Starkey AMP just spotted in the Seattle Times
Posted in Hearing on March 2, 2011
Have you seen??? Starkey AMP Just spotted in the Seattle Times (back page 3/2/11).
This little device is meant for patients who don't think they are quiet ready for a hearing aid, but are working harder to listen or missing things other hear. In a way it accomplishes many of the reasons we hold off on purchasing amplification by it's deep fit and low cost.
It is small--in fact in my ear it is completely invisible. I have tried in two ears that were on the small size and it did not fit well, but for those with average or larger ears this is an invisible option.
One of the main reasons those with mild to moderate hearing loss are not successful with hearing aids is that their own voice is overly loud or has a unusual sound effect (caused by plugging of the ear canal). This is solved with deep fittings reaching beyond the soft outer ear to a location where vibrations are muted.
Sound quality also improves as the microphone is placed deeper into the ear so that the normal ear shape and effects are maintained giving a more natural directionality and clarity in noise. This is coupled with a digital platform that does allow adjustments to sound to some degree as well as noise reduction to help further improve comfort and clarity in noise.
Starkey is setting the price at $1500.00 for both ears with my fees included. It is not the cost of a other deep fitting options known to myself, it is more than half the cost.
So what are the drawbacks?
It's meant to be a starter. The only concern I've had thus far is that the volume allowed will not meet those with significant hearing loss. This product is meant for those with mild to moderate losses--who are going on without amplification due to cosmetics or cost. It is not meant to replace hearing aids for those who already use them--you may not find that these are loud enough.
It comes with a one year warrantee, it does have replaceable batteries and is taken out nightly.
And the AMP is small--but some ears are smaller.
It sounds so good that it may lead the user to wonder if this sounds this good--what would something else sound like?? Having listened to it I can see that it will make non-users think again about their hearing needs and it may be a gateway for some into more advanced options.
Michelle Batson, AuD
Doctor of Audiology