The Pros and Cons of Hearing Aids

Disposable hearing aids are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are currently being marketed to aging baby boomers suffering from hearing loss.

Disposable hearing aids appeal to people who are not sure if they want to commit to wearing hearing aids and to those who are reluctant to invest in conventional hearing aids. Disposable hearing aids usually cost between $40 and $50 each, whereas conventional hearing aids can cost up to $900 for a pair. Digital hearing aids are the most expensive, costing up to $5,000 for the latest pair. Since conventional hearing aids can last for about five years, they can work out to be cheaper than disposable hearing aids in the long run.

Unlike conventional hearing aids, they are not custom fitted. They come in a various settings or prescriptions, selected to match the user's level of hearing loss. A disposable hearing aid's batteries cannot be replaced. They are designed to be thrown away after the batteries expire, which usually last for just over a month.

A disposable hearing aid can be made available immediately after a hearing test. There is no need to wait for it to be manufactured like a conventional hearing aid. There is also no cost associated with repairs or replacing batteries. If a disposable hearing aid breaks down, you just throw it away and get a new one. Should you lose your disposable hearing aid, the cost of a replacing it is far less than that of a conventional hearing aid.

While disposable hearing aids are sometimes described as one size fits all, they actually fit about 80% of adult male ears and about 60% of adult female ears. Most disposable aids are of the in the ear (ITE) type. Instead of being molded to the ear, they make use of a soft cap that provides an acoustic seal about halfway down the ear canal.

Disposable hearing aids have a short life span. They cannot be custom fitted and hence, some people find them uncomfortable to wear. Disposable hearing aids are not as flexible as modern digital hearing aids as they come in standard prescriptions. Perhaps the biggest concern of audiologists is that most disposable hearing aid users do not have their hearing checked on a regular basis, leading to potential uncorrected problems.

If you have a hearing problem, it is vital to see an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor who will determine your level of hearing loss and suitability to wearing a hearing aid. Although hearing loss is caused by noise or aging, it is important for a professional to rule out any underlying problem that requires medical treatment.

Hearing Aid Costs

Factors to Consider Prior to Buying a Hearing Aid

Free Guitar Scale Tip – Making Incremental Lifestyle Changes

In this free guitar scale tip we are going to look at a very powerful practice strategy. I call this strategy “incremental lifestyle changes”. Before we talk about it, let me ask you a simple question…

Is it always convenient for you to practice your guitar scales?

Anyone who says yes to that question is probably lying! Let’s face it. Sometimes our hectic and busy lives make it challenging to get in enough guitar scale practice time. This is especially true for guitarists who work a 9 to 5 job, and also have a family!

So what am I trying to say here?

The key point I’m trying to make is that mastering guitar scales will require that you make some lifestyle changes. You will need to change how you use your time. And if you want to gain a high level of guitar scale mastery, you may need to make SIGNIFICANT changes to your lifestyle. The true masters of scales have built their lives around their guitar practice time. They have also, in many cases, made large sacrifices in order to do this.

Some of the lifestyle changes that you might need to make can include:

- Reducing the amount of TV that you watch.
- Getting up earlier in the morning. (A fate worse than death for many people!).
- Eating a more healthy diet.
- Going out drinking and partying less often.
- Spending less time with negative thinking friends and other toxic people.

Obviously, some of these could represent a significant change to your daily routine. Which brings us back to the concept of incremental lifestyle changes. These are small changes made to your lifestyle to accommodate increases in guitar scale practice time. Let’s take a look at an example to explain this concept clearly…

Let’s say that you currently dedicate 30 minutes a day to guitar scale practice. You realize that to reach your musical goals you will probably need to devote at least 3 hours a day to scale practice. So what do you do? Do you give up because 3 hours seems too unattainable? Nope! You use incremental lifestyle changes. Here’s how it works…

Step 1: Choose a new scale practice length. For our example, let’s say that you will now practice guitar scales 45 minutes a day rather than just 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make any lifestyle changes that need to be made to accommodate the increase in scale practice time.

Step 3: Practice for the new practice length daily until it becomes habitual.

