Hearing loss, at any level can be highly challenging to live with. It can even become particularly dangerous when you are unable to hear sirens, the phone ringing or even fire alarms. Hence, the invention of the hearing aid is indeed a boon.
Modern hearing aids consist of a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. It magnifies the sound waves entering the ear, thus enabling the person with hearing loss to listen though it certainly cannot restore one’s hearing ability. Anyone irrespective of any age can suffer from hearing loss. So, if you suspect you have a problem, it is advisable to make an appointment with an audiologist to confirm the diagnosis and obtain your hearing aid systematically rather than look for such options online by yourself.
There are a couple of things you may expect during your visit to the hearing professional to buy a hearing aid –
A warm welcome
You can expect a warm welcome from the clinic staff. And you may be asked to fill up some forms asking for your signature. These forms are designed to protect your privacy and inform you about your rights as a patient.
Enquiry about the ears
A good hearing health professional pays attention to smaller details, setting aside the opportunity to know you as a person. During the course of the conversation, the hearing health professional would complete a detailed medical case history. The audiologist will also inquire about the condition of your ears, hearing ability, and current communication status.
Detailed examination of the ears and review of results
The hearing professional would then conduct an ear inspection followed by detailed examinations of your ears. Review of the results will follow this, and the hearing professional would explain to you about the degree and type of hearing loss you’re suffering from and possible treatments. You must feel free to ask any questions to clear any doubts.
Demonstration of hearing aids
The hearing professional may offer a demonstration of hearing aids with noise in the background. He/she may use modern computer technology to make you understand how you will hear with hearing aids on in different situations such as in a noisy party, restaurant or a car. Hearing aids come in various styles and features.
The hearing aids price depend on their ability to improve your everyday listening and communication. High hearing aids cost often forces people to hesitate in buying them. Amid the explanation of technological alternatives, the hearing professional should be able to provide necessary details or information to back their claims and recommendation. You may also ask him/her for an evidence-based clarification.
Recommendations
The hearing professional would present to you his/her hearing aid recommendations based on your test results. The hearing aid prices lie anywhere from $700 to $3000 per hearing aid. The difference in hearing aid pricing would also be explained thoroughly to you. Equipped with this information on the best hearing aid prices you will be able to make an informed decision.
Before leaving the first appointment, the hearing professional may ask you to sign the purchase agreement or contract that outlines what model, hearing aids prices and warranty on the hearing aid. Unlike the olden days, modern technology has brought down average cost hearing aid to a significant amount, yet they are pretty expensive. Although there are many inexpensive price hearing aid known as hearing amplifiers available in the market, however, they are not as effective as the actual hearing aids regarding functionality.
So, the key is to acknowledge the problem and seek professional assistance to resolve the issue without any complications.
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4 ways to protect your kids from cold and flu
Read moreDue to their relatively weaker immune systems, children are most susceptible to cold and flu. This is especially true when the season is a bit chilly, and there is a slight nip in the air. Here’s what you can do to ensure your child safe from viruses and infections that can cause cold and flu.
- Eat a healthy diet: Make sure that your kid’s immune system is strong enough to fight infections and viruses. A healthy diet is crucial. Also, don’t forget that they should keep themselves hydrated by drinking sufficient water. Boil a liter of water, cool it and then give it to your kid. When it comes to diet, add a lot of fruits and veggies to the diet. This should include food items that have a high content of vitamin C.
- Maintain hygienic habits: It is necessary to maintain habits of utmost cleanliness and hygiene to stay away from cold and flu. Ensure that you child follows a daily routine of having baths on time, washing hands, and drinking clean water.
- Beat the mosquito attack: If your kids love playing outside, they might be at the risk of being exposed to mosquitoes and other bugs and insects that can potentially carry cold and flu viruses. Ensure that you maintain a clean environment to keep these insects and bugs at bay.
- Try home remedies: When you notice the first signs of cold and flu in you child, use home remedies such as ginger juice and honey to treat sneezing and other early symptoms of cold and flu. If the symptoms persist for more than two days, consult a doctor. Along with doctor prescribed medications, you can follow certain natural remedies that can make your child’s immunity system strong.
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Why prefer an All Wheel Drive (AWD)?
Read moreLet’s get this straight. All-Wheel-Drives (AWD) are not for all.
The AWD is a design and function where all four wheels spin all the time which gives an added traction to the automobile. Unlike the 4WD where you can shift from a two wheel drive to a 4 wheel drive, the AWD vehicles operate on a permanent drive. AWD’s made their first appearance during the late 1930s when General Motors first introduced them. Today, the AWDs have decked up a lot of technological improvements ranging from advanced traction controls to electronic systems and bold vehicle design. They have earned a separate genre among automobiles making them a necessity in certain types of terrain and climate. However, for anyone thinking of buying one, there are a set of pros and cons to consider.
Traction
Upside: The extra traction is needed for an efficient drive over the rough and slippery terrain. The AWD is usually preferred in places of harsh winters and slippery terrain. During times of a sudden snowstorm, one can feel safer in getting back on an AWD.Downside: Experts say that good traction help in moving over slippery surfaces and cutting corners but is not enough. A set of good snow tires and suspension are the fundamentals of the physics of optimum vehicle control.
Design
Upside: The AWDs design offers a huge space for at least 6 passengers and their luggage. Some of the AWD’s can carry up to 8 passengers and luggage efficiently. The vehicles are designed to drag weight across rough terrain ensuring safety to passengers. The modern all-wheel-drive design offers electronic stability control which gives more control to the vehicle.Downside: Due to the heavy weight and complex engineering, the AWDs are not fuel efficient. The AWD gain more power by during more fuel than the two wheel drives.
Money
Upside: The AWDs have a good resale value than the two wheel drive cars. You cannot me promised of a 100% resale value but your car will easier to sell for a better price than a two wheel drive. People living in the northern climate do not have to think about resale.Downside: The reason why the AWDs have a good resale value is due to their high cost of purchase. Many AWD manufacturers charge a premium between $1500 and $3000. The AWD are expensive to maintain as they have a more complex engineering.
The final verdict is that you need an all-wheel-drive if you are living in harsh winter storms and have to travel through slippery roads. But if you are in places with milder climates, the AWD might not be the right fit.