Richard Polhill

Memorial Day Thank You

2014-05-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Let us remember the men and women who gave they're lives that we would enjoy freedom like no other country on the planet. We have the freedom to pursue happiness, improve our circumstance, chase dreams, and do great things. They made the ultimate sacrifice for us. May we recognize their sacrifice and be forever grateful.

How much should you pay for hearing aids?

2014-03-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

The amount you should spend on hearing aids depends on many factors.

1. Need - We have to meet the requirements of your hearing loss. I prefer to fit an instrument with enough power capacity that we'll have flexibility to service your need over a several year time span.

2. Life Style - If you enjoy socializing, dining out, playing cards, golf, walking, fishing, or biking, their are features that help with those various listening environments. If basic one on one conversation and television are your primary concerns, some of the technological advances are less important for you.

3. Dexterity - Your sense of touch and vision will play a roll in selecting the right model for you. For example, if your not able to handle the batteries then you may need to consider a rechargeable model.

4. Budget - No one wants to over spend for hearing aids. That's why we strive to provide the most features for whatever technology level fits your budget. Hearing aids range in price from $2,000 to $8,000 a set (2 aids). When you see ads for cheap hearing aids it's typically a ploy to peak your interest. Don't short change yourself. Get the best you can within your budget.

5. Style - Style is much less of an issue as most hearing aids are small and shaped in a way that hides well either in or behind your ear.

After a complete evaluation I'll explain the various levels of technology and help you make the best decision for your needs.

Hearing loss and dementia

2014-01-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. follow the link to betterhearing.org for an excellent article and access to the Johns Hopkins study.

Attention Veterans

2013-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

First let me say Thank You for your service. Recently I've had a number of veterans come in for hearing help that were not aware they may have hearing aid benefits through the Veterans Administration. This is a well deserved benefit that should be used if you have a hearing impairment. I am a private, for profit, small business and would never turn business away. But, when veterans come seeking hearing help I will first make them aware of the the benefits that may be available to them. If you choose to seek help outside the VA then I would be honored to help and I offer an additional discount for all veterans.

How to choose a hearing aid. Which hearing aids are the best?

2013-10-09T11:05:00.001-07:00

There are so many great products available today it's hard to say that one hearing aid brand or style stands alone as the best available. There are manufacturers that provide better products for different hearing loss configurations than others. In my practice the product recommendation is driven by patient requirements. For example, if wireless connectivity is required I'll use ReSound. If a bi-cros is required I may use Starkey, Oticon, or Phonak. Other times I may be restricted by insurance providers like Humana that offer a discount plan administered through a third party such as HearUSA which is owned by Siemens. Of course Siemens has an approved product list with their own price schedule.

It is important to remember the service and trust factors when purchasing a hearing aid. Never allow yourself to be pressured and or make decisions based on "the deal of the week". Also, don't allow yourself to be restricted by insurance or memberships. Competitive markets provide the best products at the best price with the best service. You deserve the best and I am honored to provide it.

Amazing New Technology Free.....Everything is Free......But not Really

2013-07-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Free hearing test, free hearing aids, free hearing aid batteries, free hearing aid repairs, 75% off, huge trade in for you old hearings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The technology available in today's hearing aids is remarkable, but the way they're advertised is not. Hearing aids are not free, and the value of quality service plays as much or more of an important roll in the success of your fitting than the amount you spend on the hearing aids themselves.

We offer a number of great manufacturers such as ReSound, Starkey, Siemens, Oticon, and Phonak to name a few. All of them offer there own version of wireless connectivity to enhance the listeners understanding ability.

So what's so great about wireless connectivity?

Sound dissipates over distance. As you move further from the sound source, there is less signal for you to hear. That dissipation is noticeable over just a few feet.
With wireless connectivity you have the sound source directly in your ears.......like the person is next to you speaking right into your ears. It isn't about making everything louder. It's about giving you a more complete signal which makes it easier to UNDERSTAND. It's more CLEAR.

Will insurance pay for your hearing aids?

Some insurance carriers do offer a hearing aid benefit while some offer a discount program. We'll be happy to check your coverage and honor most insurance programs.

There are some insurance programs that are very limiting and restrictive with the products they offer. We offer competitive pricing and can often beat your program discount price. Whichever works best you is the way to go.

Diabetes, heart disease, blood circulation, and thyroid problems

2013-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Why talk about these ailments in a blog about hearing loss? All too often our hearing is a casualty of these conditions. These are only a few of the many health issues hearing loss can be linked with. Depression and anxiety can be linked with hearing loss as well. While many people are quick to address medical, emotional, and psychological conditions, they don't realize the role hearing loss plays in their lives. Whether hearing loss is a result from another condition, or hearing loss plays a role in the cause of another condition, every adult should have their hearing checked. For more information and related articles go to the bottom of the Information page of this web site and click on betterhearing.org

Hearing aids and the cost of value?

