Thankfully, for most people, waking up to the sound of birds, or an irritating alarm clock, is nothing out of the ordinary. So many people take the ability to hear sound entirely for granted. But for those who begin to notice a decline in their hearing, the frustration of not being able to hear others—especially loved ones—can be enormous. While hearing aids may increase the volume of what you hear, most fall short when it comes to providing the ease of practically perfect hearing. With a PhD in biophysics from U.C. Berkeley, Dr. Gil Magilen of the Walnut Creek Hearing Aid Center has invented groundbreaking technology that can provide clients with life-changing improvements in hearing.
Dr. Magilen has developed a system to help the hearing impaired in ways that exist nowhere else in the field. Dr. Magilen explains that he is able to electronically program hearing aids to create the highest levels of individualized audibility. He manages and monitors the quality of sound through computer technology to specifically place the sound in positions that result in both comfort and complete clarity.
At the Walnut Creek Hearing Aid Center, a client is never simply handed a generic hearing aid. One of Dr. Magilen’s on-staff audiometrists will evaluate the auditory capabilities of a client under various conditions to see if hearing correction is advisable. If hearing loss is noted, an impression of the client’s ear is taken. During a “demo” session, explains Dr. Magilen, the client’s neuro-cognitive ability to convert sounds into words is monitored by a hearing system specialist. This specialist then evaluates the patient’s hearing aid needs. A client’s comprehension level of fast, loud, and soft speech also plays a big role in creating the perfect hearing aid.
The ear mold created from the impression is then adjusted and hooked up to the hearing aid. With cables attached to the device, Dr. Magilen can modify the quantity and frequency of sounds entering the ear canal. A tiny microphone is inserted into the ear canal as well to measure the sound being heard. As Dr. Magilen explains, he can hear the quality of sound that a client is receiving through this microphone. With this procedure, each client receives a precise and individualized hearing aid fit to his particular needs.
With his state-of-the-art hearing aid fittings, Dr. Magilen solves the three major problems that people have with their hearing aids: obtaining near-normal hearing thresholds, hearing speech clearly and accurately, and hearing comfortably in a noisy environment. According to Dr. Magilen, an astounding two-thirds of all hearing aids are completely misfit and do not offer the correct amplification to advance both hearing and understanding.
Getting the perfect hearing aid fit is essential for proper hearing. Only at the Walnut Creek Hearing Aid Center can you get the individualized care to help you hear your best.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.