Low cost aids for
HEARINGHearing aid related
Note: Any hearing aid can be repaired and made useable again – many places on internet $100
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22hearing+aid+repair%22&btnG=Google+Search
Digital hearing aids. 2 ears for $2,000 – bought online from
www.americahears.com - we are very happy - we got the Behind The Ear (BTE can have the most amplification, and thus the aids do not have to be replaced if the hearing gets worse. Also BTE has the longest-lasting batteries)
Very high-end capability: 9 frequency channels/bands, 4 memories/programs, directional microphone
Full refund if returned in 60 days. You can adjust its capabilities in 3 ways:
1) with your own computer – while wearing the hearing aids
2) they can remotely adjust it over the internet, or
3) you can send it in for adjustment (free)
Two year warranty. $124 to repair their hearing aids after the warranty expires.
This box
allows the laptop to program the hearing aids. Two tiny cables (red and
blue) plug into the back of the hearing aids when they are being
programmed/modified.
Cell phone
Some cell phones and telephones magnetically send signals to some hearing aids $0
Many phones actually cause hearing aid interference – check before buying a cell phone
Cell phones can have high volume – consider one with a built-in speaker phone $0
Cell phones can be pre-programmed for the top 10 calls made $0
taxi, access dial-a-ride, family member, front desk, etc. Just push a button
for 4 seconds.
Cell phone recharging in cradle $20
– the cable-type recharger is sometimes hard for seniors to connect.
‘See’ a "cell phone ring signaller" = a cup/mug that flashes when cell phone rings $25
http://www.google.com/products?q=flashing+cell+phone+holder&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&show=li
A cell phone that addresses some of the needs of the elderly is Jitterbug $150
Discussion of cell phones for the blind in 2007 http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/09/07/1342239
Other hearing
A sound system with wireless headphones that reduces reverberation is available in many churches and movie theaters $0
Wireless headphones allow listening to an
electronic system (PA system, DVD, TV) $20
http://www.google.com/products?q=wireless+headphones&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&show=li&scoring=p
Hand-held battery-powered microphone with headset might work as well
as
hearing aids at 2% of the cost. We bought Sonic Superear $30+
They sell a directional add-on for just $2.
http://www.google.com/products?q=sonic+superear&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en
Most
standard alarms have such a high frequency sound that it can not be heard by
many men who are not wearing their hearing aids.
Talking alarms: fire, CO. Made by Kidde, First Alert, and others $35+
http://www.google.com/products?q=talking+fire+alarm&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&show=li