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Official Journal of the International Hearing Society

THETHE

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2007

THE SMILING FACES OF RENOIHS 56th Annual Convention & Expo

THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL 1

VOLUME 56, No. 5 • SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2007(USPS 036-940)

16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154Telephone: 734.522.7200 • FAX: 734.522.0200 • Website: ihsinfo.org

THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL (ISSN 0004-7473) is published bimonthly for members of theInternational Hearing Society (IHS), 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Peri-odicals postage paid at Livonia, Michigan and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send ad-dress changes to The Hearing Professional, 16880 Middlebelt Road, Ste. 4, Livonia, Michigan 48154.

THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is the official journal of IHS, a nonprofit association of profes-sional Hearing Instrument Specialists.® Its purpose is to present authoritative technical and businessinformation that will help hearing aid specialists serve hearing impaired people.

Copyright © 2007 International Hearing Society

IHS members, Hearing Instrument Specialists,® are engaged in the practice of testing human hearingand selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments. Special membership categories of the Societyoffer membership to those who are involved in or have an interest in the hearing instrument profes-sion, but are not actively fitting and dispensing hearing aids. Call 734.522.7200 for informationabout IHS membership.

OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE EDITORIAL STAFFPatricia Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA (Chair) Cindy Helms, PublisherGranville Brady, AuD Autumn Kovach, Managing EditorKathy-Jo Facteau, BC-HISKenneth Laferle, BC-HISRaymond Loercher, BC-HIS, ACA

THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL is circulated to all Hearing Instrument Specialists,® other membersof IHS and to selected hearing aid manufacturers and suppliers. Advertising rate cards available on re-quest. Subscription is free to all members of the Society. Paid subscriptions are available for $35 inthe United States and Canada and $45 in all other countries. Contact IHS for additional details.

INFORMATION contained in articles, editorials or paid advertising does not represent the endorsementof any specific product nor is IHS responsible for opinions or interpretations expressed by contributors.

MICROFILM BACKFILES available from University Microfilms, Inc., Serials Acquisitions, 300 N.Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106.

Manuscripts: Researchers, practitioners, and others are invited to submit articles and papers for publica-tion. THE HEARING PROFESSIONAL assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2007

ContentsTHE HEARING PROFESSIONAL

James Ogurek, BC-HIS 715.842.9882PresidentChris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA 503.472.8850President-ElectLarry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA 210.342.2299SecretaryBruce Sharp, BC-HIS, ACA 801.484.3277TreasurerHarlan Cato, BC-HIS 704.333.9055Immediate Past President

J. Scott George, BC-HIS 417.466.7184A. Frederick Goossen, BC-HIS 585.419.9702John Letts, BC-HIS 306.343.9516Alan Lowell, BC-HIS, ACA 407.905.2950Marsha Mattingly, BC-HIS 304.525.7221Jay McSpaden, PhD,

BC-HIS, CCCA 541.979.3422Therese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA 616.988.2158

2 President’s MessageBy James Ogurek, BC-HIS

3 IHS Membership Application

4 From the Executive DirectorBy Cindy J. Helms

6 2007 IHS Convention and Expo Highlights

14 Campus Corner:Bates Technical College OffersHearing Instrument Technology Program

17 Research ReviewBy Patricia E. Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA

20 Membership Matters:My Personal Journey of Discoveryof What the Hearing Impaired Really WantBy Max Stanley Chartrand, BC-HIS

22 New Members

25 Soundbytes

26 ChapterTrack

28 IIHIS Approved Courses

29 Classifieds

30 Ad Index


POWER SHOPPINGWITHOUT DROPPING!

We’ve all enjoyed the ease and convenience of online shopping. From thecomfort of our homes or offices, we can evaluate products, compare prices andmake our selections without the time-consuming hassles of a trip to the mall.

And now there’s an even better reason to reach for your keyboard insteadof your car keys.

IHS has an exciting fundraising opportunity called MyFundrazor, an onlineshopping community with hundreds of major retailers. Each time you shopthrough IHS.myfundrazor.org, we receive a percentage of the purchase.It’s simple, secure and requires no registration fee or personal information—a fun and easy way to support your professional association.

Think IHS first whenever it’s time to shop for gifts, office supplies, householdgoods, and more. Just go to the IHS website and hit the MyFundrazor accessbutton. Your favorite stores are just a click away, and the online dealsare often better than store prices. Everyone wins!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 20072

In my more than 30 years of fitting hearing instruments, I have learned that successful people in this industry

do four very important things: they learn, share, have fun, and just go out and get it done. The 56th annual

IHS convention in Reno was attended by professionals who understand this and took full advantage of the

opportunities the convention presented.

The hundreds of attendees benefited from the robust continuing education program that included

course offerings like Evidence-Based Fitting Principles and The Skinny on Open Fittings. They had an

opportunity to see the newest products and technology offered by the more than 60 exhibitors who

filled the exhibit hall.

The convention offered numerous opportunities to share their thoughts, ideas, and experience.

The chapter leaders meeting included a panel question and answer session and regional roundtable

discussions. These important exchanges will provide a basis for future chapter growth and success. The

meeting gave members an opportunity to learn about both market and regulatory situations across the

country and internationally. At the general membership meeting, speakers informed all attendees about the

current state of IHS, federal and state legislation, and new educational initiatives. Numerous receptions,

banquets, and entertainment programs offered attendees plenty of opportunity to share their ideas with their

colleagues and grow professionally.

If you did not have fun at the convention you must have missed your plane! The Welcome Reception,

the NBC-HIS sponsored “Ho Down in Mo Town,” party, the President’s Reception, and the finale “When We

Were Fab” were fantastic. It was great to share this time together.

All we have left to do to be successful is to Get It Done! I believe everyone left the convention with

renewed energy and excitement about our industry’s future.

There is a saying that I remember from my youth “to be successful do what successful people do.” Ladies

and gentlemen—successful people are members of their professional organizations and attend their chapter

and international meetings. Stay involved and be successful. I look forward to seeing you in Savannah in 2008.

Best wishes for success.

By James Ogurek, BC-HISIHS President

Jim Ogurek, BC-HIS

President, IHS


NAME (Last, First, Middle): SS/SI Number:

Company Name: Date of Birth:

Street Address: Business Phone:

Business Fax:

City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code:

Home Address: Home Phone:

City: State/Province: Country: Zip/Postal Code:

Email: � Male � Female

Spread the Word About IHS MembershipHelp strengthen the Society by encouraging membership growth.

This application form can be submitted to IHS headquarters or individuals can join onlineat the IHS website where they’ll find detailed information on the benefits of membership.

� $275—Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences � $125—International� $275—Audiologist � $150—Associate� $275—Audioprosthologist � $150—Affiliate� $275—Physician � $135—Student� $275—Provisional

GENERAL INFORMATION

PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATION INFORMATION

PAYMENT METHOD

What year did you begin dispensing hearing instruments?

Credentials: � BC-HIS (Certificate No.) � ACA (Date) � CCCA (Certificate No.)

Completed IIHIS Training Manual for Professionals in the Field of Hearing Instrument Sciences

Course #: Date Completed:

Education Level: � High School � College/Trade (Degree) � Post-Graduate (Degree)

Visa or MasterCard #: Exp. Date:

Check #: Amount: Signature:

I agree to abide by the bylaws and code of ethical practices as established by the International Hearing Society.

Signature/Title: Date:

International Hearing Society16880 Middlebelt Rd., Ste. 4 • Livonia, MI 48154 • phone 734.522.7200 • fax 734.522.0200

www.ihsinfo.org

/ /

4 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2007

F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R

By Cindy J. HelmsIHS Executive Director

In a collective voice

we are declaring

ourselves to be

a major force

in the industry

and growing stronger

every day.

Ms. Helms can be reachedat 734.522.7200 or by email

at [email protected].

WOW! As I sit down to write this I’m still reeling from hitting the jackpot in

Reno—and I don’t mean at the poker table. The IHS convention was a big win for

everyone, fulfilling its theme promise in spades. Indeed, it truly was A Sound Bet!

This super-charged event rocked Reno with an influx of hearing healthcare

practitioners and suppliers from all over the world. If you weren’t there you

missed a really spectacular celebration of the industry. If you were, you know what

I’m talking about when I say that the energy level was at maximum velocity. This

was a major rallying point for dispensers—a revitalization of commitment to the

profession on a grand scale.

The convention wrap-up in this issue captures the essence and excitement of

the four-day extravaganza, but you had to actually be there to FEEL the breathless

enthusiasm and raw power that seemed to saturate every event—from the most

dignified business meeting to the most festive social gathering.

Everyone seemed to be bursting with praise for the convention, passion

for the profession, and pride in the association. It was personally gratifying and

invigorating to witness this intensity of spirit, and there is no question in my mind

that this momentum will continue to build. In a collective voice we are declaring

ourselves to be a major force in the industry and growing stronger every day.

With this wind beneath our wings, the sky is the limit in what we can accomplish

for the hearing impaired we serve.

The IHS leadership and staff deeply appreciate the support of all those

who helped make this convention such a huge success. We sincerely thank the

attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and silent auction donors—your participation

made it all possible. Working together, we’ll make next year’s convention in

Savannah even better.


