Give the Gift of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Hearing is a something that we often take for granted until we no longer are able to do so with the clarity we once had in our youth. As you age, your hearing naturally loses sharpness.  Hearing is a special gift that allows us to connect with the world around us, when that is taken away it can cause people to feel isolated and alone. According the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly “28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.”

Hearing aids offer those with hearing loss the ability to reconnect with the world. When you consider the biological function that this tiny device takes on, it should be revered as a technological wonder. Despite their small size, newer devices allow users to stream music and phone conversations directly, utilizing state of the art GPS technology. And while they are a scientific marvel, many devices still utilize a hearing aid battery to maintain power.

Traditional Batteries

The majority of hearing devices sold today rely on standard hearing aid batteries. Even the latest in GPS technology is normally powered with a zinc hearing aid battery which has a lifespan of up to two weeks.  When you consider the fact that this device is often being used upward of 12 hours a day, this little battery is really quite long lasting. However, replacing it every 7-14 days can get old quickly.

Rechargeable Batteries

One of the newest advancements in hearing aid technology is the advent of the rechargeable battery. Phonak, is the first hearing aid developer to offer a system that comes with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. And because the battery is built into the hearing aid, it lasts the lifetime of the unit. After 30 minutes of charging, the system can run for up to 6 hours. And, the best part is, you will never have to change a battery!

Selecting a hearing aid that is right for your needs can be overwhelming. The staff at Better Hearing Systems in Bossier City, Louisiana wants to give you or someone you love the gift of better hearing this holiday season. Contact us to schedule a free hearing consultation, discuss your options and see our full line of rechargeable hearing systems. We can help you choose the device that is just right for you.

Better Hearing Systems Partners with Benny Walker Helping Hands

For some families, every day can be a financial struggle; especially during the holidays. Santa doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, only if you’re naughty or nice. So, what do the kids think when they don’t receive any Christmas presents? Better Hearing Systems has partnered with Benny Walker Helping Hands at Freedom Church to make sure all Bossier City kids receive presents this Christmas. We know there aren’t any local kids on the naughty list! 

Drop off any new toys valued between $5-$10 dollars, or make a monetary donation to Benny Walker Helping Hands. Donations can be dropped off at our Bossier City location 1000 Chinaberry Drive, Suite 103. We will be accepting all donations, monetary or toy, through November 30^th. This toy drive was started by Carolyn Green to help make a huge difference in the lives of children this holiday season.

Not sure what toys to get? We were informed that many toys at the local Bossier City Dollar General are currently 50% off! This means that you can purchase double the toys for the same cost! Kids will be just be happy to receive a new toy, but if you’re really trying to blow it out of the park, check out Toys R Us’ “Hot Toy List” for 2016. 

Benny Walker Helping Hands (BWHH) was created in 2013 by Benny Walker! A member of Central Baptist, Walker was always looking to serve others. Though Benny Walker died in 2012, his ministry has lived on. BWHH offers a free food pantry and free clothing closet to those in hard times. The pantry and closet are open from 9 am to 12 pmon Thursday’s. 

Better Hearing Systems is devoted to improving the lives of Louisiana residents. Located at 1000 Chinaberry Drive  #103 in Bossier City, Better Hearing Systems strives to deliver outstanding customer care along with state-of-the-art hearing instruments. We are committed to better hearing, and a better community. Visit our website or call (318) 309-4727 to learn more. Thank you for making this holiday season memorable for a child in our community!

Should You Upgrade your Hearing Aid?

Your hearing is a precious and important thing. It allows you to communicate properly and to enjoy all the beautiful sounds in everyday life. As we age our hearing naturally starts to weaken, making it difficult to discern certain tones and decibel levels. Hearing aids can provide the support needed to keep your hearing sharp throughout your life.

It is important to realize that purchasing a hearing aid is not a one-time endeavor. The average life span of a hearing device is typically between three to seven years. And, while this is a good rule of thumb as you consider when to upgrade to your device, there are other reasons you might want to think about.

