Beware of "Bargains"--Your ears and hearing are too sophisticated! Choose the best advice from the best audiologist!

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Since Dr. Reese opened JC Audiology in 2005, she’s treated thousands of patients with solutions to their hearing loss. Many patients have fallen for ‘deals’ in advertisements and mailers that promise the best quality and lowest prices. Over the years, many of those patients have come to her after their bad experiences elsewhere, and they have learned the value of honest advice, great service (we average more than 140 hearing devices serviced MONTHLY in our Hearing Aid Hospital!), and genuine care for our patients and their families. If you would like a free consultation about your hearing solutions, call us today!

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Reconnecting your smartphone to your devices

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Apple recently performed an update on their phones and when this happens those who have their devices paired with accessories such as hearing aids and other technology applications may find that the connectivity isn’t working as it was previously.  Below are the steps you can take to reconnect your phone with your hearing aids if you are using your phone and hearing aid settings in that manner.

 For Android users not challenged with the recent changes to Apple software, there can still be connectivity issues from time to time, in which case steps 1,2,3 at the end of these instructions will be helpful to you. At times, you may also need to delete and re-install your app if it is not working.

 As always, please feel free to call us at JC Audiology if your smart phone connectivity issues are not quickly resolved by these efforts. We can help you over the phone or make an appointment to meet with you to resolve connectivity problems and issues related to using your app with your hearing aids.

 For iPhone User:

 -          Apple updated iOS software for the release of the iPhone 11; your software version must now be 13.2

 -          Go to Settings > General > Software Update to determine if your iPhone is operating on iOS 13.2.

 -          Do this even if your phone is set to “Automatic Updates”

 -          If your iPhone is not operating on version 13.2, you must manually download and install this latest software version.

 -          Once your iPhone is update to iOS 13.2, your app should operate your hearing aids properly. If not, you may need to uninstall (delete) your app and delete your hearing aid pairing to you phone then reinstall the app and re-establish the pairing.

 Instructions for iPhone User to delete iPhone pairing, which is Forget Device:

 -          Activate Bluetooth

 -          Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices

 -          Click on YOURNAME Hearing aids > scroll down and select Forget the device

 Instruction for iPhone User to Pair Hearing Devices

 -          Reboot your iPhone

 -          Reboot your hearing devices (open and close battery door; for rechargeable hearing devices, place them on the charging station then remove them from the charging station)

 -          Activate Bluetooth on your phone

 -          Select Settings > Accessibility – MFi Hearing Devices

 -          Wait for both left and right hearing devices to appear, unless you have just one device, then select the hearing devices

 -          When prompted, select “Pair”; you will select “Pair” for each hearing device (once for one hearing aid, two times for two hearing aids)

 -          Ensure it lists the hearing devices as connected

 Instructions for downloading app

 -          Search for your app in the Apple Store

-          Select appropriate App in search screen

-          Tap “GET” to download the app to your device. Follow the screen prompts.

-          Once the app is installed, open it, follow the end-user-license-agreement (EULA) instructions

-          Your app should now operate your hearing aids

 At times the pairing and app connectivity can take up to two minutes to respond. If not connecting in that amount of time, here are some additional steps to try:

 1.      Check to be sure you have fresh batteries; the battery strength required to operate your hearing aids is lower than the strength required for Bluetooth connectivity, so even if you haven’t heard a low battery signal in the hearing aids, try changing the batteries.

 2.      Stop and restart Bluetooth.

 3.      Power down your phone, wait two minutes, then power it up again.

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New Florida Law Limits Phone Use While Driving, But New Hearing Devices Make For a Safer Commute

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This July a new law went into effect that limits cell phone use behind the wheel.  The law now prohibits texting while driving in Florida, and limits other uses of a cell phone while operating a vehicle.  For example, it is now illegal to hold or use your phone in construction or school zones. 

 

Florida was one of just four states left that did not make texting while driving a primary offense.  There are currently 16 states that have enacted total ‘hands-free’ laws in which use of a cell phone while driving is banned. 

 

These new measures are aimed at curbing accidents caused by distracted driving that has become more frequent with the ubiquitous use of smart phone technology.  Fortunately, there is other new technology that has been developed that not only improves communication, but also makes driving while communicating safer.  New hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities that enable voice coming through your smart phone to stream right into your hearing aids, meaning no more need to hold a phone to your ear.  With both hands on the steering wheel, you can converse freely with a caller while focused on driving, signaling, turning, parking.  Indeed, the voice coming into your hearing aids come into both devices, making it a much more natural sound for clearer communications. 

 

To learn more about how the newest developments in hearing aid technology can improve your life, and make for a safer commute, call JC Audiology at 813-949-1331 and ask for a free demonstration.

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Questions About Hearing Aids? What does the Mayo Clinic Advise?

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The highest-rated hospital and research facility in the country, the Mayo Clinic, has some insightful things to say about hearing aids, especially before you buy some.  From their web site, we’ve condensed some key points:

  •          To understand what type of hearing aid will work best for you, seek a reputable audiologist.  “An audiologist will assess your hearing and help you choose the most appropriate hearing aid and adjust the device to meet your needs.  You may get best results with two hearing aids.”

  •          Beware of bogus claims.  Hearing aids can’t restore normal hearing or eliminate all background noise, despite advertisements or dispensers who claim otherwise.

  •         Plan for the expense.  The cost of hearing aids varies; talk to your audiologist about your needs and expectations.

  •          Hearing aids take time to get used to.  “You’ll likely notice your listening skills improve gradually as you become accustomed to amplification.  Even your own voice sounds different when you wear a hearing aid.  Allow time to get used to the hearing aid.” 

  •          Wearing your hearing aids regularly will lead to success.  “An audiologist can tell you about new hearing aids and devices that become available and help you make changes to meet your needs.  The goal is that, in time, you find a hearing aid you’re comfortable with and that enhances your ability to hear and communicate.”

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