Exhibitors

All American Mold LaboratoriesAudibelAudient

Audina Hearing InstrumentsAudio Support Products

AudiocareAudioscan

Beltone ElectronicsBernafon

CareCreditCochlear Americas

Computers UnlimitedDiscovery Hearing Aid Warranties

Ear TechnologyEgger

ElectoneEmtech Laboratories

Energizer Battery Company

Frye ElectronicsGeneral Hearing Instruments

GN ReSoundHansaton Hearing Systems

Harris InternationalHearing Journal, TheHearing Review, The

HearingMedInterton

Marcon Hearing InstrumentsMedRx

MicroPower BatteryMicrosonicMicro-Tech

Mid-States LabsMiracell

Miracle-EarNBC-HIS

Nu-Ear ElectronicsOticonPhonak

Precision LaboratoriesRelaxation Station

RextonSennheiser Electronic

Siemens Hearing InstrumentsSonic Innovations

SonusStarkey Hearing Foundation

Starkey LaboratoriesSycle.net

Unitron HearingVivatone Hearing Systems

Westone Laboratories

IHS thanks the 2007 convention sponsors

and exhibitors for their generous support

of the 56th Annual Convention & Expo.

Sponsors

ANNUAL CONVENTION AND EXPO

Convention AttendeesHit the Jackpot!

The IHS 56th Annual Convention was an industry extravaganza. Reno’s dazzling sightsand sounds set a perfect stage for the exciting lineup of events that made it

a sensational success.

Hundreds of hearing health practitioners, manufacturers, and service providers joined forcesin Reno, Nevada for the four-day jam-packed hearing healthcare convention and expo.

Exhibit hall festivities, awards ceremonies, social functions, educational sessions,and lots of business meetings all celebrated the hearing health industry and paid tribute

to the dedication of industry professionals on a global scale.

IHS Executive Director Cindy Helms said, “IHS has come a long way and you can betwe’re going to keep getting bigger and better. The wild success of this convention

certainly demonstrates our commitment to listening to the needs of the members and suppliersand constructing a program that ensures an excellent outcome for all.

Many thanks to everyone involved.”


IHS was pleased to welcome newmember Sammi Falconbury-Grello whodecided to join the Society whileattending the convention. She and herhusband were given a standing ovationat the closing night banquet when it wasannounced that he would be leavingsoon for a second tour in Iraq.

The Japan delegation met with the IHSleadership to discuss ideas for improvingthe regulation of the hearing healthcareindustry in their country.

Pat Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA, (right)awarded Tricia Baker, BC-HIS, ACA,with a certificate for successfullycompleting the American Conferenceof Audioprosthology program.

Taking Care of BusinessOver the course of the convention week several high-poweredbusiness meetings were convened. Following are highlightsfrom two of them.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGThe annual membership meeting is the official forum foraddressing issues of critical importance to the Society. Thefollowing summarizes the business discussed.

President James Ogurek, BC-HIS, opened the meetingwith introductions of the IHS leadership and staff. He thendelivered his presidential report, with highlights including420 new IHS members to date this year; IHS’s extensive

advocacy efforts; relationship building with allied associa-tions; and the announcement that the spring Board of Gov-ernors meeting will be held in Washington, DC to providethe opportunity for lobbying, Hill visits, and meeting withallied groups.

Additional presentations included approval of the 2006annual meeting minutes facilitated by Secretary Larry Farris,BC-HIS, ACA; the treasurer’s report by Treasurer BruceSharp, BC-HIS, ACA; an overview of IHS’s federal advocacyefforts over the last 30 years by Washington Counsel TimWaters; the Hearing Industries Association by HIA ExecutiveDirector Carole Rogin; a report from the National Board forCertification in Hearing Instrument Sciences by NBC-HIS


Chair Greg Nedelec, BC-HIS, and Wayne Jacobson, BC-HIS;and an education report from the International Institute forHearing Instruments Studies (IIHIS) by Chair Pat Connelly,PhD, CCCA, ABA.

Chapter leaders met with their IHS territorial governorand fellow leaders in their area to discuss specific areas ofinterest and to share triumphs and challenges in their re-spective associations.

Honoring Professional ExcellenceThe awards luncheon on Saturday was both memorableand moving as the industry honored some of its best. Thefollowing is a summary of the awards.

ALL-STARSAll-Stars are individuals who have helped keep the Societymoving forward with their longevity of membership. Everyyear IHS pays tribute to those on their five-year anniversaryof membership. This year’s honorees in attendance were:

20 yearsLarry Farris, BC-HIS, ACAJan Parker, BC-HISPeggy Stephens, BC-HISBertha Whitney, BC-HISTherese Wolf, BC-HIS, ACA

25 yearsSherry Appleby, BC-HISDean Brethower, BC-HISAnthony Hagedorn, BC-HISMolly Justus, AuD, BC-HISWilliam Logsdon, BC-HISGreg Nedelec, BC-HISMichael Shields, BC-HISMontgomery Shugart, III, BC-HIS, ACAStuart Spencer, BC-HISPatricia Stark, BC-HISJack Townsend, BC-HISWayne Whitney, BC-HISG. Charles Young, BC-HIS

30 yearsRonald Scheurer, BC-HISShirley Wood, BC-HIS

35 yearsPhilip Boone, BC-HISPat Manhart, BC-HIS

40 yearsDuane Noon, BC-HIS

55 yearsHerbert Knapp, BC-HIS

IHS MEMBER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARDIHS Member-of the-Year was a brand new award this yearcreated to recognize individuals who have distinguishedthemselves in unique and special ways as members of theSociety. Herb Knapp, BC-HIS, had the distinction of beingthe first recipient.

Knapp was singled out for his incredibly strong and un-wavering commitment to IHS for well over five decades.


Attendees listened attentively to the IHS business at hand.

“The education sessions were excellent.

I am always pleased where there is something

to learn that is new, or even review with a

fresh perspective. Great job this year!”

Connie Johnson, BC-HIS

In other business a bylaws revision was passed thatmoved the state of Minnesota from the Northwest Terri-tory to the Central Territory.

President Ogurek discussed the importance of the IHSAdvocacy Alliance and asked for pledges from those in at-tendance. This effort raised approximately $16,000 to keepthe Alliance growing strong.

CHAPTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEThe annual chapter leadership conference is designed forthe leaders of the Society and its affiliate chapters tobroaden their awareness of industry issues, open communi-cation channels, and exchange views. This year’s confer-ence theme was partnership and open communication.

President Ogurek opened the meeting by giving an up-date from the IHS Board of Governors. He encouragedchapter leaders to utilize the resources available from IHS.

NBC-HIS Chair Greg Nedelec presented an update on thenational competency examination and the new online process.

IHS Governor and Federal Advocacy Committee ChairJ. Scott George, BC-HIS, announced an initiative to assesshearing healthcare access by veterans. Chapter leaders wereencouraged to distribute forms among members in theirchapter to obtain testimonials.

A panel of regulatory experts was assembled to providean update on hearing health initiatives and answer specificquestions on regulatory issues. The panel was moderated byIHS Government Relations Manager Susan Stewart andconsisted of IHS Washington, DC Counsel Karen Sealan-der; IHS General Counsel John Hessburg; Hearing Indus-tries Association Director of Regulatory Affairs Andy Bopp;and American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and NeckSurgery State Legislative Affairs Manager Alissa Parady.


Not only has he hit the 55-yearmark for membership, but he’s ac-tually attended every conventionIHS has ever had.

Knapp’s passion for the profes-sion is evident in his massive collec-tion of IHS documents dating backto when the Society was founded.He has become IHS’s unofficial his-torian and generously shares histreasures with other members.

Knapp’s accomplishments in-clude service on the Board of the Hearing Aid Dealers As-sociation of Michigan, during which he was instrumentalin getting the state’s licensure bill passed. In the early 90’she secured a patent on a solar-powered hearing aid chargerthat was featured in Business Week magazine.

“This award tops all the others I’ve ever received. I’m sohonored to be the first-ever recipient of the IHS Member-of-the-Year Award. I will treasure this forever,” said Knapp.

IHS SERVICE AWARDSThe following individuals were recognized for distin-

guished service on the IHS Board of Governors: HarlanCato, BC-HIS, president 2004–2006; James Ogurek, BC-HIS,president-elect 2006; and Neil Waingrow, BC-HIS, gover-nor 2002–2006.

IHS ADVOCACY AWARDIHS General Counsel John

Hessburg was this year’s recipientof the IHS James Lovell AdvocacyAward. This award is given inrecognition of extraordinaryachievement in advocating for thebenefit of the hearing impaired.

Hessburg was chosen for hisexemplary standards of profes-sional integrity, legal brilliance,and steadfast dedication to help-ing the Society achieve its mission and goals. His advocacyefforts have led to many victories for IHS and the profes-sion, among them the successful defense of the audio-prosthology title.

Hessburg became IHS’s general counsel in 1994. Heserves as senior principal at the Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner,Valituttie, and Sherbrook Firm and is a member of thefirm’s Executive Committee.

“IHS has been a client of Dick Kitch’s since its inception.When he asked me to join him in the representation of IHS,I was honored. At the time, it was impossible for me toknow what a genuine privilege it was going to be to workwith IHS. I have since had the opportunity to work withsome great IHS leaders over the years. While these individu-als have come from very diverse backgrounds, they have allhad a common goal—to help the hearing impaired. IHS’sunwavering and singular focus on improving the quality oflife for the hearing impaired has made it a privilege and anhonor to advocate on their behalf,” said Hessburg.

THE HEARING JOURNAL’ SEDUCATION AWARD

Larry Farris, BC-HIS, ACA, was awarded The HearingJournal’s Joel S. Wernick Excellence in Education Award.With this annual award, the Journal honors an individualwho has advocated for excellencein dispenser education.

