Re: Affordable hearing aids extant?

["Ward R. Drennan" <wdrennan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I picked up from Magilen's argument that the use of poorly fit, one-
size-fits-all approach would likely lead to frustration,
dissatisfaction and increased hearing aids in the drawer. It could be
off-putting leading many to believe that devices are useless. Not to
mention irreversible neurophysiological damage incurred for lack of
stimulation due to poor fitting.

> The analogy to the drugstore reading glasses
> was made clear; OTC quality was adequate to start with a low entry
> cost, and would generate demand for better quality leading to
> professional services. Indeed, Magilen's argument and experience seems
> to support this marketing rationale.
>
> Clearly the Songbird products have many limitations, and the idea of
> people "treating themselves" raises many professional's eyebrows (in
> hearing and nearly all medically-related fields). However, it still
> seems to me that at least one company has fulfilled Killion's desire,
> while at least nominally following some of Magilen's suggestions for
> OTC informational packets. I am confused why Killion and his company
> cannot follow suit within the existing set of regulations.
>
> For the record, I have no affiliation with any of the companies or
> participants. I admit to being slightly more sympathetic toward
> Magilen's desire for tighter regulation, though I think offering a
> low-cost entry device makes a great deal of sense.
>
> Cheers,
> Peter
>
> : Peter Marvit, PhD
> <pmarvit@som.umaryland.edu> : : Dept. Anatomy and Neurobiology
> University of Maryland Medical School: : 685 W. Baltimore Street, HSF
> 222                   Baltimore, MD 21201 : : phone 410-706-1272
>                             fax 410-706-2512 :