About Harriet Jacobster, Au.D. Expertise I can answer questions regarding non-medical treatment of hearing loss such as hearing aids and aural rehabilitation. I am also able to answer your questions regarding hearing testing, what types of tests are appropriate, what information a hearing test gives you and what it doesn't give you. As a classically trained musician, I can also answer issues dealing with hearing loss specific to musicians.
Experience I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with over 25 years' of experience working with both children and adults. I have given lectures on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids to several state chapters of national organizations for the deaf and hard of hearing. I also taught Speech Reading and Aural Rehabilitation both privately and for the Florida Deaf Service Center.
Organizations American Academy of Audiology
American Speech Language Hearing Association
Education/Credentials Au.D. Doctor of Audiology, Nova Southeastern University 2000
I am trying to decide which hearing aids to purchase. Two makes/models have been suggested for me: Phonak NaidaV - SP, and Widex Mind m4-9. I wonder whether Widex Mind m4-19 should be considered as well. I am often in complex hearing situations including noisy environments. Cost is not an issue as my insurance plan will reimburse 100%. I would appreciate your input regarding which of these hearing aids would be best for me, or any other makes/models that you might recommend.
Thanks very much!
Tess"
Answer Hi Tess,
So much goes into deciding about which is the "best" hearing aid for any particular person. Although the thresholds of pure tone testing are a start, they are only part of the picture.
Before I could even venture into discussing amplification with you, I need to know the following:
What type of hearing loss? it seems sensorineural to me, but is there any middle ear involvement?
How is your speech discrimination in quiet and in noise?
What is your lifestyle? What is your work? What are your specific demands and needs? What is your age? What types of situations are you in? You say they are "complex." Complex how? Is music involved? What are your acoustic environments? What about the telephone?
Both these hearing aids are excellent; but before I can give any advice, I would need a lot more information.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