In presenting the award, Pub-lisher Jerry Laux, said, “Larry’sbeen a dispenser for 27 years, andis vice president of A & B HearingAid and Audiology Centers. Thepractice, which his parents foundedand where they still work, is nowone of the largest hearing aid cen-ters in South Texas.”

Upon describing his feelings forhaving received this award, Farrissaid, “Everybody needs an olderperson because getting older is like climbing a mountain.Each year the older you get, the higher you are, the furtheryou see. It’s the older people that warn us, so that we don’trun up against things. I have been fortunate enough toknow and learn from people like Ray Rich, Jay McSpaden,Floyd Loupot, Jim Lovell, Jerry Goldstein, Mike Stone, myparents, and many others. Take the time to engage the peo-ple who have climbed the mountain before us.”


Jim Ogurek (right) presentedHerb Knapp with the IHSMember-of-the-Year Award.

John Hessburg (right)received the AdvocacyAward from Jim Ogurek.

Larry Farris (left) acceptedthe Joel S. WernickEducation Award fromJerry Laux.

THE HEARING REVIEW’SLEADERSHIP AWARD

For outstanding leadership inthe hearing healthcare field anddedication to assisting individualswith hearing loss, The HearingReview honored Denson Dingler,II, BC-HIS, ACA, with its Profes-sional Leadership Award.

Presenting the award, Editor inChief Karl Strom, said, “DennyDingler started in the dispensingbusiness in 1993, became boardcertified by the National Boardfor Certification in Hearing In-strument Sciences in 1986, and then pursued his currenttitle of Audioprosthologist, which he completed in 1997.”

Dingler has served on various state and national commit-tees in the hearing healthcare field, and has served on theIIHIS Committee since 1998. He also served as chair of theInternational Licensing Exam Committee from 1999–2002.

“I wanted to see the manufacturers’ vision

as to what the business is these days, along

with keeping up with any new developments.”

Michael Andreozzi, BC-HIS

Denny Dingler (left)accepted the LeadershipAward from Karl Strom.






“To have been chosen into such a field which is inhab-ited by so many of my heroes, I simply have a hard timewrapping my mind around even being nominated, muchless actually receiving the honor of being the recipient. Thefunny thing of the whole surprise, and was it ever a sur-prise, was that someone finally figured out how to makethis Baptist preacher speechless,” said Dingler.

CHAPTER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARDEach year, interested chapters are invited to submit ap-

plications to the Awards Committee for selection of Chap-ter-of-the-Year. This year’s winner was the Hearing Health-care Providers of Arizona (HHPA). HHPA President JoelCmiel, BC-HIS, accepted a$300 check and an in-scribed plaque on behalf ofthe chapter.

Highlights of HHPA’sachievements include:• excelled in membership

growth and governmentrelations.

• 50% membership increasesince 2006.

• urged their employer members to in turn encourage theirdispensing employees to join, as well as a direct mailcampaign to potential members stressing the importanceof joining to strengthen legislative influence.

• improved organizational development through better com-munications with members.

• hired a highly-respected lobbyist who has been successfulin upgrading the chapter’s image within the dispensingand legislative communities.

• sponsored a bill that increased the state’s required CEU’sfrom 8 to 12 to encourage dispensers to attend their an-nual conference and to become board certified.“Aside from the overall surprise, we believe that the

award will show our current members that their member-ship and participation really matter and that the chapter, aswe always have, works very hard for them. We also believethat non-members will see the value of membership andwant to be a part of an organization that really does ac-complish things,” said Cmiel.

Superior Seminars forProfessional DevelopmentContinuing education is a hallmark of the hearing instru-ment dispensing field, and the convention offered manyseminars designed to build skill levels and professionalachievement. Continuing education credit was awarded toparticipants in each educational program, starting with thepopular preconvention seminar on fitting protocols. Theregular seminars, taught by renowned experts, providedquality information on topics and trends of critical impor-tance in today’s industry.

One of the highlights of the seminar sessions was theFriday morning technology breakfast seminar sponsored


Representatives from the Arizonachapter accepted the Chapter-of-the-Year Award from Jim Ogurek.

The exhibit hall was always booming with activity.

by Starkey Laboratories. It featured clinical grand roundsthat included the entire IIHIS Committee.

Exhibit Hall ExcitementThe high-tech look of the exhibit hall was a fitting backdropfor showcasing the industry’s premier products and services.Exhibitors from around the world demonstrated the ab-solute best that today’s and tomorrow’s technology is mak-ing available to hearing health professionals. Eager attendeesparaded through the exhibit hall for a first-hand look at anew world of opportunities, not only in instruments andequipment, but also in education and career advancement.

Attendees were treated to lots of good food and loads ofloot—from exhibitor giveaways to valuable prizes. PhilipBoone, BC-HIS; Don Cloutier, BC-HIS, ACA; and MarthaKocer, BC-HIS, ACA won 2008 IHS convention packages.Tammy Clark, Victor Lopez, and Hank Vibbard won digi-tal cameras. Tracey Demmon, Adele Wiegers, BC-HIS; andGerald DuBrino, BC-HIS won $100 cash. Don Cloutier,BC-HIS, ACA won the grand prize—a laptop computer.(Beltone sponsored the cameras and laptop computer. IHSdonated the cash and convention packages.)

Silent Auction Shouts SuccessFor a “silent auction” it sure generated lots of noise as en-thusiastic bidders competed for that winning spot on thebid sheets. There were plenty of great deals for the savvyshopper, thanks to exceptional donations from manufac-turers and other generous contributors.

This year’s auction raised nearly $33,000. All funds re-ceived help grow the Advocacy Alliance, a fund to supportour advocacy activities at the national, state, province, andlocal levels. (A total of $48,700 was raised for the Allianceover the span of the convention!)

Fun StuffIHS conventions are known for their festive social events.This year’s convention offered an array of dynamite activities.

WELCOME RECEPTIONThe convention opened with a welcome reception spon-sored by Hansaton Hearing Systems, where attendees hadthe chance to greet and network with friends, both old andnew. Everyone enjoyed good music and dancing, learninghow to gamble like a pro, and a strolling magician whosecard tricks left attendees guessing.


MOTOWN PARTYNBC-HIS sponsored a Motown-themed party Thursdaynight. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner followedby a live band, lots of dancing, and fun photo opportuni-ties next to life-size cutouts of famous Motown celebrities.

PRESIDENT’S RECEPTIONIHS threw an early evening bash in the exhibit hall to getpeople warmed up for their Friday night parties. It wasa great way to encourage interaction between attendeesand exhibitors.

BEATLEMANIAThe IHS grand finale included an exquisite banquet and aspectacular performance by When We Were Fab, a world-famous tribute to the Bea-tles. We took a rockingtrip down memory laneand reminisced over sev-eral decades of fabuloustunes. By the end of theshow the audience was ontheir feet and dancing tothe sounds of yesteryear.

A. M. CochranAlan Lowell Seminars

Alice MarkeyAudina Hearing Instruments

AudiocareBeltone Electronics

BernafonComputers Unlimited

Discovery Hearing Aid WarrantiesEar Technology

EARA Advertising ResourcesEgger

ElectoneEmtech Laboratories

Energizer Battery CompanyGeneral Hearing Instruments

Grason AssociatesHansaton Hearing Systems

IntertonMarcon Hearing Instruments

McDermott Will & EmeryMedRx

Micro-TechMicrosonic

MiracellMiracle-EarNBC-HIS

Nu-Ear ElectronicsOaktree Products

OticonPhonakRexton

Robin ClowersSiemens Hearing Instruments

Sonic InnovationsSpectrum Brands/Rayovac

Starkey LaboratoriesVivatone Hearing Systems

Westone LaboratoriesWilliams Sound


“I not only enjoy attending the convention,

but I rely on it to keep me updated on

technology trends, practice management, and

networking with my peers (although most of

them are much younger than I now). This

convention is vital to my practice…but also lots

of fun! I’m enriched every year I attend and

I always bring back something I will use in

my practice.”

Deborah Twisdale, BC-HIS

Imagine all the people…

Looking Ahead…In 2008, the IHS convention travels to Savannah, Georgiafor our 57th Annual Convention and Expo. You can counton an explosion of creative concepts, innovative program-ming, practice-building opportunities, and, well, a ton offun. Reach for your calendar today and save the date Sep-tember 24–28! THP

Many Thanks to OurSilent Auction Donors

In one of only two such college hearing instrumentstudy clinics in the nation, patients are able to havetheir hearing diagnosed in state-of-the-art audiometric

suites at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington.The specialized classroom configuration allows for simul-

taneous patient testing, studenttraining, and observation.

Bates was the first college inthe United States to offer a de-gree in Hearing InstrumentTechnology. The program is ap-proved by the Washington StateBoard of Hearing and Speech.Originally developed as a six-month certificate program inthe early 1990s, the programevolved into an associate de-gree program in response to the

efforts of the Washington state legislature, higher educa-tion, and hearing-related businesses and industry to im-prove services to the hearing impaired community.

The Hearing Instrument Technology program averagesan enrollment of 15 students at a time, with an estimatedprogram completion time of 18 months, depending onprior education and experience. Curriculum includes pro-fessional terminology, anatomy, physiology, fitting andservicing hearing aids, and patient education. Graduatescompleting the program are prepared to take the Washing-ton state hearing aid fitter/dispenser licensing exam. To ob-tain a license in the state of Washington as a hearing in-strument fitter/dispenser, one must complete a degree froman accredited college and pass the state exam.