Step 4: Repeat the first three steps, with gradually increasing practice lengths, until you have reached your goal of three hours a day.

It’s important to realize that it may take you months to reach this goal. You will also probably be amazed at how many lifestyle changes were needed in order to reach this goal! And that’s fine. If mastering guitar scales were easy, then everyone would have done it!

Left Handed Electric Guitars
Left Hand Electric Guitar

Misapprehend Success

I am writing you to appeal for leniency in the sentencing of Greg Reyes.

He has been found guilty by a Jury for his actions as the CEO of Brocade, a company that he led from infancy to tremendous growth. This success was achieved not by sleight of hand but by diligent effort and satisfied customers.

He led Brocade through explosive growth and depended upon both outside and inside advisers to guide him. He followed their advice which in some cases proved to be wrong. Perhaps he should have ignored it or weighed it more carefully but without the wisdom of age and experience he did not.

He is not a crook. He did not seek to profit from the actions he was found guilty of.

I am not arguing the Jury's findings or the Law but respectively urge consideration of the mitigating circumstances here.

Greg Reyes

The Signature of Fashion With Barbie Games

You may often wonder why women are idealistic when it comes to fashion. Women like to read magazines, watch television, browse celebrities in the latest fashion look and so forth. Women like to adore other women but on the contrary these very women have the bitter days, bad hair days and consumed by hate and shyness. There are days where women cringe in self doubt and falter with their confidence. But how can these happen when women like and admire other women? Would this mean that they love others better than they love themselves? This may be for the reason that women do not find the fashion clothes fit their body or even their personality. They do not find individualism that others have achieved. To solve this dilemma, no matter what the fashion style for the time being, each woman should have their very own fashion signature like Audrey Hepburn, Jessica Parker or even the fantasy star, Barbie! Browse fashion items with Barbie games and you will surely develop your own fashion signature.

Creating your own fashion signature may not be as easy as you think. There are many things that you should consider and there are many items that you should have. These can b e a great problem especially if you do not have much at your wardrobe and have limited items to mix and match. You may think that buying a new wardrobe is necessary. While this may be true to keep up with the new trend, you do not need to always buy a new outfit. You can be fashionable and create your sense of individuality with Barbie games without too much of the trouble.

With this online game, you can experiment into creating your own style and incorporating it with the new fashion trend of the season. Barbie is one of the most successful celebrities in history and it is undeniable how much clothes that she have; maybe you can borrow some!

Try on different and cool outfits that Barbie have. The elegant LBDs can be your immediate solution for dinner events or cocktail parties. A funky tops and denim shorts will be great for adventure with nature while the classic long sleeve shirt in white is very pretty to match with a pair of trousers for formal events or for a day in the office. How about a silk, one shoulder strapped top match with stylish skirt for a date with your Prince Charming?

Along with the fashionable and sophisticated clothes at this online game, spruce up your own style by making it unique to yours like adding a hint of the color you love very much or some of your favorite accessories. With Barbie games, you can always be unique like how Barbie imprints her fashion signature!

Barbie Games

Barbie

Four Power System Problems Common in Colocation Facilities

The primary factor that determines uptime for servers in a colocation facility is power. Power outages will knock a network offline and even damage hardware such as motherboards, memory, and hard drives. Despite how intrinsic power is to keeping businesses connected to their networks, only 2% to 3% of colocation facilities have the right power systems in place. The other 97% of facilities most commonly lack redundancy, multiple units carry the energy load even if one unit fails, or have units that are running above capacity, so a unit failure will cause the other units to overload and fail. Every part of the power system – uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), transfer switches or circuit breakers, generators, and power distribution units (PDU) – should be redundant and running below capacity.

Problem 1: Non-redundant Power Grids
Multiple PDUs connected to separate power grids and multiple UPSs should be designed into the colocation facility to offset a power grid failure. Colocation facilities with redundant power grids can connect customer servers to different grids at the same time, so that even if one goes offline, the other will work, keeping the network running without interruption.