• Poor performance – If your hearing aids are becoming less effective, the first step is to ensure that they are working properly. A good cleaning or minor repair might be all that is required to have them operating at peak efficiency. If this does not clear up the issue you might want to talk to your hearing specialist about other alternatives.
• Your needs are not being met – A change in your circumstances might require an upgrade in your hearing equipment. For instance, if your job role changes and necessitates more time on the phone you might want to consider an upgrade to more finely tuned equipment. New technology allows hearing aids to sync with mobile devices offering a clearer phone experience.
• Change in hearing – Just because you have a hearing device does not mean that your hearing will not change. If you find that your current hearing aids are no longer sufficient for normal hearing, you might need to upgrade to a more specialized device.
• Change in technology – Just as other areas of technology are rapidly changing, so too is hearing technology. Smaller units, the capacity to synch with other devices, finer tuning abilities and even wireless options are making hearing aids more state-of-the-art.

Finding just the right hearing device for your needs requires the help of a trusted hearing professional who can assist you in wading through all the options. If you or someone you know is considering upgrading their hearing device, contact the professionals at Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana.  Their staff in Bossier City will guide you through all the important steps required to help improve your hearing. 

Should You Upgrade your Hearing Aid?

Your hearing is a precious and important thing. It allows you to communicate properly and to enjoy all the beautiful sounds in everyday life. As we age our hearing naturally starts to weaken, making it difficult to discern certain tones and decibel levels. Hearing aids can provide the support needed to keep your hearing sharp throughout your life.

It is important to realize that purchasing a hearing aid is not a one-time endeavor. The average life span of a hearing device is typically between three to seven years. And, while this is a good rule of thumb as you consider when to upgrade to your device, there are other reasons you might want to think about.

• Poor performance – If your hearing aids are becoming less effective, the first step is to ensure that they are working properly. A good cleaning or minor repair might be all that is required to have them operating at peak efficiency. If this does not clear up the issue you might want to talk to your hearing specialist about other alternatives.
• Your needs are not being met – A change in your circumstances might require an upgrade in your hearing equipment. For instance, if your job role changes and necessitates more time on the phone you might want to consider an upgrade to more finely tuned equipment. New technology allows hearing aids to sync with mobile devices offering a clearer phone experience.
• Change in hearing – Just because you have a hearing device does not mean that your hearing will not change. If you find that your current hearing aids are no longer sufficient for normal hearing, you might need to upgrade to a more specialized device.
• Change in technology – Just as other areas of technology are rapidly changing, so too is hearing technology. Smaller units, the capacity to synch with other devices, finer tuning abilities and even wireless options are making hearing aids more state-of-the-art.

Finding just the right hearing device for your needs requires the help of a trusted hearing professional who can assist you in wading through all the options. If you or someone you know is considering upgrading their hearing device, contact the professionals at Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana.  Their staff in Bossier City will guide you through all the important steps required to help improve your hearing. 

Smart Hearing Aids Are Changing the Hearing Industry

If you suffer from hearing loss, now is the time to invest in the latest technology for hearing aids. Like a flip phone’s revolution to a sleek smartphone, hearing aids are making leaps and bounds in the technology of hearing assistance. Did you know that smart hearing aid technology has hit the market and it is now possible to connect a smart hearing aid with your Android or iPhone?

New hearing aid technology can make a huge difference in anyone’s life. For example, Daymond John, star of the reality TV show Shark Tank, states that he listened to loud music in his early years and is now suffering from a hearing disability at age 43. Luckily, technological advancements in hearing aids have improved his daily life. In his interview with CNNMoney, Daymond John says, “You think of your grandparents wearing hearing aids – not me… But I’m talking to you through my hearing aids ... and you’d never really know I’m wearing something.”

Daymond John uses advanced hearing aids from Starkey Hearing Technologies that work with iOS devices to stream calls and listen to music all through his earpieces. John didn’t realize he had a real hearing problem until he went to a Starkey Hearing Foundation event and tried on a hearing device. He says, “… at the event, they invited everyone to try on a hearing device, and it was like night and day. I was suffering from tinnitus in one ear and something else was going on in the other.”

Like Daymond John, we see advancements from Starkey Hearing Technologies as the future of hearing aids. Starkey Hearing Technologies places an importance on research, science and innovative technology when creating cutting-edge hearing solutions. Better Hearing Systems of NorthWest Louisiana is proud to offer Starkey Hearing products including Muse and Halo 2. If you would like to schedule a FREE demonstration of the latest hearing aid technology, contact Better Hearing Systems today!