Bates’ unique hands-on approach to career education iscompetency-based and self-paced. Students learn the skillsrequired to be successful in the industry, and are evaluatedaccording to how well they learn and perform these job-related skills. In the on-campus hearing clinic at Bates,which is open to the public, Hearing Instrument Technol-ogy students provide hearing assessments, educate the pa-tient as to their hearing status, and provide solutions to

help overcome communication difficulties. If hearing aidsare recommended, student clinicians select, procure, and fitthe instruments. Students learn the newest methods andhave access to the latest equipment available for testing, fit-ting, and verification. They troubleshoot hearing aid prob-lems, perform minor repairs,recommend and take impres-sions for custom swim moldsand specialty molds, and pro-pose hearing protection needs.The clinic/classroom containssoundproof, modular suites ofdouble-wall construction withfloating floors to counteractthe slightest vibration and en-sure the quietest possible test-ing environment. The suitesalso include television cameras,monitors, and speakers to allow interaction between thepatient and the test administrator (usually a student intraining). The glass-encased booths allow for observationduring the entire testing process.

Bates has been in the business of training people forcareers for almost 70 years. Laverne Bates, the college’snamesake, was instrumental in bringing vocational train-ing to Washington in the early 1940s to support the coun-try’s war efforts. From the beginning, career educationhas been the primary focus of the college, and Bates hasemerged as the largest public technical college in Washing-ton’s 34-member community and technical college system.The college operates 11 months per year on a continuousenrollment, open-entry, open-exit basis, and offers certifi-cate and degree opportunities in career education, distancelearning, extended learning, and apprenticeship training.The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission onColleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting bodyrecognized by the Council for Higher Education Accredi-tation and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Edu-cation. For more information, visit the Bates website,www.bates.ctc.edu. THP

Bates’ unique hands-on approach to career education

is competency-based and self-paced.

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RESEARCH REVIEW


Dr. Connelly is an assistant professor of surgery at the New Jer-sey Medical School and director of audiology service at theUMDNJ–University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

Research ReviewBy Patricia E. Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA

Rubens DD, Vohr Br, Tucker R, O’Neil CA, Chung W.Newborn otoacoustic emission hearing screening tests.Preliminary evidence for a marker of susceptibility toSIDS. Early Human Development 2007.

Learning OutcomeAs a result of reading the Rubens, et al. article, the reader isexpected to explain why these data are only preliminary andwhy replication as a prospective study is critical to the issue.

The QuestionCan newborn hearing screening predict that an infant is atrisk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

One in 2,000 newborns is a victim of SIDS. It strikestypically between the second and fourth month of life.Three babies die of it every week in Canada. The etiologyremains unknown. SIDS risks include: a smoker in thehouse; boys are more at risk than girls; African-Americanbabies die at a greater rate than other infants; more thanone SIDS death in a family is not uncommon; more com-mon in the winter months; and tummy sleepers. The inci-dence of SIDS has fallen dramatically since doctors andpublic healthcare workers began encouraging parents toput their babies on their backs to sleep.

The impact on a family and the community is devastat-ing. So, any hope for a warning sign or screening tool thatcould help prevent infant deaths would save families fromliving this nightmare and would be instrumental in pre-venting infant deaths. According to the authors, “The ob-jective of this study was to examine newborn hearingscreen results to determine if there was evidence of aninner ear abnormality in SIDS infants compared tomatched controls in the early postnatal period” (page 2).

The StudyThis is a case-control retrospective study. Case-controlrefers to the selection of two groups of subjects: “cases”have the particular disorder or disease of interest, whereas“controls” are the subjects without the disorder or diseaseof interest. Retrospective refers to a study in which medicalrecords are examined where the outcome is already docu-mented. In other words, there is no experimental manipu-lation of subject groups and measurement of the effects.The researchers divide the subjects into meaningful group-

ings that make a comparison of the findings in their med-ical records convenient and logical.

In this study, Rubens, et al. compared the newborn hearingscreening results of infants who were SIDS victims with thehearing screening results of age, gender, and gestational agematched controls. All babies were born in Rhode Island.There were 66 identified as having succumbed to SIDS be-tween 1993 and 2005 according to the Rhode Island Depart-ment of Health Infant Mortality Database. Of these 66, com-plete hearing screening information was found for 31 babies.These 31 cases were matched to 31 surviving controls.

The variable under question was the outcome of thenewborn hearing screening on each child. Transient evokedotoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were used as the screen-ing technology for each subject. All subjects passed theirTEOAE hearing screening in each ear. The data the au-thors analyzed were the signal-to-noise ratios of the re-sponses in decibels at different frequencies.

ResultsData were analyzed for the differences between the rightand left ears in the four TEOAE response frequencies. Inthe SIDS subjects, the average left ear response was larger,but in the matched controls, the average right ear responsewas larger. The authors calculated the interaural differ-ences in decibels at each frequency and compared the casesto the controls. They found a statistically significant differ-ence between the two groups for the right ear response at2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz. The differences for both rightand left ears at 1500 were not statistically significant.

DiscussionRubens, et al. discussed several studies that have alreadydescribed a pattern to the variability of TEOAEs in normalinfants. On the average, right ear auditory evoked emis-sions are larger in amplitude than left ear evoked emis-sions, and female babies tend to have higher amplitudesoverall than male babies. It is very interesting, then, thatthe SIDS subjects showed just the reverse. These infantsconsistently had left ear responses that were higher in am-plitude than those in the right ear, and these differencesreached statistical significance. The authors concluded thatthis finding was “unique” and “suggests the possibility ofa relationship between inner ear findings and SIDS” (page

RESEARCH REVIEW

4). They state further, “The utilization of a standard new-born hearing screen to identify susceptibility to SIDSwould allow for investigation and preventative measures tobe taken in these infants immediately after birth” (page 4).

Rubens, et al. speculated as to the reason the right earemissions were suppressed in the SIDS victims. They impli-cate an inner ear pressure injury from placental transfusionprior to the umbilicus being clamped off. They point to thevulnerability of the small cochlear veins to rupture fromhigh venous pressures in the large “carriageway” veins dur-ing the birth process. And, hearing loss and vestibularsymptoms have been reported following pressure insults.

Why the atypical right ear TEOAE amplitudes in SIDSinfants? They contend that answer may be found in the de-tails of the vascular anatomy of the inner ear. The right vas-culature courses in almost a straight line from the heart tothe inner ear, whereas there is a 900 turn of one of the leftear veins from the heart before coursing toward the innerear. Rubens, et al. speculate that this angulation affordsprotection to the left ear from the atypically increased ve-nous pressures during birth noted for SIDS babies.

Further, the authors propose “that intact vestibular func-tion may be necessary for maintaining respiration duringthe vulnerable sleep period in infancy and the vestibularorgan injury may play a critical role in SIDS” (page 4).

CritiqueAn outcome of the digital age is for news to travel fast, es-pecially medical news, innovations, and research findingsthat target vulnerable populations. The media had access tothis information and pitched it to the uninitiated and trust-ing public, this time, prematurely and providing false hopeto parents. When first reported in July 2007, the results ofthis case-control retrospective study were splashed acrossTV screens and newspapers with sound bites and headlinesthat sounded as if a screening for SIDS had been discov-ered. Let me tell you the rest of the story…

The small sample size is a significant weakness in thisstudy that diminishes the power (as a statistical concept) ofthe finding. The sample itself was from a very heteroge-neous geographic area. Although Rhode Island is a verysmall state, it is ethnically and racially diverse. The stan-dard deviations, or amount of variability in the data, arevery large with no other subject-related variables ac-counted for, such as smoking in the home and sleeping po-sition. It was rather cavalier of them to dismiss such con-cerns as follows: “Absence of this information does notaffect out study findings” (page 4).

Could there be other sub-groups of the general popula-tion that exhibit the left ear larger results? How about ba-bies with Down Syndrome? Or children born with cleftlips and palates? Perhaps newborns identified with TaySachs? Herein lies the problem with using data from asmall, selected sample size to make sweeping statementsabout an affliction with a low incidence rate.

Another notable weakness is that the study design was anobservational retrospective study. This particular design oc-cupies one of the lowest levels of scientific evidence because


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IHS gratefully acknowledges

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of important new initiatives at

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RESEARCH REVIEW


Plan now to join us in Savannah, Georgia on September 24–28, 2008 for the

IHS convention. Beautiful, exotic, and timeless, Savannah is known as one of

the most picturesque and inviting cities in the United States. It is known for

its dripping Spanish moss, historical charm, and southern hospitality. You’ll

want to be there for all the excitement that both the city and the convention

have to offer. Mark your calendar today and watch for more details from IHS.

biases or unknown confounders can influence results. De-spite the fact that the authors acknowledged these weak-nesses in their discussion, they nonetheless suggest “thepossibility of a relationship between inner ear findings andSIDS” (page 4).

In addition to the weaknesses noted above, I have aproblem with the authors’ use of old references to supporttheir speculations. Out of 43 references cited, less than half(16) were published within the last 10 years. A rule ofthumb in medical research is to use references publishedwithin the past five years. This gives older findings or theo-ries a chance to be corroborated or refuted and keeps re-search current. I was very surprised that citation number32 was published in 1909! You’d think they could findsomething more current than a 98 year old reference!

So, Rubens, et al. compared the newborn hearing screen-ing results from two groups of infants, they found statisti-cally significant differences between the TEOAEs fromboth groups, there were significant weaknesses in theirstudy design, and, based on this, have concluded, “Theutilization of a standard newborn hearing screen to iden-tify susceptibility to SIDS would allow for investigationand preventative measures to be taken in these infants im-mediately after birth.” This statement could have beenmade without doing research of any kind!

