PEI and Oticon Team up for Virtual Seminar

Dr. Lindsay Bondurant, director of the Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) and Dr. Maegan Mapes, audiologist and educational consultant for Oticon, co-hosted a virtual seminar on March 16 entitled “Brain Hearing, Listening Effort & Effective Communication”.

Dr. Mapes led off the seminar with an overview of Oticon More™ hearing aids with BrainHearing™ technology. The Oticon More™ picks up and highlights speech while pushing other noises to the background. This technology enables more of the relevant information the brain needs to make better sense of sound, especially in noisy environments, allowing for a more natural listening situation. The hearing aids were designed with the goal of preserving cognitive function as long as possible.

Dr. Mapes also stressed hearing aids are medical devices not meant to be purchased in a convenience store or online. Audiology centers such as PEI, are able to assist in picking the right device based on your needs.

Dr. Bondurant spoke about the services provided by PEI, which include hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings and repairs, ear wax removal, and evaluations for ringing in the ears.

If hearing aids are the best treatment option, the staff at PEI suggest recommendations based on an individual’s lifestyle, personal finances, and hearing needs. PEI also offers telehealth services and can make hearing aid adjustments with this option.

How do you know if you have hearing loss? Symptoms may include:

• You need to turn the television up louder than others say is comfortable. 
• You have a problem hearing on the phone or hear better in one ear than the other when on the phone.
• You have to frequently ask people to repeat things. 
• You have difficulty hearing what people are saying in a crowded restaurant or room. Hearing loss is more noticeable in social situations where there is an increase in background noise. 
• People sound like they’re mumbling when they talk to you.
• You avoid social situations because you are uncomfortable communicating with others.

The Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) of Salus University offers comprehensive hearing exams, hearing aid fittings and repairs. Our audiologists are sure to take note of your personal preferences and lifestyle so they can choose the best hearing aid for you. For more information on PEI’s hearing aid and audiology services, call 215.780.3180.