The Starkey Hearing Foundation

Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana is a proud supporter of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a charitable organization that brings the gift of hearing to people in need. According to the World Health Organization, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, but less than 3% of those affected can afford hearing aids or have access to the care they need (source). The Starkey Hearing Foundation has given more than 1.8 million hearing aids around the world and have provided over 200,000 free hearing aids and care to people in need annually for over thirty years!

Starkey works to accomplish their hearing missions by building strong partnerships, empowering local teams, and expanding their Community-Based Hearing HealthCare Model, which consists of three phases:

1.    Patient Identification - Includes identifying and training partners and community-based health workers, providing primary ear-care services to potential hearing aid candidates, taking ear impressions, and creating custom earmolds.

2.    Hearing Mission - Fit hearing aids and custom earmolds on qualified hearing candidates, counsel and train hearing aid recipients, teachers, student ambassadors, and patients on how to care for and operate the hearing aids, and select and train local program teams to execute ongoing program activities.

3.    AfterCare Program - Conduct outreach to patients within the first month of receiving their hearing aids to provide AfterCare, provide ongoing AfterCare services to offer patients counseling, batteries, and free services to repair or replace hearing aids when needed.

As proud members of the Starkey Hearing Alliance, Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana is part of a national network of hearing care professionals that are leading the way in helping people experience healthier lives. Starkey Hearing Alliance Members specialize in fitting Starkey Technologies hearing instruments.  These state-of-the-art hearing aids ensure you are receiving superior comfort, unmatched technology and best-in-class features. When you get a hearing aid from Better Hearing Systems of NWLA, you're not only changing your life for the better, but in some small way you’re also helping improve the lives of millions of people in need. To learn more about the Starkey Hearing Foundation or to donate to this wonderful cause, click here.

You're Invited to a Special Event at Better Hearing Systems!

Better Hearing Systems is proud to announce a special in-office event from July 19th-21st. For 3 days only, come into the office for a free exam, free hearing consultation, special discounts, promotions and more! Nationally-known hearing aid expert, Amanda Barnhart, will also be in the office to demonstrate Muse, a new development in hearing technology.

Stop in for:

• Free hearing consultation
• Free otoscopic examination
• A demonstration of the new MUSE hearing aids by special guest Amanda Barnhart. Muse is a line of wireless hearing aids that deliver ultra-high definition audio and superior sound quality--come and see what they can do!
• Free clean and check for current hearing instruments wearers
• Significant discounts on a pair of Advanced Digital Technology

Take advantage of the latest hearing science and cutting-edge digital technology with this summer event!

Do you...

Have trouble hearing in noise?

Need to turn your TV up loud to hear it?

Frequently ask people to repeat themselves?

Have a family history of hearing loss?

Have had a history of exposure to prolonged or loud noise?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, now is the time to come see us! Hearing loss affects 1 in 10 Americans. Yet, only 1 in 5 people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them. Improving the ability to hear translates to a higher quality of life, and a healthier social lifestyle. Visit Better Hearing System’s information section to learn more, and to take an online hearing test and hearing loss simulator. You deserve the best care for your hearing. No matter your level of hearing loss or lifestyle, we have a hearing aid for you!  

Please RSVP to this one-time, special summer event by calling (318) 402-4693 today!

At Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana, we are committed to comprehensive hearing care through state-of-the-art testing and fitting equipment. To learn more about Better Hearing Systems, located in Bossier City, visit our website or call (318) 309-4727 today to schedule a free hearing consultation!

Protect Your Hearing During The Summer Months

Summer brings lots of celebrations--and with celebrations, come noise! Whether it’s Fourth of July fireworks, live music concerts, street parades with fire engines showing off their horns and sirens, motorcycling, or even simply using a power mower and leaf-blower in the yard, the sounds of summer can be loud. There is a connection between noise exposure and hearing loss, so please take a few simple steps to protect your hearing this summer.


The link between noise and hearing loss: 

Sound travels down the ear canal in waves. Loud noises can cause waves so forceful that they dislodge the tiny bones in the middle ear. If the waves pass through the middle ear and reach the inner ear, they can damage the tiny hair cells that carry sound all the way to the brain, where the sounds are interpreted. Unfortunately, once destroyed, these hair cells can’t repair themselves, and can no longer pass sounds along to the brain--resulting in permanent damage.

Noise levels are measured in decibels. Any sound over 85 decibels can result in hearing loss. For example, a passing motorcycle is roughly 90 decibels, and a firework exploding at close range is around 150 decibels. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can result from how loud the noise is, as well as the length of a person’s exposure to noise.