It must be kept in mind that results from a study designsuch as this one need to be replicated in order for a phe-nomenon or relationship to be established. This process is

called “metareplication” in that the entire study is com-pleted again. Similar conclusions obtained from other stateregistries or medical centers would give us greater confi-dence in generalizing the findings or using them for predic-tive value. In the meantime, we can consider the resultsvery interesting and avoid generalizing them.

Who May be Affectedby These Findings?The authors’ conclusion is quite premature and has the po-tential for parents to make false assumptions about theirbaby’s hearing screening results. Parental concern may beallayed if they contact their birthing hospital or state de-partment of health’s early hearing detection and interven-tion program specifically with regard to this issue. Shouldsimilar findings from an appropriate study design with ad-equate controls corroborate the Rubens’ results, then everyparent and baby will be affected in that a screening tool forsusceptible infants will help prevent tragic consequences ofSIDS through proactive measures to reduce the risks.

Learn more about this study by reading the entire articleand by visiting the National Institutes of Child Health andHuman Development website at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Sudden_Infant_Death_Syndrome.cfm.

For a pdf copy of the Rubens, et al. article, contact PatConnelly, Phd, CCCA, ABA, at [email protected]. THP

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

As I prepared to attend my 30th consecutive Inter-national Hearing Society annual convention, Ithought back to my first continuing education class.

I cannot recall the presenter, but I remember clearly hisopening words:

“We have a product that almost no one wants for aproblem few admit having.”

Reaching deeply into my personal experience, not only asa hearing instrument specialist, manufacturer, researcher, andeducator, but as one of the many who have had to accept aproduct for a problem that I often failed to perceive.

My journey began at age three when I contracted a severecase of double mumps. The malady wiped out all my high fre-quencies from about 1KHz and above. But my early “Texastwang” possibly hid most of the defects in my speech.

was too far gone to benefit from amplification. Thankgoodness for a mother that didn’t see it that way.

As far as I was concerned, I was not sure why I needed ahearing aid, other than the novelty of having a way toanonymously make a noise (feedback, which I could nothear) that got everyone in a dither. The kids loved it, espe-cially because the adults didn’t.

Did I associate it with the fact that I could not partici-pate freely in the banter of group conversation with hear-ing loss? Or the inability to understand someone shoutingdown the hall (are you talking to me???)? Or hearing theend-of-day announcements over loudspeakers at school?Not at all.

The question has been asked, “Where were you whenthe news of JFK’s assassination hit the radio waves?”

I was sitting in 5th period art class, Denver South HighSchool, trying to decipher another blaring, blurry announce-ment over the intercom. It was exactly 2:14 pm. I know, be-cause the clock was the only thing that I could decipher onthat particular wall. Staring at the speaker didn’t make it un-derstood, but it kept me from looking like an idiot.

Afterward, however, I noticed the kids around me cryingand going hysterical, and wondered what it was all about.I was bored and wishing the bell would ring.

The girl at the desk across the aisle looked at me in won-der. “Didn’t you hear that just died??” No, Ididn’t. Was it the hamster in science class, one of the stu-dents, or perhaps Dr. Anderson, our aging principal? I


My Personal Journey of Discoveryof What the Hearing Impaired

Really WantBy Max Stanley Chartrand, BC-HIS

Chartrand serves as director of research at DigiCare HearingResearch & Rehabilitation, Rye, Colorado, and writes and lec-tures widely in the hearing health industry. Correspondence:www.digicare.org.

Membership Matters is an open forum for IHS members to shareindustry-related news and experiences. IHS does not necessarily endorse,approve, concur with or otherwise advocate material that appears here.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

I cannot recall a particular point in time

when I became aware that I was severely

hearing impaired. As the oldest child

from a large family, no one seemed to

take much notice that I was different.

I cannot recall a particular point in time when I becameaware that I was severely hearing impaired. As the oldestchild from a large family, no one seemed to take much no-tice that I was different.

And by the time I was taken in for my first hearing aidfitting in 1961, the audiologist suggested that my hearing

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

couldn’t begin to guess who she was talking about untilafter the bell rang, and while unloading books into mylocker, a friend explained that it was JFK, the widely ad-mired president.

Delayed reaction—the hysteria by then died down toslumped shoulders in silent hallways—now hit me person-ally with a jolt of realization.

Such is the folly of deafness. News in real time is a rar-ity, whether an announcement of a gate change at the air-port, a car coming out of nowhere while crossing thestreet, or one’s child being stung by a swarm of bumblebees in the backyard.

Was I yet aware of the degree and severity of my hearingloss? Not really. Nor did I yet look fondly upon the neces-sity of wearing my hearing aids, even as my hearing slippedfurther and further into oblivion.

As a college student circa 1966–1970, I struggled mightilyto hear the professors. Sitting in a large lecture hall, I was ata complete loss. Seeking help from arrogant professorsevoked wonderment that I had the audacity to enroll. I feltlike a complete idiot, and read five books to every one as-signed to make sure I maintained my scholarship (yes, a deafguy on a scholarship; who would’ve thought?).

By this time, wearing hearing aids was still more of aformality for everyone else’s sake; certainly not my own (inmy mind’s eye). It was not until the 1970s when I enteredthe hearing health field that I became aware of the absolutedevastation deafness causes those who (often unknow-ingly) suffer from it.

But it was not long until I started seeing myself in myown patients…the retired gentleman deep in denial with amoderate to severe impairment, the school child puttinghearing aids snugly in coat pockets while boarding the bus,the lady fresh from the beauty shop who insists on a highpower device that no one can see, or none at all.

Today, although professional experience and anecdotalevidence tell me that the figure is much higher, at least10% of a rapidly aging population suffers from hearingloss serious enough to warrant assistance. Half of that groupis under 60 years of age.

Almost 60 years after the advent of electronic hearingaids, and only two million units to serve more than 35 mil-lion Americans are sold each year.

Seventeen years after passage of the Americans with Dis-abilities Act (1990), assistive devices available at theaters,amusement parks, concert halls, churches, schools, and ho-tels sit idle in their plastic wrapping.

The history of consumer organizations focused on help-ing the hearing impaired is riddled with ambivalence to-ward hearing devices and the private practitioners thatprovide them. Deaf organizations silently shout againstever-expanding advancements in hearing aid and cochlearimplant technology. Derision greets those who dare crossthe technological and (re)habilitative bridge to social, edu-cational, vocational, and personal fulfillment.

So, one might ask, “What do hearing impaired individ-uals want?”

Pondering the foregoing against the backdrop of per-sonal experience, I can confidently say that they are tired

of being invisible in social circles. They want to hear smalltalk and contribute in kind.

They want to hear intimate speech without the glare oflights overhead, and to hear clearly “I love you, I appreci-ate you” in tones that match the message. They want tobond and feel at one with others.

They want to be good fathers and mothers, brothers andsisters, aunts and uncles, sensitive to others’ needs andthoughts. They want to know who you’re talking to on thephone without asking, and to hear you through the doorwhen caught in a bathrobe.

They want to hear announcements over the intercomand laugh, cry, or yawn with classmates. They want to beable to relax and enjoy, to breathe deeply and freely, notanxious and tense during a meal at a fine restaurant.


Almost 60 years after the advent

of electronic hearing aids, and only

two million units to serve more than 35

million Americans are sold each year.

They want to hear the dialogue over the music, televi-sion without dominating every cubic inch of the environ-ment, and to enjoy a spouse’s smile and squeezed hand in aquiet moment, without repeating.

The young school child wants to hear the teacher andJohnny, too. They want to know tomorrow’s assignment,and not be misdiagnosed with attentional deficit. Theywant to be accepted in the schoolyard, maybe even be theteam captain, but especially to participate in the banterand not be made fun of for sounding like Baby Huey.

The working adult wants education, to gain skills, andbe promoted to management someday. They want to beable to communicate like everyone else at noisy worksites,and hear clearly on the roadside phone when the carbreaks down.

The elderly hearing impaired individual wants to be able topass the Mini Mental State Exam when the crucial questionsare asked, without having checkbook, driver’s license, deed totheir home, and personal independence taken from them.

Millions of tinnitus sufferers who also have (uncorrected)hearing loss want to hear external sounds instead of theones inside their heads. They want someone to tell themthat “something can be done” to manage tinnitus prob-lems, not that they “must learn to live with it.”

What do hearing impaired individuals want? They wantall of the above, and the only way they can get it is byseeking out the services of a dedicated, caring hearing in-strument specialist, a local cochlear implant team, and/orassistive technology counselor.

