Question
I've heard that Endura is able to offer a lot of gain for a Super Power BTE. What are the specifications we're looking at?
Answer
You are right! When we're talking about Endura specifications, we want to focus on three key numbers: Max Output (the maximum SPL that the hearing aid will not exceed), Nominal Output (the average measured output peak of the device) and HFA-OSPL90 (the average of device output at 1kHz, 1.6kHz, and 2.5kHz). The other important thing to consider is the frequency response. When looking at OSPL90 or Frequency Response graphs, we want smooth curves, which Endura provides. A quick view gives you the following:
Max Output - 140 dB SPL
Nominal Output - 137 dB SPL
HFA-OSPL90 - 130 dB SPL
Peak Gain - 76 dB
QUESTION: I'm starting to hear more and more about M & T Ratings for hearing aids and cell phones. What does this mean and how does Endura fare?
ANSWER: Excellent question. With M/T ratings, we're talking about Microphone and Telecoil compatibility with cellular phones. Take the published M & T values of the hearing aid and the patient's cell phone and add them together to get a 'score'. The score indicates how well the system (the aid and the phone) will work:
6 = Excellent
5 = Normal
4 = Usable
We are very proud that Endura provides an M4/T4 rating! This means that as long as the patient's cell phone is M/T compatible, they should expect excellent performance.
QUESTION: I've heard that Endura is very pediatric friendly. What does that entail?
ANSWER: You are correct - Endura was designed with the pediatric population in mind. Our Sonic Sound ™signal processing provides superior processing of speech sounds which are critical for speech and language development. The aid itself has several great features that make it kid-friendly, including:
Pediatric earhook
Tamper-resistant battery lock
Telecoil positioned for optimal performance in loop systems
An integrated DAI for direct connection to FM as well as other audio sources
Optional stick-ons
We also have a Pediatric Kit which gives parents the tools necessary to care for their child's hearing instrument.
QUESTION: I have a patient with an asymmetric loss - profound on one side, moderate on the other. Can I use Endura on both ears in a situation like this?
ANSWER: This is another area where Endura shines, offering a full fitting range providing amplification for mild to profound losses. Unlike some Super Power BTEs, Endura sounds great even for those with a less severe hearing loss. This makes Endura an ideal product for those that need a solution that can grow with changes to their hearing needs.
Erin Reichert, M.S., CCC-A, is the Manager of Audiology & Technical Support at Sonic Innovations where she manages a team that provides hearing instrument product selection, fitting and software support for professionals. Prior to coming to Sonic Innovations, Erin worked in a private practice serving south eastern Minnesota. She earned her Master's degree in Audiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For more information, please visit www.sonici.com or the Sonic Innovations Web Channel on AudiologyOnline.