Noise-induced hearing loss can affect anyone, at any age. Children have a lower threshold for noise than adults, so it is even more important to protect their hearing during summer activities like watching fireworks or attending a festival with loud music.  

Types of hearing loss due to noise exposure:

There are three types of hearing loss that may result from noise exposure.

• Tinnitus: a temporary ringing or buzzing in the ears after exposure. Tinnitus sometimes, but not always, goes away by itself.
• Temporary changes in threshold: A small decrease in hearing that disappears, usually approximately 24-48 hours after the exposure occurs. Although the hearing distortion goes away, evidence suggests there may be long-term hearing damage.
• Permanent hearing damage: Unfortunately, the most severe noise damage can result in irreversible hearing loss, often from a ruptured eardrum or trauma to the delicate bones of the middle ear.

Tips to protect hearing:

• Stand as far away as possible from the source of the noise. For example, the further away you stand from exploding fireworks, the less trauma to the ears.
• If standing far away isn’t practical, or if the noise is loud even from afar, use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to muffle the sound. 
• Shorten the length of time exposed to loud noise. 
• Keep children away from loud noise caused by lawn mowers, fireworks, firearms, lawn and farm machinery, stereo speakers, and concerts. 

If you or a loved one has experienced hearing loss after noise exposure, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing test with a qualified audiologist. The audiologist will help determine if the change in hearing is temporary or permanent.

At Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana, we offer comprehensive hearing tests for adults and school-aged children, as well as video otoscopy for detailed viewing of the ear canal. Visit our website to learn more, or call (318) 309-4727 to schedule your free hearing consultation.

The Effects of Hearing Loss on Brain Function

Recent studies have found that the effects of hearing loss go beyond daily frustration, social isolation, and the inability to distinguish speech or enjoy music. Hearing loss is also linked to a decline in cognition and an increased risk of dementia. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to turn some attention to the effects of good hearing on brain health.

Neuroplasticity: The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline  

We tend to think of hearing as something we do with our ears, but it is actually the brain that processes the sounds we hear. Our ears carry electrical signals to the brain, which then turn those signals into sounds we recognize. When we experience hearing loss, the area of our brain that interprets those electrical signals becomes underused, and begins to decline.

Previously, it was believed that our brains remained mostly unchanged throughout our adult lives. We now know, however, that the brain reorganizes itself when it needs to adapt, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. This reorganization begins even in the early stages of hearing loss, where other areas of the brain that are responsible for higher cognitive function attempt to compensate for the loss of hearing. In the elderly adult, especially, this overworks areas of the brain needed for high-level functioning, which may explain why hearing loss is so closely correlated with dementia.   

Early Intervention: Protecting brain function

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that one-third of adults aged 65-74, and nearly one-half of those over 75, have trouble hearing. Although we tend to think of hearing loss affecting primarily older adults, hearing loss can occur at any age, with 65% of people with hearing loss being below retirement age. Yet, less than 25% of those who need hearing aids get them right away, waiting an average of 7 years, in which time preventative cognitive decline may be occurring.

If you believe you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, schedule a hearing test with a licensed audiologist. Early intervention can help preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia.       

At Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana, we are committed to comprehensive hearing care through state-of-the-art testing and fitting equipment. We offer cutting-edge hearing aids, hearing devices, and premium hearing accessories. To learn more about what Better Hearing Systems can do for you, visit our website or call (318) 309-4727 today to schedule a free hearing consultation.

What Is Tinnitus?

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders claims that roughly 10 percent of the adult population has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.  Tinnitus is not a disease but rather an auditory condition in which there is ringing or buzzing in the ears.  Although it is typically a ringing sound, tinnitus can also be hissing, clicking or whistling.  It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched, depending on external sounds.

The noises we expose ourselves to everyday can have an effect on our hearing if they are too loud.  Both loud and long-lasting noises can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss.  Because tinnitus originates in the inner ear, it often damages the sensory hair cells that are vital for hearing and balance.

One of the easiest ways to prevent tinnitus is avoiding excessive noise exposure.  A great way to lessen your risk is defending your ears with hearing protection like earplugs.  While you are in loud environments like concerts or health clubs, position yourself as far away from the source of sound as possible.  If you are listening to music with ear buds or headphones, adjust the volume to a low level.  The most important step you can take for your hearing is to make sure you limit your time in noisy environments and keep the volume down.