Borrowing from poet William Butler Yeats, the hearingimpaired individual is like the falcon flying in ever widen-ing circles, searching for answers to their steadily advanc-ing problem. The professional dispenser is like the falconerstanding below, welcoming arm stretched forth, waitingfor the struggling falcon to come home. THP

NEW MEMBERS


The International Hearing Society Extends a Cordial Welcometo the Following New Members:

Robert K. Allison, BC-HIS,Arnold, MO

Elizabeth Ambroselli, Yonkers, NY

Suezanna T. Arp, AuD, CCCA,Lubbock, TX

Michael A. Arpasi, BC-HIS,Sebring, FL

Maggie Arzani, Toronto, ON, Canada

Daniel P. Baggott, Albany, NY

Joseph Bartlett, BC-HIS, Oroville, CA

Chandler R. Beach, Norfolk, NE

Paul C. Bochterle, BC-HIS,Monroe, NY

Lawrence W. Bonville,Clifton Park, NY

Robert G. Bourgeois,Slingerlands, NY

Katy L. Brant, Erie, PA

Victor H. Bray, Jr., PhD, BC-HIS,Salt Lake City, UT

Tim Brecheisen, BC-HIS, Wichita, KS

Jami Brooks, CCCA, Paris, TX

Lance Brooks, Paris, TX

Ashley Smith Brown,Burlington, NC

Mary Elizabeth Buchan,Johnstown, PA

Kerrie Burger, Salina, KS

Michael M. Burke, Patchogue, NY

Isaac J. Butler, BC-HIS, Tooele, UT

Richard F.J. Caruso, BC-HIS,Plymouth, MN

Keith M. Castro, BC-HIS,Hood River, OR

Michel Chackal, Kirkland,Montreal, Canada

Patrick F. Chip, Greenville, RI

Thomas L. Christiansen,Cape Coral, FL

Dimitrios Chryssikos, Jr.,Thessaloniki, Greece

Anna Cohen, Boca Raton, FL

Irma Cohens, BC-HIS, Wichita, KS

Craig J. Conklin, BC-HIS,Palmetto, FL

Sharon Kay Conlon,Winter Haven, FL

Thomas James Contento, BC-HIS,Titusville, FL

Kelly M. Coop, AuD, Portland, OR

Zina T. Cornwell, Longwood, FL

Theresa Cullen, AuD, CCCA,Hyannis, MA

Graydon B. Cummins, BC-HIS,Somerset, KY

Alex E. Damianopoulos, Pomona, NY

Robert F. Davidson, BC-HIS,Naples, FL

John Brian Davis, BC-HIS,Rock Hill, SC

Donald Ray Deardorff, Ontario, OR

Susan J. DeBauche, Sarasota, FL

Pamela G. Dechmerowski,Orlando, FL

Karen Demchyna,St. Clair Shores, MI

Joseph DeSimone, Jr., Camden, DE

Eric S. Deveau, Santa Maria, CA

Juan Ding, Guleph, ON, Canada

Tatiana Dobrousin,Edmonton, AB, Canada

Vivian S. Doyle, Jonesboro, AR

Jean Drewski, Port Saint Lucie, FL

Charles Isaac Dunford, BC-HIS,Salt Lake City, UT

Joe T. Dust, Clearwater, FL

John W. Dykstra, Racine, WI

Nancy Jane Earnest,Johnson City, TN

Dean Curtis Easterwood, Foley, AL

Zachary James Ebel, Chelmsford, MA

John R. Ellis, Orillia, ON, Canada

Christine Enloe, Lahaina, HI

Bengt Ericsson, Bradenton, FL

Laurie B. Firestone, Fort Myers, FL

William F. Fletcher, BC-HIS,Callaway, FL

Sandra Davis Folly, BC-HIS,El Paso, TX

Eric Freeman, Vestal, NY

Sandy X. Freia, Pompano Beach, FL

Michelle Louise Gagne, Bedford, NH

Jill S. Goldberg, Lake Forest, CA

Michael Golubiewski, Whiting, NJ

Sammi Grello, San Clemente, CA

Jerry W. Gunter, Clearwater, FL

L. Greg Haines, BC-HIS,Vero Beach, FL

Douglas Byron Hall, Fresno, CA

C. Marke Hambley, BC-HIS,Victoria, BC, Canada

William G. Hartman,Watertown, NY

Michelle Hidalgo, Wichita, KS

Jason I. Higgins, BC-HIS,Honolulu, HI

Toby Shotwell Hill, Concord, CA

Lucille P. Hosfeld, AuD, CCCA,Greenville, OH

Tammi D. Howell, BC-HIS,Decatur, AL

Robert W. Hunter, ACA,Fort Myers, FL

Tabita Jackson, Grand Rapids, MI

Johnathan C. Jennings,Midlothian, VA

Ryan E. Kabel, BC-HIS, Florence, AL

Richard A. Kastel, Largo, FL

Tam Kam Kei, Tsim Sha Tsui,Hong Kong

Edward T. Keller, BC-HIS,Syracuse, NY

Denise Athey Klepinger, Juneau, AK

Douglas L. Knoche, Billings, MT

NEW MEMBERS

Edward David Kraft, Jr., BC-HIS,Laurel, MT

Kevin Kreze, Fort Erie, ON, Canada

Mark E. Kubilus, Melbourne, FL

Rhonda C. Kuhle,Saint Petersburg, FL

Frank Kyser, Glenview Nas, IL

Beverly Ann La Chance-Piucci,BC-HIS, Naples, FL

Paul Lariosa, BC-HIS, Aiea, HI

Jacinta Larkin, Dublin, Ireland

Shane Scott Larkin, BC-HIS,Syracuse, UT

Donald L. Lawrence, Goshen, NY

Antonella Liristakis, BC-HIS,Edmonton, AB, Canada

Angeline S. Lockhart, Albany, GA

Perla Selene Lopez,Rio Colorado, Mexico

Selena Marie Lopez, BC-HIS,Tucson, AZ

Nick Malatesta, Pompano Beach, FL

Rochelle Malone, Nampa, ID

Ron Maruca, Pompano Beach, FL

Michelle R. McAfee, Las Cruces, NM

Andrea Leigh McCabe, Sarasota, FL

William M. McCrae, San Antonio, TX

Cathy Bernice McDermott,Gainesville, FL

Sheri L. McGlone, BC-HIS,De Pere, WI

Charles J. McGlynn, Stuart, FL

Penny Lynn Meeks, BC-HIS,Palm Harbor, FL

Elise R. Miller, BC-HIS, Rogers, MN

Jerry Mishler, BC-HIS,Daytona Beach, FL

Barbara Mitchell, Naples, FL

Marco A. Moor, Port Charlotte, FL

Charles W. Morgan, BC-HIS,Clearwater, FL

Steve R. Morgan, Panama City, FL

William F. Morton, Edmonds, WA

Thomas Guy Nardella, BC-HIS,Auburn, NY

Lindsey Ann Neil, St. Thomas,ON, Canada

Damon D. Newland,West Mifflin, PA

Raymond Nibbe,D-22081 Hamburg, Germany

Lori Ann Noland, BC-HIS,Vero Beach, FL

Angela Northcutt, Ponca City, OK

Philip J. Odessky, Vestal, NY

Glenn Otey, O Fallon, IL

James L. Ozzello, Sr., Livonia, NY

Soris E. Parajon-Pena, BC-HIS,Tamarac, FL

Tom L. Parker, Morristown, TN

William S. Parker, Ann Arbor, MI

Christopher M. Partlow,Vero Beach, FL

Sylvia Perez, Moreno Valley, CA

Theodore Perkins, Marion, OH

Melanie Joy Plotkin, Miami, FL

Leanne E. Polhill, BC-HIS,Ormond Beach, FL

Melinda K. Pollitt, BC-HIS,Leesburg, FL

Tom Prezioso, Rockville Centre, NY

Janice M. Prosise,Colonial Heights, VA

Karen Renick, Rockville Centre, NY

Jennifer L. Robinson,Fort Collins, CO

Michael Frank Roche, Decatur, IL

David Q. Roellke, Hyannis, MA

Harvey L. Romanek, Pinellas Park, FL

Robert R. Romine, BC-HIS,Ash Flat, AR

Lisa H. Roselli, Southampton, NY

Gary P. Rouse, BC-HIS, Bradenton, FL

Katherine Rui, Orillia, ON, Canada

Jefferson Madden Rupp, Seminole, FL

Colleen Ann Schaar, BC-HIS,Wichita, KS

Nancy S. Schlichenmayer, Warner, SD

Marilyn L. Schroeder, Ivanhoe, MN

Mark Seary, Mayfield, KY

Tracy E. Seary, Mayfield, KY

Charles E. Seaver, Brandon, FL

Helen Seaver, Sun City Center, FL

John Perry Simpson, Cleveland, TX

Cynthia L. Sims, Marion, IL

Fred R. Sims, Marion, IL

Anita H. Slate, Hickory, NC

Timothy B. Smith, Mary Esther, FL

Rebecca K. Snider, Syracuse, NY

Charles J. Stalnecker, Jr., BC-HIS,Rochester, NY

Elaine H. Stenzel, Mankato, MN

Grant Stevens, Port Charlotte, FL

Theresa J. Stevens, BC-HIS,Sarasota, FL

Helene Suzann, Boca Raton, FL

Elizabeth C. Tobin, Las Vegas, NV

Chelsey G. Trimble, Seminole, FL

Linda Shipp Trimble, Gainesville, FL

Gary L. Tweten, BC-HIS, Dunedin, FL

Keith Underhill, Bedford, NH

Susan Underhill, Bedford, NH

Denise Underwood, Bend, OR

Michael Underwood, Bend, OR

Debra Valatka, Akron, OH

Sandra V. Wagner, BC-HIS,Merritt Island, FL

Douglas Gordon Welsh,Junction City, OR

Josephine W. Williams-Union,Naples, FL

Tammy L. Wood, BC-HIS,Baldwinsville, NY

Ken A. Wooten, BC-HIS,Kansas City, MO

Catherine Zieniewicz, BC-HIS,Edmonton, AB, Canada

Donald P. Zietz, Camano Island, WA

Leonard P. Zinni, BC-HIS,Juno Beach, FL


IHS

SOUNDBYTES


Letter to the EditorDear Editor,

In response to Tom Williams’ letter to the editor in theJuly–August 2007 issue, I offer the following response forconsideration by all readers of THP.

