Hearing Aids
There are a variety of technological options and physical styles of hearing aids. After a comprehensive evaluation, an audiologist is able to discuss the most appropriate options with a patient.
- Hearing aids are designed to make speech intelligible in most listening situations for people who have a hearing loss.
- ALL ears and most hearing losses differ.
- ALL hearing aids need to be fitted for the specific individual.
- There are different acoustic prescriptions for different hearing losses. There is not one hearing aid for all hearing problems.
- ALL hearing aids require adaptation (acclimatization). It takes time for your brain to relearn to hear through hearing aids.
To encourage a positive patient/doctor relationship, your adjustments within the first 30 days of a new product fitting are completed at no charge for additional office visits.
The majority of people with hearing loss are affected in both ears. By utilizing two hearing aids (binaural amplification), we are able to take advantage of two ears working together.
Two hearing aids usually provide benefits that include:
Warranty
Hearing aids come with a standard "Loss, Damage, and Repair" warranty through the manufacturer. We also offer extended warranties for hearing aids that are no longer covered. Please call for details on your specific product.
LACE: Listening and Communication Enhancement
from Neurotone product info
LACE is an interactive computerized training program designed for home use. LACE can develop skills and strategies that can help compensate for those situations when hearing is inadequate.
We don't really hear in our ears; we hear in our brain. Hearing aids can help a person detect softer sounds, but they don't necessarily provide good listening skills. Even people with normal hearing can be poor listeners. Good listening skills are one of the components essential for effective communication. Other components include rapid thought processing, auditory memory, use of language skills, and interactive strategies. LACE is designed to enhance the ability to communicate by training the brain to best utilize these skills.
Assistive Devices and Systems
A STAP Telephone
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD)
A variety of assistive devices and systems are available from Family Audiology including:
- Telephones: amplified, captioned, VCO (voice carry over), TTY (text)
- Telephone Ring Signalers: amplified, visual (flashing)
- Cell Phone Amplifier
- Television assistive listening systems
- Alarm Clocks: amplified, visual, or vibrotactile
- Baby Cry Signaler: visual or vibrotactile
- Doorbell Signalers: visual personal one-on-one communicators FM systems
STAP Telephones
The State Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) was developed by the State of Texas to provide amplified telephones and accessories at no cost to qualified Texas residents.
Please print and fill out a STAP application, or call Family Audiology for more information regarding this program. Bring your STAP application and a current hearing test to Family Audiology and Dr. Kindred will complete and sign the application. If you do not have a hearing test dated within the last year, call to make an appointment today at 972 943-0466.
Hearing Aid Batteries
One question often asked is "How long do hearing aid batteries last?" A typical life span is 7-14 days based on 16 hours per day use cycle. Generally, the smaller the battery size, the shorter the battery life. Batteries are inexpensive, averaging less than a dollar per battery and are available in 6-packs through Family Audiology.
The sizes of hearing aid batteries are listed below
with their color codes.
Size 10: YELLOW
Size 13: ORANGE
Size 312: BROWN
Size 675: BLUE
Battery Club
Have you ever run out of hearing aid batteries? How frustrating!
With Family Audiology's Battery Club, a fresh pack of batteries will arrive in your mailbox every month.
This convenient service is available at the same low price as our in-office batteries. For less than a dollar a battery, you have the peace of mind of never running out again!
For additional convenience we also ship desiccant bars.
Contact us to sign up today!
All batteries are toxic and dangerous if swallowed. Keep all batteries (and hearing aids) away from children and pets.
Musician Earmolds
Custom Earplugs
Custom made canal style earplugs that utilize a specially designed filter to reduce the sound level while preserving the music quality. Available with two filters of -15dB and -25dB sound reduction. Perfect for performers and music enthusiasts interested in protecting their hearing and still enjoying every nuance of the music.
In Ear Monitors
In Ear Monitors (IEMs) allow you to hear your performance's clarity and crispness without the distortion and distraction of noise. When used properly, they also protect your hearing. Custom IEMs offer a fit that only individually molded earpieces can provide. An appointment is needed to make impressions of your ears for custom models. Universal IEMs are also available.
Custom Ear Protection
The number one cause of preventable hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. Preserve your hearing with custom made earplugs. Perfect for wearing at the firing range, garage workshop, racetrack or any high-level noise environment.
Contact us to find out what style of hearing protection best suits your needs.
Swim Plugs
These specially designed, custom-made earplugs stop water from entering the ear canal which is especially important for people who are susceptible to ear infections or have holes in their eardrum.
We custom mold each pair of swim plugs for your ears, so they're incredibly comfortable. They can have handles or a cord and they float, so they're almost impossible to lose. Swim plugs come in about any color you can think of so they're great for adults and kids!