omar@omarkoza.com, Author at Ahrens Hearing Center

50 years, WOW!

Robert Ahrens first started in the hearing aid business in 1968 – 50 years ago! When we think about it, it is almost hard to believe it has been that long and it is very interesting to see how things have changed, but also how they have stayed the same throughout the years. Obviously, plenty has changed not only in our world in general but also with hearing aids. Robert Ahrens started out fitting hearing aids built into eyeglasses along with...

Case Study – Fred

In our next case study, we will be examining the story of Fred (an alias). Fred came to us after a personal recommendation from a family friend after multiple visits to multiple hearing professionals. Fred’s story goes like this: Fred had been to multiple professionals searching for the best results with hearing aids but ran into some issues which left him in search of something better. His past experiences had shown him that while the professionals he visited had mostly been...

Case Study – “Jane”

You may have noticed our recurring theme, “where you go is more important than what you get.” In support of this, we will be posting some case studies reviewing different situations where the services we provide made a big difference for someone who was otherwise not using hearing aids they received somewhere else. In this case, the patient had good quality hearing aids they were fit with somewhere else but never received the proper benefit from them. After repeated visits to...

Ahrens Business Philosophy

The business of fitting hearing aids is one that is not without competition, especially in a densely populated area such as northern New Jersey. All business’ have competition to a certain extent however we believe a business which thrives by providing a highly specialized service (not just a commoditized product) falls into a different realm. Successfully combining professional ability, honesty, candor, ability to listen and understand your customers, and empathy - is not something done equally well among all working...

Seriously, why are hearing aids so expensive?

Properly fit, quality hearing aids can be expensive. It is important to realize that the price for "hearing aids" encompasses much more than just the devices themselves (considering they are being purchased through a hearing healthcare professional). To properly answer this question, consider the following: - Quality, high performing hearing devices cost the manufacturers of these devices considerable resources to research and develop, produce (on a relatively small scale compared to cell phones or computers), and support (all devices come with a...

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss (not wearing a hearing aid) can lead to social, psychological and physical issues. While the effects of hearing loss are different for each individual, most hearing-impaired people suffer some consequences until they seek treatment. Ahrens Hearing Aid Center in Fair Lawn, NJ, can assist you on your path to healthy hearing. Call 201-794-0120 today to schedule an appointment. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to: Social consequences, including: Lack of concentration Problems communicating with your spouse, relatives and friends Problems...

Common hearing aid problems and maintenance to increase longevity

One of the most important aspects for longevity of your hearing instruments, which often gets ignored or put low on the priority list, is maintenance of the instruments. Read on to find out more about common problems with hearing aids and how to avoid them or understand the issues before they arise. A little about hearing aids first…While many hearing aids today are made to a certain IP standard (IP stands for International Protection) to withstand dust and moisture, there are...

Not sure you have a hearing loss? Not quite ready to do something about it?

… Pull out your smartphone! They do just about everything these days, including being able to help you screen your own hearing. If you are not sure if you have a hearing loss a free app on your phone may help prove (or disprove) a potential hearing loss. A hearing screening app can do a basic hearing screening which may help to give you an approximation of your hearing abilities. Just like an eye chart can help determine if your vision is not...

The drawer hearing aid, how to avoid it, and who is the best person to seek hearing healthcare from…

We are not fond of the “drawer” hearing aid that is the hearing aid someone gets only to have them sit unused for long periods of time - usually in a drawer. There can be multiple reasons why this happens ranging from simply not wanting to hear everything (some people just like the quiet!) to not getting a proper hearing aid fitting and everything in between. If you do indeed want to hear, and you purchased a quality set of hearing...

Psst: Sometimes hearing aids may not fully solve your hearing difficulties!

Your eyes have not deceived you! Hearing aids, while very capable in compensating for diminished hearing, may not be the entire solution required to hear in some situations. Today’s hearing aids have come a long way, but there are simply some situations in which modern hearing aids, even the most advanced, cannot help you hear everything you wish to hear. As always, the answer to the question of “Why can’t I hear in XYZ situation?” is that it depends. Let’s run...

Author - omar@omarkoza.com