His statement, “The audiology scope of practice is the de-termination of disease through hearing testing” is patentlyincomplete. As a profession, audiology emerged after WorldWar II as soldiers with noise-induced hearing loss returnedhome. Rehabilitation through hearing aids and auditorytraining programs allowed many of them to remain on ac-tive duty. From the growing need for clinicians trainedspecifically in the testing and rehabilitation of people withhearing loss the profession of audiology emerged and uni-versity training programs developed.

Fast forward to 2007 and we find that an audiologist is“qualified to provide a comprehensive array of profes-sional services related to the prevention of hearing loss andthe audiologic identification, assessment, diagnosis, andtreatment of persons with impairment of auditory andvestibular function, and to the prevention of impairmentsassociated with them. Audiologists serve in a number ofroles including clinician, therapist, teacher, consultant, re-searcher, and administrator.”1 A review of your own state’sscope of practice in its audiology licensing law will mostlikely reveal the same professional functions and roles. So,what began as a purely rehabilitative initiative for our sol-diers evolved to what it is today through the application oftechnological innovations that required more rigorous aca-demic preparation for clinical practice, both in hearing as-sessment and auditory rehabilitation, not just with adults,but with newborns and infants, as well.

Certainly, our hearing tests provide a tool for otolaryn-gologists to diagnose the causes of hearing or balanceproblems. However, MRIs can neither reveal the exquisitestructure of the membranous cochlea or vestibular system,nor can they measure hearing. These hearing tests providea clinical indicator for surgery and are also used to docu-ment treatment efficacy. The statement, “With MRIs thereis no need for this practice” should be reconsidered.

Concerns that you have regarding misleading advertisingby audiologists are serious and best addressed by yourlocal regulatory authority. False or unfounded claims areprobably not legal in your state. Hearing care practitionerswho engage in false or deceptive advertising should be ad-monished or punished whether they’re an audiologist orhearing instrument specialist. Reporting those who do so isa public service.

My comments are meant to be edifying, not impudent. Ihave the utmost respect for hearing instrument specialists,particularly those who go beyond licensure to board certi-fication and have recognized the importance of the ad-vanced practice-designator ACA. However, when the op-

portunity presents itself, I will make every attempt to edu-cate people about my profession with the same vigor anddetermination that I defend your right to call yourself anaudioprosthologist.

Patricia E. Connelly, PhD, CCCA, ABA1. American Academy of Audiology Scope of Practice. http://www.audiology.

org/publications/documents/practice/. Accessed August 23, 2007.

Hearing Loss Patients Satisfied Withthe Professional Care They ReceiveA national consumer survey by Siemens Hearing Instru-ments showed that hearing loss patients are more satisfiedwith the treatment they receive from hearing care profes-sionals and most of them rely on professional guidancewhen selecting hearing instruments.

According to the survey, two-thirds (66%) of consumerssaid that the recommendations of their hearing care pro-fessional are important when selecting a hearing instru-ment, and an overwhelming 85% of consumers who’vebeen seen by a hearing care professional report satisfactionwith their treatment.

“The hearing care professional is vital to the fitting andhearing instrument selection process,” said Dr. ThomasPowers, vice president of audiology and professional rela-tions at Siemens.

More than half (53%) of the respondents reported they re-ceived hearing care from an audiologist, 21% from an oto-laryngologist, and 16% from a hearing aid practitioner.

U.S. Rep Chris Van Hollen Honoredby Hearing Health AssociationsThe Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf andHard of Hearing (AG Bell) and the Hearing Loss Associationof America–Maryland affiliate honored U.S. Rep Chris VanHollen (D–MD) of Maryland’s 8th Congressional District forhis support of the Hearing Aid Tax Credit (HR2329/S1410).

Approximately 100 members of both organizations at-tended a dinner on Capitol Hill honoring the congressmanfor his support of the legislation. The bill has 57 co-sponsorsin the House and seven co-sponsors in the Senate. The billprovides a tax credit of $500 toward the purchase of eachhearing aid once every five years for dependents and individ-uals over age 55.

Rep. Van Hollen addressed the crowd and emphasizedthe importance of increasing the number of co-sponsorshipswith a focus on Ways and Means members. He encouragedall attendees to contact friends and family members in othercongressional districts to ask them to contact their Repre-sentatives and Senators. THP

Soundbytes

CHAPTER TRACK


2008 Chapter MeetingsMEETING DATE LOCATION CONTACT

Alabama Society for January 19 Montgomery, AL Thomas Sholten, BC-HISHearing Healthcare Providers 205.978.5881

Hearing HealthCare Providers April 30–May 5 Redondo Beach, CA Tricia Hunterof California 916.447.1975

[email protected]

Colorado Hearing Society June 12–14 Estes Park, CO Nonean Price, [email protected]

Georgia Society of Hearing January 19 Macon, GA Ralph Jackson, Jr.Professionals 229.432.0053

[email protected]

Illinois Hearing Society May 9–10 Lombard, IL Mike [email protected]

Kansas Hearing Society March 6–8 Wichita, KS M. Day [email protected]

Louisiana Society of Hearing Aid January 25–26 Lafayette, LA Bryan Stinson, BC-HISSpecialists [email protected]

Mid-America Conference May 26–28 Louisville, KY Debra Drewryon Hearing 859.282.5404

[email protected]

Mid-Atlantic Hearing Expo March 6–8 Gettysburg, PA Robert [email protected]

Mississippi Hearing Aid January 18–19 Jackson, MS Betty Doty, BC-HISAssociation 601.939.9595

[email protected]

Missouri Hearing Society March 7–9 St. Louis, MO Brenda [email protected]

Montana Hearing Society May 24 Helena, MT Bill Harrington, BC-HIS406.628.4498

Hearing Healthcare Alliance March 8 Perrysburg, OH John Samuelson, BC-HISof Ohio 419.782.0836

[email protected]

Oklahoma Hearing Aid Association January 18–19 Tulsa, OK Bruce [email protected]

CHAPTER TRACK


MEETING DATE LOCATION CONTACT

AHIP–Ontario April 16–19 Niagara Falls, ON Joanne [email protected]

South Dakota Hearing Aid April 18–19 Sioux Falls, SD Dan Smith, BC-HISDispensers Association 605.665.1045

[email protected]

Tri-State Hearing Convention March 7–10 Portland, OR Patsy [email protected]

Wisconsin Alliance of January 10–12 Wisconsin Dells, WI Christine ZengerHearing Professionals 608.257.2979

[email protected]

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEARING INSTRUMENTS STUDIES


IIHIS Approved Courses

Contact individual sponsors for locations and for program dateswhere not specified.

Accreditation of educational courses for continuingeducation credit by the International Institute

for Hearing Instruments Studies does not implyendorsement of a specific product or procedure.

Sponsor: Phonak Hearing SystemsDescription: The Right Fit; Marketing; FM Transmitters

and Receivers; Benefits of High TechnologyHearing Instruments (4 hours)

Description: Latest Products; New PersonalCommunication Assistant; MarketingPractices; Patient Benefits (6 hours)

Contact: Suzanne Smoak, 630.821.5114

Sponsor: Precision Hearing ConservationDescription: OSHA Requirements and Medical Protocol;

Audiometer Types and Calibration;Equipment Used in Surveys (9 hours)

Contact: John Elmore, 800.357.5759

Sponsor: Siemens Hearing InstrumentsDescription: Introduction to New Products; Digital

Hearing Instrument Technology; FittingSoftware (3 hours)

Description: Product Introduction; Counseling Strategies;Programming Software; VerificationStrategies (6 hours)

Contact: Thomas Powers, 732.562.6637

Sponsor: Sonic InnovationsDescription: New Product Features; Noise Reduction;

Directionality; Software Upgrades (2 hours)Contact: Leah Drullinger, 503.819.9206

Sponsor: Starkey LaboratoriesDescription: Patient Presentation; Best Practices;

Counseling; Consequences of Hearing Loss(10 hours)

Description: Overview of Pro-Hear; SystemConfiguration; Processing a Successful Sale;Addressing Payment Plan (12 hours)

Contact: Lindsay M. Olson, 800.328.8602

Sponsor: WidexDescription: New Product Intro; Updates on Compass;

Using Audibility Extender Case Studies(4 hours)

Contact: Francis Kuk, 630.245.0025

This is a partial list of approved courses. For a complete roster, contact IIHIS at 734.522.7200.