Problem 2: Non-redundant UPSs
The UPSs supply power during an outage until the generator can come online; if the UPSs do not turn on immediately at the time of failure, then the network will go down. Even with high quality UPSs, failures are common, so it is critical for there to be multiple redundant UPS units in an “n+1” configuration – all of the necessary UPSs, plus an extra. Functionally, this means that each UPS runs sufficiently below capacity to handle a unit failure without the other units overloading. If there are two UPSs, then each unit must run below 50%, so that if one fails, the other can continue without overloading. If there are three units, each must run below 66%; four units, below 75%. The current load is shown on the display on the front of the UPS.

Problem 3: Transfer Switch Failures
Most colocation facilities use mechanical transfer switches, which are not as dependable as circuit breakers, to switch power from the electric utility to the generator. These switches are one of the most common places the power system fails. Without redundant switches to transfer power at the same point, a transfer switch failure will mean that a network goes down.

Problem 4: Insufficient Generator Capacity
Generators supply power during an outage. To run without overloading, the generator must have capacity to run 1.5 times the total building load. Ideally, a colocation facility should have a redundant backup generator in case the primary generator fails, and the facility should have a process in place for switching power between generators. Having multiple generators is not the same as having redundant generators. One of the most common generator problems with colocation facilities is that the facility started out with a small generator and added generators as it grew. This creates multiple points where power has to be transferred during an outage, increasing the likelihood that a network will go down. As a practical consideration, the generators must be well-maintained, tested monthly, and fully supplied with fuel.

Points to Consider
Fewer than one in twenty colocation facilities have the best power systems in place despite the fact that power systems have the most impact on network uptime. Without well-maintained and redundant components running below capacity at every part of the system, network performance as well as server performance and equipment lifetime will suffer. To make sure that the power system at a colocation facility is robust enough to handle power and equipment failures, two words should be remembered: capacity and redundancy.



Dallas Colocation

data center

A Solution-Focused Approach to Hearing Loss

It doesn't take a lot of effort to notice that we live in a problem-focused world. Any amount of television viewing is certain to bear witness to commercials that identify some human flaw that needs fixing, whether with a new detergent, a new car, or a new TV. It's hard to think of any commercial that has ever trumpeted, "You're doing great...keep it up, you don't need our product -- just thought we'd let you know." It's no wonder ""What's wrong?" is a vastly more common interpersonal statement than "What's going right?" While it might sell a lot of soap, when it comes to emotional issues, a problem-focused approach can keep us stuck. This can be illustrated with the oft-cited pink elephant: As you read this sentence, whatever you do, do NOT think of a pink elephant... Pretty darn difficult to avoid thinking of pink pachyderms, isn't it? The same is true for mental health issues. A depressed person who feels hopeless is better off identifying activities that make him feel a bit more hopeful rather than coming up with ways to feel less hopeless. It seems a simple lesson but hard to put into practice.

When it comes to hearing loss, it is not easy to apply a solution-focused approach. The trauma of the loss itself, the daily effort it takes to hear, and the frustration of dealing with friends and family who may not understand how to be helpful are real problems. That fact is not up for debate. However, one way forward is to learn to notice what is working and what is going right rather than what is NOT working.

Consider "Arthur" and "Donna". Donna's hearing loss has impacted how the couple functions at social gatherings. Arthur typically makes an effort to speak for Donna. He usually answers questions that others direct towards her and believes he is helping to keep her connected at the party. Unfortunately, this has just the opposite effect. Donna feels stigmatized and isolated -- as if she can't speak for herself. When they get home Donna alternately lashes out at Arthur complaining that he "treats her like a child" or is stone-cold silent; giving Arthur an unspoken message that he has done something wrong. In both cases, Arthur is confused because he thought he was being helpful and silently begins to resent Donna's "lack of appreciation" for him. Early on in counseling the couple engages in problem-focused conversations of trying to get the other person to stop their undesired behavior. But at this point emotions are so charged that neither Donna nor Arthur can stand to listen to the other's complaints. By now readers of the above pink elephant experiment are keenly aware that there comes a time when trying to NOT focus on something becomes impossible. For this reason, Donna and Arthur are encouraged to avoid talking about problems and to take a solution-focused approach.