2013-04-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

If you have ever purchased hearing aids you know they can go from one end of the spectrum to the other, in price and technology. You can buy amplification devices on television for $10 and when you call now they'll send you a second device FREE. Just pay additional shipping and handling. You know the pitch. You might see newspaper ads offering hearing aids for as little as $295, buy one get one free, or Federal Workers receive hearing aids at NO Cost! What do your instincts tell you when you see those ads? Follow your gut feeling on this.

The truth is there are a lot of good hearing aids available and the prices for quality products are very competitive. You need to remember that knowledge, experience, service, and trust have to be considered as you compare cost. I have acquired many new clients who purchased hearing aids elsewhere and later were not able to get service, were never seen by the same provider, the business closed, moved, or change ownership and name. The math is pretty simple on this. If the deal seems too good, they're not planning on being around long.

When to beware...........
When a new business enters the market and suddenly has multiple locations. The potential problem is that these outlets generally answer to central management that isn't local, and may not even be in our state or country. Too often these locations are staffed with trainees or providers with little experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, but with no experience there should be proper supervision on site. Florida law requires a licensed specialist to be on site for a trainee to do a hearing fitting.

What to look for........
Industry experience, product knowledge, fitting experience, and National Board Certification are good places to start.

Hearing Aid Insurance Benefits

2013-03-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Do you have hearing aid benefits with your health insurance plan? Many insurance providers are now adding
hearing aids to their list of benefits. Like anything else....some of the plans are good and some are not so good.

What you should know..........

Very few plans actually pay for hearing aids.
Most plans are a discount guarantee.
Some plans will cover a portion of the cost while you cover the balance.

Some health insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits that are administered through a separate company that is owned by a major hearing aid manufacturer. Hmmmm, imagine that! It isn't a"bad thing". It isn't illegal. But, you should understand your benefits and know that you are not restricted by them.

If your benefits offer quality product choices and quality providers to fit and service the product, you should feel good about helping yourself and your family through better hearing. Don't be afraid to go outside your health insurance plan if it doesn't offer what you need. Do what is best for you and your hearing needs.

Too Many Adjustments????????

2012-12-20T08:28:00.001-08:00

Are you tired of going to your hearing aid provider for constant adjustments? Your troubles may have more to do with your specialist's understanding and experience than the capability of your hearing aids. Get another opinion. We'll evaluate your hearing and your hearing aid settings for the best possible performance, even if you bought them elsewhere. Call us at 386-265-4769

Pearl Harbor Day. Thanks to ALL veterans for your service.

2012-12-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Today it was my honor to take care of 94 year old Pearl Harbor veteran Wayne Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer wears GN ReSound Alera with the Unite TV streamer and Unite mini-mic. Thank you Mr. Shaffer.

This could be you.........

2012-11-28T12:34:00.001-08:00

Every day should start this way. My first appointment was a follow up to a fitting done last week. Her hearing loss was not typical in any sense, and her lifestyle was demanding. I fit her with two GN ReSound Verso hearing aids. I let her barrow a remote control in case she would want to make adjustments. She handed the remote control back to me and said " I didn't have to change a thing. They were as natural and comfortable as I could hope for. Leave them just the way they are."

I admit not everyone does as well as quickly as this patient did. But it is becoming common place in this office for patients to be comfortable and satisfied after their initial fitting. Expert testing, product selection, fitting expertise, and follow up care create a patient experience that is unmatched.

Are you're spending too much time getting adjustments made to your hearing aids? I may be able to help you get more out of your current hearing aids. While you're here I can demonstrate what Verso can do for you. Call us at 386-265-4769. There is no obligation. Hear the difference.

Thanksgiving Holiday History

2012-11-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

On October 3, 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered a written proclamation to declare the last Thursday in November a national day of thanksgiving. Lincoln's proclamation gives recognition of the great blessings our creator God has bestowed on our people and our land. He also said we are prone to forget the source of our bounty. Lincoln is clear in his proclamation as to who we should give thanks. Lets us humble ourselves and be thankful to Almighty God.

It Keeps Getting Better and Better

2012-10-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The product quality and patient satisfaction level continues to get better and better. Patients drop in without an appointment just to say thank you and tell us how much they love their new hearing aids. WOW!

Find out for yourself just how much better your hearing could be. Come in for a FREE hearing test and demonstration. There is no obligation and no risk to try.

"First Class Service"

2012-10-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Are you dissatisfied with your hearing health care provider? You're not alone. Some of the biggest complaints I hear from new patients to my office that have hearing aids from somewhere else are:
1. There is a different person working every time I go in for service.
2. They had a big ad with lots of locations....but the location I go to is only open 2 days a week.
3. Now that I'm past the 30 day trial they don't want to see me anymore.
4. They seem nice enough but they just are not able to help me.

You deserve first class service, and you deserve a full explanation of your hearing loss and what expectations are realistic for your case. Each patient has a unique hearing loss and lifestyle. Physical and visual concerns also factor into being fit properly. We'll explain all of the choices available to you and help you make "your" best decision.

If you are not receiving the care and service you deserve.......Call me. We can service most brands.

Does your program button help you?

