Help yourself hear well

With the new year what is new and exciting in hearing health care?

If you have hearing loss you should make a "New Ear's Resolution" to help yourself hear well. Make that appointment for that hearing test that you have been putting off. Not sure if you have hearing loss or a blockage with wax? Ask for a free screening. Get those hearing aids if it is recommended. Those around you will be thankful! Everyone knows someone that couldn't hear well. Do not be the person others avoid because they have to continually repeat themselves to you. YOU don't want to be THAT guy or gal. Make this year the year to hear well again.

2012 is a great year to invest in your hearing. I am going to list some new advancements and advantages:

1.) Extended wear Lyric deep insertion hearing aids are doing great. I have been fitting them for two years already and people that can wear them say they love them and nothing sounds better. There are a few other types of deep insertion hearing aids out now but none come close to the Lyric in my opinion.

2.) Waterproof hearing aids. Available as small discreet behind the ear aids. These are wonderful for those active people that sweat or are around water or in foul weather a lot.

3.) Traditional in the ear and behind the ear aids. New circuitry developments occur regularly. The sound quality and clarity has never been better in the top of the line products.

4.) Sound therapy for tinnitus sufferers. There is a new device that can help those that live with ringing in the ear.

5.) Power behind the ear aids for severe to profound hearing loss. These new aids have wonderful programming that reduces feedback to stop that embarrassing whistling.

6.) Bluetooth streaming to your hearing aids so that you can listen to the cell phone, television or computer at a volume that is good for you.

If you don't get help from me please get help somewhere! Happy New Ear's to all of the hearing impaired people in North Idaho. Make 2012 a New Ear's Year for you!

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 11 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. Information: (208) 664-2767