Phum Pattana-Anek, of DMED
Hearing Centers, which specializes in diagnosing hearing problems and
offering the latest in hearing aid technology, addresses PCEC members and
guests.
What is that you say? When we get older, hearing loss
becomes a problem. This was the message to the Pattaya City Expats Club on
Sunday, November 27. Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg introduced Phum
Pattana-Anek, currently with DMED Hearing Centers, a company that
specializes in diagnosing hearing problems and offering the latest in
hearing aid technology. He is well experienced having worked as a business
analyst for the major hearing aid manufacturer Widex International. He holds
a Bachelors’ degree in Economics and during his service with Widex, he spent
time in Denmark, India, Singapore, and the USA.
Phum started by briefly giving his perceptions of the
time he spent in Denmark and India. He said he found Denmark to be a
beautiful country with friendly people. He was there at Widex International
for 6 months including June, July, and August which he said had great
weather; whereas being from Thailand, the colder months were not as much to
his liking.
Widex International has only the one factory, but they
distribute all over the world. They are not only one of the largest
manufacturers of hearing aids, but also have the most advanced technology;
continually upgrading their products.
Phum found it fascinating that their facilities are fully
“Green,” so that they do not harm the environment. In fact, he said, Widex
provides their wind turbine and solar power to the community where they are
located.
Phum and Tan of DMED listen
to a members query about DMED’s range of hearing aids, for his specific
hearing loss.
Regarding India, he found it to be entirely different. He
said it was a chaotic country with lots of noise and pollution. While he was
there he took the opportunity to spend some time as a monk in one of the
more revered Buddhist sites.
He said he returned to Thailand because although he found
his travels interesting, he was lonely. He now works for DMED, which has
many locations in Thailand with plans for more. He primarily travels around
Thailand talking about hearing loss and the advances in hearing aid
technology. Most people by age 55 start to have some hearing loss; it is
part of the aging process. In the past, many did not want to wear hearing
aids; they were bulky and not perceived as attractive. However, the industry
has been making hearing aids smaller - to the point that some are not even
visible. They also can be remote controlled for adjusting their sensitivity
and for the type of environment you are in.
PCEC member Larry was lucky
this week winning the special meal offer arranged by Hawaii Bob, & his
Frugal Freddy group.
One of the latest on the market is the Widex Clear brand.
There are different models to suit most hearing loss conditions. Although a
person can get by with one, Phum said that he would suggest using two as the
Clear hearing aid has wireless connectivity between them with sound going
from one to the other in a more natural progression. He also mentioned that
the Clear brand with its wireless capability has two accessories. One will
allow wireless connection to your mobile phone without the need to hold the
telephone up to the ear. The other wirelessly transmits the audio direct
from your TV to your hearing aid. This feature, he pointed out, would be a
blessing to others in your household that most likely complain that you have
the TV too loud for their comfort.
Phum concluded by pointing out that they were
distributing a coupon offering services and discounts from 30% for the Widex
Mind and Clear series. Further, this promotion was exclusively for the
Pattaya City Expats Club and not available to others.
DMED has recently moved into new and better space on
Sukhumvit Road opposite Pattaya Orphanage. As part of the promotion to the
Club, they are offering a free hearing test, free fit, and a free 10 day
trial period. He also wanted everyone to know that if you obtain a hearing
aid from DMED, they will continue to service and adjust it over time.
For more information about DMED, you can visit:
http://www.dmedhearing.com/index.php?lang=en or call them at 038-719-047.
After Phum answered many questions, Richard Silverberg
called on Harry “Sig” Sigworth to update everyone on upcoming events and to
conduct the Open Forum, a time during the meeting where questions are asked
and answered about living in Thailand and Pattaya in particular. The Pattaya
City Expats Club meets every Sunday at the Amari’s Tavern by the Sea
Restaurant where all are welcome. For more information about their
activities, visit http://www.pattaya cityexpatsclub.com.
