There is a manufacturer that has developed some new technologies to help people with hearing aids hear better on the telephone. One is a cell phone solution and one is a cordless landline solution. Both work really well. My patients are very impressed. The only drawback is that they are only compatible with newer wireless hearing aids and only back-compatible a few years.

The cell phone solution is a tiny gadget that connects to your cell phone and uses bluetooth streaming to take the voice on the phone to both of your hearing aids. This is a very powerful tool for understanding speech over the phone. Big "WOW" factor! The look on my patients face when they hear the phone in both ears is amazing. Unlike some of the previous streamers, I think this new one is easier to use. There is only one button to push and because it is stuck to the cell phone, it doesn't get lost or seem like an extra thing to wear or keep with you. Any type of cell phone with bluetooth (most cell phones have bluetooth) will work.

The cordless phone solution is a nice modern looking phone that can be used by the whole family. The nice thing is that when the person with hearing aids puts it near their ear it automatically sends the phone voice to both ears through the hearing aids.

Studies show that hearing the phone in both ears can improve speech understanding by 40 percent for some people. If you have hearing aids or need them and are having trouble on the phone I invite you to call me to see if I can demonstrate these new phone helps to you.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 15 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 our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com to watch helpful videos and take an online hearing test.