If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling in your ears, you may be suffering from tinnitus.  There is no cure for tinnitus but treatment options are available to help people cope with the condition.  If you are in need of tinnitus treatment, contact Better Heating Systems for a consultation.  We offer both counseling and state-of-the-art hearing instruments that will help you cope with tinnitus.

To set up your appointment with Better Hearing Systems, give us a call at (318) 309-4727 and let us help you get back to your daily life!

Protecting Your Hearing at Concerts

With summer on the horizon, festival season is fast approaching. Music festivals are a fun, wonderful summertime tradition across the U.S., but did you know the noise levels around a stage can reach 110 decibels or more? That’s the near-equivalent of standing next to a jackhammer that’s drilling into concrete. In short: loud music can damage your hearing.

Many music-lovers and concert-goers are unaware of just how acute the dangers of high-volume music is to their hearing. If you’ve ever been to a concert, you’re probably familiar with the ringing that stays in your ears for the hours or even days following the show. This is usually a temporary issue, and the time taken to recover can vary from person to person. If the ringing doesn’t stop and normal hearing does not recover, then it is considered tinnitus - a symptom of noise-induced hearing loss caused by damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. A person with tinnitus may experience ringing, clicking, or roaring in their ears for which there is currently no cure. Most individuals with tinnitus simply get used to the ringing sounds in their ear and learn to live with it over time. When it comes to tinnitus and hearing loss, prevention is key!

Without completely forgoing music festivals this year in the best interest of your ears, what can do to protect your hearing?

Use Earplugs!

If you’re an avid concert-goer, you’re most at risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to the high volume and length of time you’re listening to it. If you go to multiple concerts, you up your chances of tinnitus simply by exposing your ears to the high decibels for long periods of time. The best thing you can do to protect your hearing while still enjoying the show is to wear earplugs. Musicians and DJs often wear earplugs themselves, so that’s all the more reason you should, too! The silicone and foam earplugs you can find easily at any drug store may not be your best bet, though. They often fit poorly and muffle sound. Instead, you can get special musicians earplugs that are custom-fit to your ear and will not distort sound quality. If you’re a music-enthusiast, they’re your best option to still enjoy loud music and concerts while protecting your hearing from damage. (If you don’t have earplugs but plan on attending a concert in the near future, try to stand at least 10 feet away from speakers and escape to a quieter area for breaks if you notice your ears are hurting.)

The best solution to hearing loss is prevention. Better Hearing Systems of NWLA can help! We offer the aforementioned musicians earplugs among other hearing accessories. If you’re unsure whether you may already be experiencing hearing loss, we also offer free hearing consultations and evaluations. Contact Better Hearing Systems before festival season is here, so you can enjoy with peace of mind (and ears) all the great music and shows summer has to offer!

Discover The Possibilities At Better Hearing Systems

Did you know hearing loss affects 1 in every 10 Americans? Located in Bossier City, Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana offers audiology services customized to each patient's individual needs. Our caring and trained professionals provide a suite of audiological services including prevention, diagnostic care, hearing aids and accessories, counseling, rehabilitation and personalized aftercare. We will guide through every step and will help you find the right hearing solution that best matches your lifestyle.

Take a look at our hearing services designed for a range of needs:

Hearing Evaluations

• Comprehensively diagnostic audiological evaluations and hearing tests for adults and school-aged children
• Video otoscopy for detailed viewing of your ear canal

Hearing Aids

• Full line of hearing aids, specializing in digital hearing aid technology
• Assistive listening devices
• Follow-up fine-tuning visit to ensure maximum benefits 

Hearing Accessories

• Premium batteries and other hearing aid accessories
• Custom ear molds for hearing aids, iPods, and MP3s
• Water protection earplugs

Additional Services

• Hearing aid repair services for all makes and models
• Hearing aid cleaning services
• Routine maintenance and cleaing
• Rehabilitation Services
• Counseling for hearing loss and Tinnitus
• Seminars for groups and organizations, including support groups

Led by licensed audiologist Sarah Smith, the staff at Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana is certified and trained to understand your hearing needs. We promise to provide outstanding customer care using cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art instuments that will enhance your hearing.

If you're ready to improve your hearing and get back to your daily life, visit www.betterhearingsystemsla.com or call 318-309-4727.