology wants to make sure that you have the best access to care in our office and your home. These top remote hearing care hacks can help you stay on top of your hearing health as you navigate our current landscape.
1. Elephant Ear Washer System
Safer ear cleaning at home has never been more straightforward with the first item on our top remote hearing care list: the Elephant Ear Washer System. This all-in-one system provides a safe alternative to cotton swabs with a nozzle that squirts water into the ear canal, which can then be drained over a sink, in the shower, or into an ear basin. Remember, for truly safe earwax removal, you should always consult your audiologist, who can teach you how to use your own Elephant Ear Washer System safely. You can find this practical device in the RK Shop: https://shop.rkaudiology.com/s/shop
2. Home-care Otoscopes
An otoscope is a tool used to view the outer ear, ear canal, and eardrum. Having one of these handy in your home can serve as an early screening process that saves you time and money. By providing clear views of your ears, which can then be sent to our office, an otoscope helps us know when you need to come in for an in-person appointment. As always, review with your audiologist how to use any instrument that goes near your ears safely. We recommend the Bebird Otoscope: https://www.bebirdmall.com/
3. Online Hearing Tests
Our virtual hearing test is one of our newest RK website features, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite telehealth option. By going to https://rkaudiology.com/hearing-test-online/, you can test your hearing remotely. You can keep track of your hearing by checking it at regular intervals (we recommend every 3 to 6 months, or sooner if you notice a change in hearing). Contact us with questions or schedule a time to come in and see us for a comprehensive audiological evaluation or your annual hearing test: https://rkaudiology.com
4. Rechargeable hearing aids
Rechargeablehearing aids have improved so much in recent years that they will likely soon replace the disposable battery-powered hearing aids altogether. That’s excellent news for hearing aid wearers, as this eliminates the need to change batteries multiple times per day, cutting down on time, bother, and overall cost. If you are used to one-charge-per-day as you do with a mobile device, the new lithium-ion batteries last all day, making an overnight charge easy and convenient. Ask your audiologist if rechargeable batteries are available for your current hearing instruments and/or if it is time for an upgrade to new hearing technology.
5. Remote Care For Your Hearing Tech
You may be wondering if all these remote hearing care hacks are going to require time-consuming and costly upkeep. Fortunately, RK Audiology has you covered. We have curbside dropoff and pickup, as well as a 24/7 dropbox available. We will service, repair, and clean your hearing tech for you! Take a look at our services here: https://rkaudiology.com/our-services/
For our DIY-ers, you can take care of your hearing aids easily. Watch this tutorial for more information: https://rkaudiology.com/hearing-aid-care/
The world is quickly changing, and RK Audiology knows how to keep your hearing safe and healthy. Try some of the items on our remote care hearing list to make a smooth transition, or set up an appointment for more information today.
As we move into a new era, the question of how to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19 and other pandemics is evolving from immediate control practices to how things should look moving forward. RK Audiology cares about our client’s safety beyond quarantine as much as we care about the current situation. To accommodate you better, we have initiated some new services to help flatten the curve now and to help prevent future outbreaks.
New Safety Measures
Curbside Audiology
You no longer have to come into our office to drop off or hearing aid pick up repairs. Simply call our office ahead of time and we will meet you at the curb, saving you time and assisting you with social distancing.
Telehealth Appts
Many of our services are now available via phone or video conferencing. These appointments are all HIPAA compliant and easy to schedule. Get more information here:
To lessen contact, we’ve put some of our best products online in a new shop. You can find items such as:
Ear care and cleaning products
Supplies for the care and maintenance of your hearing aids
Cleansing wipes to keep your devices clean
With free shipping, this new store will make purchasing your regular ear and device care supplies convenient and cost-effective. You can even find gift cards for you and your loved ones.
https://shop.rkaudiology.com/
Safety Beyond Quarantine Means Changing Our Habits
Once we are all moving forward again, it’s important to remember that we can help prevent future outbreaks by continuing to use some of the new routines we’ve developed over the last few months. There are simple things you can do to ensure your safety and others’ safety beyond quarantine:
Wash your hands frequently – We come in contact with germs and dirt in every part of our lives. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Humming the birthday song twice is a good indicator!), helps keep your hands clean and disinfected.
Sneeze and cough into your elbow or shoulder – Covering your mouth whenever you cough or sneeze is always a good practice. After the face masks come off, make sure to sneeze or cough into your elbow or shoulder.
Stay home if you’re sick – We’re learning new things about work/life balance during this process, and one takeaway should be to stay home when you feel an illness coming on. It helps others stay healthy and helps you get better more quickly.
Personal self-awareness – Once we’re all able to be in closer contact again, it is still a good idea to develop personal awareness of yourself and the people and things around you. Keeping surfaces disinfected and observing personal space can go a long way toward keeping us all healthy.
We will continue to find new and convenient ways to help our clients adapt during this time and increase everyone’s safety beyond quarantine. Check out our new shop or book an appointment today!
