A 'Hearing Aid' Good Enough to Throw Away?

So there's been a lot of buzz on tech sites recently about the Songbird flexfit, which it being marketed as 'the first disposable hearing aid.' I find the use of the word 'hearing aid' here is quite loose as there is no documentation as to how this device works. Since there is no documentation explaining how this device is actually improving hearing, these appear to be no more than an assistive listening device (ALD) that is shaped like a behind-the-ear hearing aid. It will amplify sound across a broad frequency without specifically amplify what the user needs based in his/her hearing. TV Ears are a good example of an ALD. Many movie theaters now have these available.

On top of that, here's some issues I have with the flexfit based on what their website and advertising states and how it relates to the user manual:

• Claims that there are no hearing exam or in-office fittings required: Again, I'd question the definition of it being called a hearing aid as opposed to an ALD since I'm not sure exactly how the Flexfit performs its functions. If there are no hearing exams, one will not have a device tailored to his/her hearing and may be fitted with something that may amplify sound too loud and could actually create a hearing loss. If there are no in-office fittings, the hearing aid may not fit the ear canal properly and may cause pain or will not properly amplify noise or create feedback noise.
• Claims is "Very Comfortable": It appears as though the receiver for the device is in the earpiece. There is also only one available earpiece for the price. Since comfort ability is a subjective thing, it's hard to claim something is very comfortable especially if there is only one set earpiece. Ear canals come in all shapes and sizes, I've seen enough ears in the hearing conservation field to know that there is no one-size-fits-all ear plug or piece: maybe one-size-fits-most.
• Claims "No Maintenance": This is a little common sense to realize this is deceptive advertising. Depending on how your ear produces wax and how you take care of anything that would be placed in your ear, anything can and probably will get dirty and will need to be cleaned. The users manual even has a section on how to clean the device.
• "400 Hours of Active Use": One of the big selling points for this device is that it's disposable. Anyone with with experience with hearing aid batteries, they have a sticker you take off to activate the battery because it works on the oxidation of a material like zinc. Because of this, whether you use the battery or not, once that sticker is removed the battery will continue to age. The flexfit uses a similar type of battery. If you read the guidebook, it strongly advises user to not remove the device from it's foil pouch unless you are ready to use: opening it will begin the oxidation process. The guidebook also has a section about battery life. The '400 hours of active use' are based upon regular use of the device 3 or more hours per day. For hearing aids to be effective, they should be used regularly and not infrequently so that a person can adjust to how different things sound.
  
• "Invented by Sarnof..": I won't go to far off the deep end on this one, but if they're insinuating that because a company came up with HDTV then they can come up with a high end hearing aid because they're both digital that's deceiving. The visual and auditory processes of the human body are very different and should not be directly compared. There is no "lasik" surgery correlate to hearing loss nor is getting glasses for poor vision garner the same type of improvement of life that being fit with a hearing aid does.
• Affordability: Obviously this device is cheaper off the back than buying a hearing aid. Part of the advertising states that you "never pay more than you use." If you buy 2 flexfits (having both ears at the same hearing level is more beneficial than one), it'll initially cost roughly $160. But how about in the long run? Based on the battery life, we'll say a person uses the flexfits about 8 hours a day. It'll take about under 2 months to need to replace them. We'll be conservative and say the person replaces them every 2 months, so 6 times a year: $160 x 6 = $960/year. We'll say hearing aids will last you 5 years (again conservative and they're getting better with technology), so the amount of flexfits for that time would be: $960 x 5 = $4800. You could, depending on where you get them, get a pair of basic digital programmable hearing aids (which would also include a pair of custom earmolds) for under $2000. At this cost these days you can get a device that has a directional microphone (major factor for increase of understanding speech in noisy areas), has multiple listening programs, and an option for a telecoil (makes it able to listen to the phone). I know that $2000 is not going to put into account the audiologist visits or batteries. Keep in mind that although insurance may not pay for all costs, they may pay a big chunk. Insurance is not going to cover an over-the-counter device.
  

Something about over-the-counter devices like flexfit is that FDA has rejected creating a class of over-the-counter hearing aids that don't require a medical evaluation because of the medical risks to a person's health. Our hearing is a strong proponent of our ability to interact with others and be social. A recent study at Michigan State did not have very favorable results for these types of devices either - take what you will with the fact that Oticon funded the research.

