Can you no longer hear Blackpoll Warblers? Golden-winged Warblers? Grasshopper Sparrows? Do the calls you do hear seem less full and vibrant? You probably have a high-frequency hearing loss. If this is the case, the Birder Hearing Aid (not to be confused with the Birder's Ear!) may be for you. The Birder Hearing Aid is a real hearing aid designed with high-frequencies in mind. Most hearing aids focus on the mid-range (speech) frequencies, which is logical. However, birders need more high frequencies than the average person in order to better enjoy their passion. The Birder Hearing Aid addresses this issue by providing greater high-frequency reception than standard hearing aids.

In order to have the Birders made it is necessary for me to have a copy of a recent (within 6 months) audiogram (hearing test) and a deep silicon impression of each ear. If you live within driving distance of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you can come to my office to have this done. Otherwise, you can have it done locally. If there is a charge for either the test or the impressions, please advise and that amount will be deducted from the cost of the Birders. I also strongly recommend the canal size as there is less wind noise noted and better localization to the birds. They are also more cosmetically appealing. There is a 30-day full money-back guarantee, as indicated below.

Once I receive the copy of the hearing test I will e-mail back whether or not you are a good candidate for the Birders. You may fax the information to 717-445-8283 if that is convenient.

Barb Haas

Questions and Answers about the Birder Hearing Aid

Q. What is different about the Birder compared to a typical hearing aid?

A. The Birder is designed for maximum amplification in the high frequencies and minimum amplification in the lower frequencies. This design was predicated on the fact that most acquired (not congenital) hearing losses are high frequency in nature. And, that the hearing loss most detrimental to birders in the field is for those birds with high frequency calls or songs.

Q. I can hear reasonably well under most conditions, but I can no longer hear many of the birds I used to unless I am very close to them. My doctor said hearing aids are not necessary for my hearing loss or would not help me. Will the Birder help me?

A. My husband's audiogram shows hearing within normal limits (< 15 dB) through 3000Hz, dropping to 50–60 dB for the higher frequencies. Although he can hear normal conversation, he could not hear Blue-winged Warblers or Grasshopper Sparrows, for example, unless they were extremely close. Trials with conventional hearing aids brought only negative comments. The Birder changed all that by providing the necessary amplification at the needed frequencies.

Q. Could I wear them all the time? Even when not birding?

A. Yes. Although if you are not having difficulties with understanding general conversation, you may wish only to wear them for birding.

Q. Why are two hearing aids necessary?

A. Research has proven that we hear better when wearing binaural amplification, the same as we have depth perception when both eyes are functioning together. Generally speaking, most hearing losses are symmetrical. When only one ear is amplified, the sounds are basically directed to that ear. Localization is lost. It is frustrating to be able to hear the bird, but be completely confused as to where it is.

Q. Will I be able to hear all the birds?

A. Depending on the degree of hearing loss, most birds should again be audible. In cases of severe high frequency loss some species, such as Cedar Waxwing, may not be heard unless reasonably close.

Q. I have friends with hearing aids who say that all sounds are amplified, especially traffic and background noises.

A. No hearing aid can eliminate background noise. The noise is there for those with normal hearing, so it will be there for those wearing a hearing aid. But, by utilizing a circuit designed specifically to amplify high frequencies, the background noise is not as interfering to hearing the birds. Loud background noises are not much more intrusive or offensive than for an individual with normal hearing under the same circumstances.

Q. Will the Birder restore my hearing to what it used to be?

A. Your ears have been damaged. Hearing aids do not completely restore hearing. But they can help you to hear again many of those frequencies which have become inaudible over the years. The object of the Birder is to provide amplification for those frequencies which add to the enjoyment of bird watching.

Q. Is the Birder just for "birders?"

A. No. Most anyone with a high frequency hearing loss who is having difficulty understanding conversation may be a good candidate for the Birder. Consonants are high frequency sounds and by giving appropriate amplification, it thereby makes understanding conversation easier.

Q. What type of warranty comes with the Birder?

A. The Birder comes with a two-year warranty, batteries provided for two years, and a dehumidifier. Extended warranties are available. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Q. How can I obtain the Birder?

A. Contact the Haas Hearing Center for instructions on obtaining an audiological evaluation, medical clearance, and earmolds. Procedures will differ depending on your location. Successful fittings have been done from Massachusetts to Alaska, Canada to Texas.

Q. How small are the Birders?

A. The Birder is available in two sizes — Full Shell and Canal. Some of the advantages of the smaller size (Canal) are better localization to the sound source (i.e. birds) because of better utilization of the natural contour of the ear and significantly reduced wind noise because they are more recessed in the ear. They are also more cosmetically appealing.

Q. How much do they cost?

A. They come in two sizes — the larger Full Shell and the smaller Canal— and cost US$3200 per pair, prices subject to change. VISA and MasterCard cards accepted.Comments from satisfied Birder users.

"Stupendous. And I am having to look farther away for the birds I am hearing; they sound so close." Pennsylvania

"These have been marvelous. Especially for birding, but in everyday activities and meetings as well. My wife commented how much lower the volume on the television and radio is now."
Pennsylvania

"I don't know how or what they did...but I sure am glad. The last few months of birding have been the best in many, many years."
Massachusetts

"Yes, I can hear Grasshopper Sparrows again: I heard my first [one] when it was at least 15 fence posts away." Indiana

"I was able to hear some Golden-crowned Kinglets and some Bushtits. I actually heard them before I spotted them moving about. I heard the Bushtits at some distance from my observation point. I'm sure I would have not heard them without the hearing aids at this distance." Oregon