Ask your audiologist...

I am a golfer and every hearing aid I ever had amplifies the wind. Is there new hearing aid technology that can cut down the noise of the wind?

Unfortunately, most daily wear hearing aids amplify the wind when the wind blows across the microphone. Most hearing aids have a wind cover over the microphone, but it usually doesn't work as well as we would like it to.

However, there have been recent advancements in the newer high-end hearing aid technology that actually suppress the wind. One of the new features that is helping golfers hear in wind is a wind noise suppression system built into the circuitry of the hearing aid. Some of these aids have the ability to mildly or maximally suppress the wind.

I have had patients that purchased these hearing aids express their satisfaction with this new wind feature, saying they can actually have a conversation on the golf green when it is windy. Sometimes the brochures for hearing aids make features sound better than they really are, so I do not believe what is in them until a patient tells me it actually works.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a wind/golf program on a hearing aid, you should consult with an audiologist that can recommend one that has worked for others.

Another option is a deep insertion extended wear hearing aid that has the microphone tucked deep inside the ear canal, where wind is not as much of a problem.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.