I know that's a huge list of things I'm bashing for this device and I can't go into ALL the aspects of hearing aid fitting and cost in this simple blog. I'm sure people will say that because I'm in the process of getting my AuD (Doctorate of Audiology), that I'm against the thing because it would be a hit from my future income. Fitting someone with hearing aids is only a portion of what an audiologist does and can do. Hearing aids are definitely a lucrative business and it's gotten to the point where those who are not audiologists are now qualified to sell a hearing aid.

We'll Miss You Paul

One of the great actors of the 20th century, Paul Newman, has died at the age of 83 from a long battle with cancer.

Headful of Dead Meat

Anyone remember Mayor McCheese from McDonaldland? According to Wikipedia, McDonald's was sued by the creators of H.R. Pufnstuf for ripping off the show's magical land and elected official. Personally, I don't see how a giant yellow-headed character looks anything like a guy with a sandwich for a head, but I'm not paid to make those kind of decisions. The Pufnstuf guys won over a million bucks after 1977 off of Mickey D's.

Here's a few funny parodies of the patty-mouthed politician:

A Car That was 1.21 Gigawatts of Awesomeness

Yesterday I saw a Delorean DMC-12 on drive past me while I was on campus. If you don't recognize it in my pic, it's the vehicle making the left turn in front of the minivan. The DMC-12 is the notorious Irish-made car from the 80's that didn't reach a high production. The company went under after its founder was arrested on drug trafficking charges. It's well known for its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors.....and we all know it from the Back to the Future Trilogy.


Here's a clip about the car from Modern Marvels:




Here's what we remember from Back to the Future:

Revelation in Music Parody!

When I flew down to San Jose last week, I took Alaska Airlines. For the first time my flight actually took off on time and landed early with no fuss! The plane I took looked like what you see here, has the Genie from Aladdin. Inside the plane, while boarding and exiting the plane, Disney songs are constantly being played throughout the plane: soft enough to penetrate the mind, but not loud enough to be disturbing or obtrusive. For some reason 'Be Our Guest' from Beauty and the Beast kept replaying in my mind, a tune I 've not heard in ages from a movie I haven't seen in ages..... until I recently put 2 and 2 together. Mr. Burns from The Simpsons sang the song 'See My Vest' in his attempt to make a vest out of Santa's Little Helper's canine offspring. It's the same melody as the Disney film. It took me this long to figure this out!

Be Our Guest




See My Vest

PLEASE! Leave the Lights On!

I spent many a night in a Motel 6 when I worked for Washington Audiology. The rates are much cheaper than a hotel, yet a lot nicer and modern than a small motor inn that are still stuck in the 70's and 60's. If I found a newly remodeled Motel 6, I wouldn't have to worry too much about rowdiness or filthiness. This facade allowed me to continue to sleep there. I didn't bother myself with videos like this:

The Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner of Champions

Looking for a new dieting plan? Try what works for olympians:

Why Mario Games Don't Have Much of a Plot

This is what would happen if they tried adding some character development:

Sing Along, Just Follow the Bouncing Dog

The last few months, I've spent many days on the road and many a night in a motel room for work. Like cable channels TNT, USA, TBS, like to show the same old movies over and over again, so does HBO. There's Something About Mary seems to play anywhere I had HBO. I always thought the movie was funny when it came out, but never got back to it and now parts of the movie keep playing over and over in my head, like some of the Farrelly brothers' films. One thing that keeps plaguing me every once in awhile is the credits of the film, with The Foundations' 'Build Me Up Buttercup', which is quite funny. Apparently they made a karaoke version when it came out on home video, with the same footage from the end of the movie (including the new member of the J-E-T-S, Brett "Faahhhvrah"):

Mandatory Manning: Last 2

It's quite disappointing to post this after today's opening Sunday the '08 NFL season. The Colts lose their first game in Lucas Oil to Orton and the Bears, Patriots lose Brady for the season (not too unhappy about this), and other AFC teams seemed quite weak today. Hopefully Manning can get back into the rhythm after tonight's loss. Here's the last 2 commercials of my list, here's to a successful season for Peyton and the Colts - as well as another AFC South Conference title:

#2 Sprint Laser Rocket Arm: Peyton must have unlimited text messages for life with no penalties for go over his minutes after a commercial like this. So memorable, Bob Lamey introduced Manning as the 'Rocket Arm' during Indy's Super Bowl celebration.




#1 SNL United Way Commercial Parody: OK, this is not a real commercial, but it's got to be the most memorable in my mind. Not only does Peyton win a Super Bowl and get MVP honors, but also gets to host Saturday Night Live on his birthday.

