Living in sunny Glendora, California, means embracing an active, vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're hiking in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, enjoying a round of golf at the Glendora Country Club, or spending time with grandkids at Finkbiner Park, you need hearing aids that can keep up with your pace. At Glendora Hearing Aids & Audiology, we understand that choosing between rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aids is an important decision for our active Boomer community.

The Convenience of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

For many of our patients, rechargeable hearing aids have become a game-changer. Here's why:

1. Hassle-free Power: Just like charging your smartphone overnight, you can place your hearing aids in their charging case before bed and wake up to full-day power. No more fumbling with tiny batteries during your morning walks along the Glendora Trail.
2. Ready for Adventure: Modern rechargeable hearing aids, like the Phonak Infinio, offer up to 18 hours of use on a single charge. That's plenty of power for a day trip to Santa Monica or an evening concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
3. Eco-friendly Choice: As stewards of our beautiful of California, many of our patients appreciate the reduced waste from disposable batteries.
4. Moisture Resistance: Many rechargeable models offer better protection against moisture - perfect for those misty mornings on the golf course or unexpected pool splashes from the grandkids.

The Reliability of Battery-Powered Hearing Aids

Battery-powered hearing aids are a common type of hearing aid that use small, disposable batteries to power their electronic components. While hearing aids are generally reliable devices, there are a few factors that can affect their reliability, including the quality of the batteries used, the environment in which the hearing aids are used, and the care and maintenance of the hearing aids.

The quality of the batteries used in a hearing aid can have a significant impact on its reliability. Cheap, low-quality batteries may not last as long as more expensive, high-quality batteries. They may also be more likely to leak, which can damage the hearing aid. It is important to use high-quality batteries from a reputable manufacturer.

The environment in which a hearing aid is used can also affect its reliability. Hearing aids that are exposed to moisture, dust, or extreme temperatures may be more likely to experience problems. It is important to keep hearing aids dry and clean, and to avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.

Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance of a hearing aid is essential for its long-term reliability. Hearing aids should be cleaned regularly with a soft, dry cloth. They should also be inspected regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks or loose parts. If any damage is found, the hearing aid should be taken to a qualified hearing aid specialist for repair.

While rechargeable options are popular, battery-powered hearing aids still have their place, especially for certain lifestyles:

1. Extended Trips: If you're planning a long RV trip up the Pacific Coast Highway, having spare batteries on hand can be reassuring.
2. Immediate Power: For those impromptu dinner invitations, you can quickly swap in fresh batteries and be ready to go.
3. Familiarity: If you've been using hearing aids for years, the routine of changing batteries might be comfortably familiar.

What's the Right Hearing Aid For You?

Choosing between rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aids depends on your unique lifestyle:

1. Active Schedule: If you're always on the go, from morning yoga in Finkbiner Park to evening wine tastings, the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids might be ideal.
2. Travel Habits: Frequent weekend getaways to Palm Springs or longer trips abroad? Consider how easily you can charge your devices.
3. Tech Comfort: If you're comfortable managing your smartphone and other devices, rechargeable hearing aids will likely fit seamlessly into your routine.
4. Environmental Impact: For those passionate about preserving California's natural beauty, rechargeable options align well with eco-conscious values.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The latest hearing aid models we offer, such as the Phonak Infinio, Oticon Intent, and ReSound Nexia, cater to the tech-savvy. These devices not only provide power options but also feature advanced capabilities:

1. Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream your favorite podcasts or take hands-free calls while tending to your drought-resistant garden.
2. Smartphone Apps: Adjust settings discreetly during Glendora's Summer Concerts in the Park.
3. Background Noise Reduction: Enjoy clear conversations even in bustling spots like the Glendora Village.

Personalized Fitting with Real Ear Measurements

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing aid fittings to ensure that our patients experience the best possible hearing outcomes. We employ the gold seal of hearing aid fittings, a standard that signifies our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction.

One of the key components of our hearing aid fitting process is the use of Real Ear Measurements (REM). REM is a technology that allows us to measure the sound output of your hearing aids in real-time, while they are worn in your ears. This information enables us to fine-tune your hearing aids to provide the ideal amplification and clarity for your specific hearing needs.

During the REM procedure, we insert a small probe microphone into your ear canal. This probe microphone measures the sound level and frequency response of your hearing aids as they deliver sound to your eardrum. We then compare these measurements to your audiogram, which is a map of your hearing thresholds, to ensure that your hearing aids are providing the appropriate amplification across all frequencies.

By using REM, we can verify that your hearing aids are delivering the desired sound levels and that they are not over-amplifying certain frequencies, which can lead to discomfort or distortion. We can also make adjustments to the hearing aid settings to optimize speech understanding, reduce background noise, and improve overall listening comfort.

The gold seal of hearing aid fittings and the use of REM technology ensure that your hearing aids will be adjusted precisely to your unique hearing needs. This process ensures that you receive the maximum benefit from your hearing aids, helping you to communicate more effectively, enjoy music and other sounds, and participate fully in all aspects of your life.

Your Next Step to Better Hearing

Choosing between rechargeable and battery-powered hearing aids is about finding what works best for your unique Glendora lifestyle. Dr. Kevin Ivory at Glendora Hearing Aids & Audiology is here to guide you through this decision, ensuring you get the most out of your life!