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!

If you have hearing aids in the drawer make an appointment to have them adjusted or repaired. Get them back in your ear(s). Do what it takes so that you wear them and hear well.

Everyone knows someone that isn’t able to 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.

2016 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 have had an upgrade. I have been fitting them for five 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 aid “copycats” out there that claim to be close to the Lyric, but in my opinion, none compare in comfort and sound quality.

2) Waterproof hearing aids. Available as small discreet behind-the-ear aids. These are wonderful for those active people that sweat, are around water, or are 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. Most major hearing aid manufacturers have hearing aids with a tinnitus program to 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. Many of the newer streamers don’t have a neck loop any longer. Many smart phones have apps that let you use your smart phone as a hearing aid remote control for many new functions.

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 2016 a New Ear's Year for you!

Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist who has been in business for over 16 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon, she provides free hearing screenings at 1601 3rd St. in Coeur d’Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com to watch helpful videos or take an online hearing test.