Counting Down......

This last Thursday, I bid farewell to my job at Washington Audiology. It was a great experience and now I look forward to going back to grad school at UW in a couple of weeks. Coming up before then, the first NFL Sunday begins tomorrow for '08 and should be exciting. I'm going to a wedding next week as well and I always thought the song 'Final Countdown' by Europe, which is played during the final minutes/seconds of a sporting event, would be a fitting song to play instead of 'Bridal Chorus' or 'Canon in D major' as the bride comes down the aisle. The 80's arena rock song was recently rejuvenated during the show 'Arrested Development'. Here's a great cover of the song by a cello trio Melo-M.

Mandatory Manning - Honorable Mention

A tad bit late, the NFL season opener was last night. Here are some Peyton TV spots, in no particular order, that didn't make the cut.

NFL Kickoff '07: Humorous rivalry with Peyton and Reggie Bush advertising last year's season opener pitting the Colts against the Saints. Indy pummelled New Orleans 41-10 and embarrassing former Colt CB Jason David by burning him on 3 TD's.



NFL Network Colts/Falcons Thanksgiving '07 Promo: Manning's not really in this commercial, but quite a clever shot at his constant audible calling that'll make a defensive captain's eyes roll.



Gatorade Rain: Another commercial I couldn't seem to find. Manning comes out of a football as if the pigskin was giving birth - a little reminiscient of the facehugger eggs from the Alien films. Here's one with Kevin Garnett










NFL Sunday Ticket: Jeff Garlin of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' fame is dancing around and singing a la Charlie Bucket as if he found Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. Although Peyton has such a minor role, Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and the media-elusive Barry Sanders make an appearance.

Double The Advertising

It sure helps a company if they can get not only a pair of relevant relatives to grace your advertisement, but 2 pairs?! Oreo, who I mentioned in the Manning commercial posts has the Super Bowl MVP QB siblings licking sandwich cookies, has now begun to feature the hard-hitting Williams sisters for their Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL). Venus and Serena Williams just finished their quarter finals match at the '08 U.S. Open center stage at Ashe Stadium with the younger winning 7-6,7-6. It was a great match, and a bit disappointing that it didn't go to 3 sets as Venus went 0-10 in set points in those 2 set tiebreakers. Not only are the tennis sibling duo being featured this week, but Oreos' other cash cow siblings are being featured as well. Eli and the defending Super Bowl XLII Champion Giants will be taking on the Washington Redskins tomorrow to start off the '08 NFL regular season, while Peyton is featured with a night game this upcoming Sunday night in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears. Immense advertising for Nabisco! Here's the ad they've been sporting for the last couple of weeks:




How much are they spending on this campaign?! Are their Double Stuf Oreos that hard to sell? I like them, in fact I never buy regular Oreos if I ever buy those dentally-bespeckling cookies. Although neither the Mannings or Williams are from twins, what happened to just getting a bunch of twins from an ad agency like those Double Mint Gum commercials?




Here's the commercial NBC has to feature the Mannings for this weekend's NFL kickoff:

Farewell Mr. LaFontaine: Living in a World Without The Voice

Don LaFontaine, known for his powerfully raspy voice on thousands of trailers and commercials, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 in Los Angeles from lung complications. Apparently the former sound engineer had to fill in for an announcer in 1965 and the voice stuck with him and the rest has been history up till now. His voice is so distinct, it can be spotted immediately upon a single utterance. Watch trailer for films like Terminator 2, Batman Returns, The Untouchables, The Godfather Part II, or Indiana Jones, the voice is as sharp as steel - just don't mistaken him for Hal Douglas.

Here's a bit of perspective on Don by himself and his peers:

Voiceover work for TV spots, commercials, and trailers almost subliminally inform the audience of the type of product, show, or movie you're watching. That's why Don's voice has been used for many an action flick. Voiceover, like voice acting, work is quite underrated. One doesn't realize how much more difficult it is to project one's voice when there is no face to go with it. Here's a couple of TV clips about LaFontaine and voiceover work:






With the decrease of narrative in trailers over the last couple of decades and spoofs of overhyped and overproduced TV and movie work, Don's performances have been lampooned many a time over the years. He will be greatly missed and the gravitas of his trailers will be missed as weel. Here's a few spots he's made shots at himself:

Spot for an awards show with 4 of the most famous voiceover actors:




Geico Commercial:




Sketch on Frank TV with comedians Frank 'John Madden' Caliendo and Pablo Francisco: