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 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.
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.
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.
PCEC member Larry was lucky this week winning the special meal offer arranged by Hawaii Bob, & his Frugal Freddy group.
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.