2012-08-28T07:57:00.001-07:00

Too many hearing users don't know how or when to use their program button. Some don't even know they have one. If you're not sure about your program button or it seems like nothing happens when you press it, I'll be happy to help you with how and when to use your program button, as well as programming your other settings.

If your instruments have multiple listening programs, they're usually set up this way..............
After closing the battery door the aid starts up in program 1 or P1.
P1 - general use - this is the program you'll use most of the time
Press the button and hear 2 beeps puts the aid in program 2 or P2
P2 - noisy environments - this program is usually set up to reduce noise and focus on directivity in an effort to enhance your understanding ability in a restaurant or social setting.

Get the help you need. Find out more by calling us at 386-265-4769 to schedule your Free consultation.

Get the right help

2012-08-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of great products available in the hearing aid world today. It would be difficult to rank products and manufacturers among the top 5 world wide. But, there is big difference between hearing health care providers. That's why you need a professional to perform a complete hearing evaluation, explain the results, ask the right questions, and answer your questions. You need someone who will listen to your needs and expectations, and help you choose the right product for your needs. What works for your friend may not be appropriate for you. We work hard to match the right set of features to your needs and budget.
Experience the difference, call us today.

Thank You

2012-08-17T03:50:00.002-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in the focus group sessions. A great deal of valuable information was shared. Hearing aid users talked about their experience, and people thinking about hearing help found out how small and comfortable hearing aids can be. Everyone learned about the new wireless technology and the mini-microphone accessory that is changing lives for hearing aid users. We look forward to hosting more focus groups in the Fall.

If you're interested in attending a focus group session please call us at 386-265-4769.

We'll give you $20 for your participation in our hearing loss focus group

2012-07-27T11:10:00.001-07:00

If you have a hearing loss we'll give you $20 to participate in one of our focus group sessions.
Your opinions will shape future marketing methods and hearing technologies.
People with hearing loss just like you will be encouraged to share their experience with absolute candor. Our goal is to gain valuable insight toward improving our delivery of hearing health care products and services, and provide an environment where you can learn how others deal with hearing impairment.

This is not a hearing aid sales event. No testing or demonstrations will be done at this conference.

Light refreshments will be served. We'll work in a small group of 10 -12 people. This event is by reservation only so call immediately to reserve your seat.

386-265-4769

Date: Wednesday August 15, 2012

1st session 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

2nd session 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Place: Richard Polhill Professional Hearing Solutions

4550 Clyde Morris Blvd. Ste B

Port Orange, FL 32129

Is your "specialist" a trainee?

2012-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Florida Hearing Aid Specialist licenses are designated AS####. A trainee is designated AT####. A Hearing Aid Specialist Trainee is required to have a Licensed Hearing Aid Specialists supervise various aspects of their training throughout the training process until they have sat for and passed the state licensing examination, and received their Florida Hearing Aid Specialist license. A trainee may do a fantastic job, but its up to you to make sure your trainee has the proper supervision to insure your safety and improve your outcome. So, if you're considering hearing help make sure your professional is Florida licensed (AS####), preferably Board Certified (BC-HIS), and if they're a trainee make sure their supervisor is on site.

Accessories make your hearing aids better

2012-07-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Hearing aids with wireless connectivity are helping people achieve a whole new level of success. There are several systems available but I recommend GN ReSound Alera with Unite accessories. The capabilities and ease of use are outstanding. The companion Mini-Mic is by far the most popular accessory allowing users to hear and understand others at a distance and through noise.

If you need hearing help then consider Alera. I'll be happy to demonstrate it for you along with the mini-mic. Go to the new patient forms page of this website and you can print and fill out your forms before you arrive for your appointment.

From ear wax to fish slime

2012-06-16T07:42:00.001-07:00

Great vacation with the kids

2012-06-16T07:39:00.001-07:00

FREE HEARING AID TRIAL OFFER

2012-05-04T06:38:00.002-07:00

During the month of May if you would like to experience the rich clear sound quality of Alera just call to schedule an appointment. After a complete hearing test, evaluation, and consultation, I'll fit you with Alera and you can wear them home. Try them in your world, wear them out for dinner, visit with friends and family, go to church, and watch TV. You'll know in just a couple of days what a difference Alera can make for you. There is no obligation or cost for this trial. When you decide to purchase Alera, you'll receive an additional 30 day trial and 100% money back satisfaction guarantee. There is no risk to find out how Alera can help you.

Call 386-265-4769 to schedule your appointment.

Save time:
Go to the New Patient Forms page on this web site, download and print the forms, fill them out ahead of time and bring them with you.

Sometimes it good to be wrong

2012-04-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had finished my appointments and was "working diligently" at my desk when a patient walked in without an appointment. I had just fit her with Alera hearing aids the day before. Usually when someone shows up unannounced the day after their fitting there is a problem. I prepared myself for the worst and went out to greet her. I guess she could see the look of concern on my face. She looked up, smiled, and said.....I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to come and tell you how much I love my new hearing aids. She went on to tell me about hearing so well at bingo she won twice, and she could hear her low talking friend better than ever.
That's right, she made a special trip to tell me how much she loved her new hearing aids....WOW !