Q&A

Subject: Advice on ALD

From: PJ

My father, 91, is virtually deaf. He can no longer hear through a hearing aid, and we recently got him a "pocket talker" . This works, but he is already at the upper limit of volume. Soon, we will need an even more powerful device. Can you suggest the next step up in power? Obviously, cosmetics is not a factor. In the periods when he has not had any hearing he has become depressed and withdrawn. So trying to keep him hearing a bit at least is a worthy effort. Thank you in advance for any counsel.

Those "Pocket Talkers" are truly wonderful, both for their power and their ease of operation. They present sound through ear buds or earphones and that does limit usable power. Ask you dispenser if a "snap" receiver can be obtained. If so, then have custom earmolds made for your Dad. With a custom mold and a snap receiver, all the sound will be delivered directly into the ear canal significantly closer to the eardrum. That can give greater usable power from the same instrument.

Another possibility is a personal FM system. Quite nice systems are produced by Williams Sound (as in Pocket Talker), and Phonak. These systems get you away from the cords. The mike portion can be placed by the TV or worn by visiting guests. Some systems have mikes and receivers on the portion your Dad would wear, making it function like a high powered pocket style hearing aid. With the separate wearable mike system, you can talk to your Dad from another room and he still would hear you because your voice would be broadcast to his receiving unit.

A third option is a pocket style hearing aid. There are some REALLY powerful units still being made out there. Your audiologist will be best able to suggest models appropriate for his residual hearing.

Good Luck. Stay in touch.

Solveig