Sponsor: Advanced BionicsDescription: Basic Hearing Instrument Technology;

Cochlear Implants; High-Resolution BionicEar System (3 hours)

Contact: Carissa Moeggenberg, 517.783.5383

Sponsor: AmplifonDescription: Define Signal-to-Noise Ratio; The Quick

SIN Test; Directional Microphone Benefits(3 hours)

Contact: Jennifer Kolde, 763.268.4074

Sponsor: BeltoneDescription: Introduction to New Software; Beltone

Access; The Edge Collection; The OpenEvolution (8 hours)

Description: Safety Issues; Tapering the Ear Canal;Grinding and Buffing; Shell Repair(8 hours)

Contact: Carrie Manning, 847.832.3751

Sponsor: GN ReSoundDescription: Typical Sales Process; Value of the

Demonstration; Sales Potentials (3 hours)

Description: Occlusion Challenges; Addressing Feedback;Noise Reduction (3 hours)

Contact: April Bennett, 952.769.8481

Sponsor: Hansaton Hearing SystemsDescription: Extensive Training on New Rechargeable

Hearing System; Programming;Fitting Options (3 hours)

Contact: Tom Mullen, 866.449.9757

Sponsor: Hearing Healthcare ManagementDescription: Ear Anatomy and Physiology; Sensorineural

Loss; Basic Audiogram Interpretation(1 hour)

Contact: Linda Donaldson, 937.525.9277

Sponsor: IntertonDescription: Client and Dispenser Satisfaction Surveys;

ALSP Algorithm; New Software/Hardware(3 hours)

Contact: Megan Ebert, 800.247.4741

Sponsor: Micro-TechDescription: Intro to New Technology; Feedback Intercept;

Directional Speech Detector (6 hours)Contact: Lindsay Olson, 800.328.8602

CLASSIFIEDS

EDUCATION

PREPARE FOR YOUR NBC-HIS ORSTATE LICENSING EXAM—Revisedand recorded on-site in 2004, our Profes-sional Seminars provide the latest up-dated information. Power point slides, studymaterials and sample exams included. Since1977, we have helped over 3,500 hearinghealthcare professionals earn their credentialsand are recognized as the industry’s leading re-source in preparation for competency exams.State Licensing (DVD $395 or CD $265),NBC-HIS (DVD $295 or CD $245). 10% dis-count with purchase of any two programs.Also, brand new for beginners with no ex-perience, The Hearing Aid Evaluation forNew Dispensers (2-DVD set) $195. Toorder, please call Alan Lowell Seminars800.749.4644. Visa/MC/AMEX/Check ($10S&H per program/two day delivery). Visit:www.alanlowellseminars.com.

If you or your staff need training to pass theState License or the NBC-HIS Exam,then look no further, you have found theright place.Total Hearing MarketingConcepts is currently helping the hearinghealth care field and has for the past 18years with a 90% passing rate for all statesand NBC-HIS exams. We are the only onethat teaches from experience in that wehave been licensed in 16 states and havetaken the exams ourselves; also we havebeen a proctor and administrator for theNBC-HIS exam over 40 times, with over30 years dispensing experience. The courseis continually being updated so that youhave the most current information. You willreceive not only the training manual, but acopy of every slide that is shown with aplace to make notes along with a practiceexam of 500 questions. So give Dave Os-walt a call at 651.455.7500 to set up aclass and get ready to shine at your exam.

The next DigiCare Multimodal TinnitusManagement (MTM) Training Course willbe held at Virginia Beach, VA on October26–27, 2007. Registrations are being taken nowfor this powerful, cutting-edge course for dis-pensing professionals who wish to dramaticallyexpand their reach into the hearing impairedmarket. Instructors: Max S. Chartrand, Ph.D.(Behavioral Medicine) & Glenys A. Chartrand,OTR (Occupational Therapy). Contact: JeannieMedina, 866.864.6449 or at www.digicare.org.

Licensing & Certification Exam PrepCourse, January 11–12, 2008, to be held atDigiCare Hearing Research. This updatedcourse strives to prepare those sitting for theirlicensing and certification exams as well as tosharpen long experienced dispensing profes-sionals. Instructor: Max S. Chartrand, PhD. Forregistration details, 866.864.6449.

FLORIDA EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITYHearing aid capital of the world.Seeking determined, ethical, Nationally BoardCertified Specialists or Audiologists for loca-tions in several Florida retirement communi-ties. Join our team of motivated, successful,Hearing Care Providers with proven practicedevelopment support! Fax résumé to H&MHearing Associates to 772.219.9703, Email:[email protected] or call John Hoglund at941.704.5753.

Hearing Instrument Specialist/Audiologist

Outstanding career opportunity in beautifulMontana available in several locations offeredby a well-established firm. $100,000 + po-tential, benefits package. 406.755.5077 [email protected], fax 406.755.5995.

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!Looking for hearing specialists/audiologists inCA, NV, and HI. We will build your office in thestyle and location of your preference at no costto you. 80K+, Benefits. Send Résumé: Fax:805.449.1164, [email protected]. Calltoday for your dream job! 801.205.2581.

FABULOUS MENTORING OPPORTUNITY

Looking for experienced Board CertifiedHearing Instrument Specialists and/or Audiol-ogists willing to mentor a trainee for one totwo weeks in your office. Our company, Ac-tivEars Hearing Centres, is growing in South-Western Ontario and we want our intelligent,motivated and trustworthy employees to bethe best! But we can only do this with yourhelp. This is a unique opportunity for you tohelp future hearing specialists and teach themwhat you know. Please contact Christine FeigeBC-HIS at [email protected] for more de-tails if this sounds interesting for you. Our em-ployees can only be the best if they learn fromthe best! Email today!

Wanted: Hearing aid salesperson for MacombCounty Michigan practice. Compensationpackage includes commissions, healthcare.586.206.6758.

MIRACLE-EAR FLORIDAIS GROWING

We are seeking licensed, self-motivated,dynamic dispensers to join our team inCentral and East Coast of Florida. Five po-sitions are available. Please fax your résuméand inquiries to 800.637.2503 or e-mail [email protected]. All inquiries will beheld in strict confidence.


Seeking a self motivated, hard workingand honest Regional Manager and Audiol-ogist or licensed Hearing Instruments Spe-cialist to join my growing organization in TheEast Bay San Francisco area. My name is RickFrasier and I run some of the most successfulMiracle-Ear Franchises in the country. I have of-fices located in eight different states—NY, MA,CA, IN, KY, IA, WA, and NE. Run the businessas if it is your own and get support from mar-keting, human resources and accounting fromour corporate headquarters. Benefits include401k and the ability to earn $80k + per year. Ifyou are a team player and a Licensed HearingInstrument Specialist or Audiologist and youfeel it is time to take up a new and rewardingchallenge where your efforts truly make a dif-ference, then send me your résumé today!Please fax résumé to Rick Frasier: 518.736.2285,or email [email protected].

Dispensing AudiologistHearUSA, a leading hearing care com-pany with currently 170 clinics in the USand Canada, has immediate openings forlicensed Audiologists and Hearing Instru-ment Specialists. HearUSA has expandedand acquired a number of companies. Weare seeking professionals with solid clinicaland sales skills. Candidate must demon-strate expertise in selling, fitting and trou-bleshooting current hearing aid technology.Excellent communication and interpersonalskills required.

September Openings• Michigan—Saginaw, and the Thumb area• New York—Hudson Valley areas

(Hudson, Catskill, Kingston)• Ohio—Cincinnati & Columbus areas• Missouri—Frontenac

If you are interested in a challenging and re-warding career vs. a “job,” have the confi-dence and skills to provide a high standardof patient care, motivated to increase salesopportunities through networking with themedical and patient community, and enjoya fun team atmosphere, we are interestedin you! HearUSA offers excellent benefits,CEUs, sign on bonuses and more.

IMMEDIATE INTERVIEWS:email your résumé to

Donna Taylor ([email protected])or call 1.800.323.3277 x131.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Email classif ied ad copy to [email protected] or fax to 734.522.0200. The adrate is $.99 per regular word and $1.15 perboldface or all-capped word, with a minimumrate of $50.00. There is an additional chargeof $20 for boxed ads. For additional infor-mation call 734.522.7200.

continued on page 30

CLASSIFIEDS

30 SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2007

AD INDEX

Avada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Oticon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center

Siemens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC

FOR SALE

Rechargeable Batteriesand Battery Chargers

Now you can make just about every hearingaid rechargeable by using our cells and charg-ers. Chargers can be powered by A/C, lithiumbatteries or solar power. Rechargeable batter-ies are a win-win for patients and dispensers.They reduce the cost of hearing aid operationbenefiting your patients and bolstering patientloyalty and profits for you. Two of our re-chargeable #13 cells replace about 80 #13 zinc-air cells. Distance yourself from the com-petition with a decisive competitive edge.www.Batteryjac.com

BUSINESS FOR SALEVery busy hearing aid practice for sale in Mis-souri, approximately 50 miles north and west ofSt. Louis. Two offices in rapidly growing com-munities. The practice could accommodate twodispensers or could keep one dispenser verybusy. Last year the practice grossed $330K.Please mail inquiries to Cleo Norman, P.O. Box254, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366.

BUSINESS FOR SALELive in paradise! Due to health reasons, I mustsell my business in Hilo, Hawaii. Only $25,000.Call Gary Kitt for details: 808.927.4011.

AZ PRACTICE FOR SALEA profitable hearing instrument practice in afast growing area of the southwest.

We have a large growing retired population,and returning winter visitors. Ideal for the newdispenser to double the practice, or someonelooking to wind down. Same location fortwenty-six years, and same owner for the lastseventeen. We are looking for someone tocontinue the practice, protect our good repu-tation, and take care of our great clients. Mailserious inquiries only to P.O. Box 11675, CasaGrande, AZ 85230.

The Hearing Professional

Classified AdvertisingGets Results!

This is nothing.

You won’t believe the power in our new NITRO™ CIC.Introducing a hearing instrument that will change the way you look at CICs. We’ve packed

up to 70dB of gain into NITRO™ CIC, so now even patients with severe hearing loss can enjoy

the cosmetic benefits of discreet custom hearing instruments. Beyond out-of-this-world

power, NITRO CIC also offers features such as advanced feedback cancellation, data logging,

and C-Guard™ wax protection system. It’s one small instrument for hearing, one big

advantage for your patients with severe hearing loss. To learn more about the power

of NITRO CIC, contact your Siemens Sales Representative at (800) 766-4500.

www.usa.siemens.com/hearing

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