Therapist: Donna, can you think of a recent time when you enjoyed going to a party with Arthur.

Donna: A whole party? No I can't.

Therapist: What about a moment at a party where Arthur was helpful.

Donna: Well, last week, when Sally asked me how the kids were doing, Arthur provided space for me to answer and it kind of sparked a conversation between Sally and me. It feels like I don't talk to a lot of people these days, so it felt really good.

Therapist: So you liked it when Arthur encouraged you to join in the conversation?

Donna: Yes. I felt like he really cared about me.

Therapist: Arthur, what's it like to hear Donna say that?

Arthur: You know, I'm kind of shocked. I really had no idea that's what she wanted me to do. I'm glad she told me.

The following solution-focused tips can be gleaned from the above brief vignette of a real case (with names and details changed to protect confidentiality).

· Take time to notice what your spouse/partner, friend or family member does well. While nobody is 100% perfect, nobody is 100% flawed. Something MUST be going right. Like Donna above, sometimes it takes looking for small moments that go well. For example: Let your children or grandchildren know that you really appreciate it when they face towards you and speak clearly. You'll be amazed at how quickly they respond to this positive reinforcement with more helpful behaviors.

· Let the other person know (a) What they did, (b) How it was helpful, and (c) That you'd love it if he/she did it again! Try to resist the urge to tag on any description of what they did NOT do well.

· The same approach can and should be taken by hearing family members. Encourage them to read this article and let them know that you'd like to learn from them what you do that is helpful. For example: "Mom, it's really helpful when you turn your hearing aid on when I'm with you. It makes me feel like you really want to listen to me."

· Remember, many of us are experts at noticing what is not working. Take time to practice noticing what IS working.

Best Hearing Aid

Causes of Hearing Loss

The Ups and Downs of Downloadable DS Games

What is a DS?
The DS, or Nintendo DS, is an advanced technology apparatus that plays video games on a duel screen monitor. It is a handheld game system that allows gaming enthusiasts to bring high quality games with them when they are on the road or otherwise unable to play a counsel system. However, with the DS, has become a standalone system that has most gamers itching to try it. It was developed and produced by the Nintendo organization and was released in 2004 in multiple countries including Canada, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom. The clamshell design is similar to the Game Boy Advance, which was the predecessor to the Nintendo DS, but the Nintendo DS has duel screens with the lower one being designed as a touch screen.

Download DS Games
Though there are some problems with downloadable DS games, they hardly outweigh the possible positives when it comes to these games. Downloadable DS games are games that can be downloaded off the wireless internet that is available for the Nintendo DS. These games are similar to WiiWare games in that they are not usually full length games, but they are still fantastically composed and capable of providing hours of gaming fun. There are even some free downloadable DS games available, but these are rarer than the purchased ones.
A few cons to downloadable DS games include the fact that the download speed is relatively poor. When downloading a game for the DS, it can take many minutes, even hours in some extreme cases. This can be more than a little frustrating for those that want to just play the game.
Another problem is that there is a possibility for an adware infiltration which can potentially do damage to the DS. However, this is only caused by poor usage of the wireless internet system.
These few cons are not enough to make the whole of the system poor. The Nintendo DS has many games online that may be downloaded on the SD card of the system. This can allow numerous downloadable games to be purchased or downloaded on a single system. The downloadable games for the DS are also very fun and very addicting. They can provide just as much if not more fun that any retail game for the DS or a consol alike. Once the games are downloaded there are usually no problems with operation.


Learn about the best DS Download sites. Find out where to download unlimited DS games without being afraid of viruses or adware. Go to DS Downloads

Using Hypnosis To Cure Bad Habits

Why can't I cure my own bad habit?

If you have a bad habit - such as comfort eating, smoking or an addiction to gambling or alcohol, for example, then you can probably answer the question for yourself. A lot of us simply can't kick a bad habit on our own - we tend to say that it's because we don't have the willpower to actually carry it through.

The fact is that any kind of bad habit takes hold of you both psychologically and physically. So, when you try to kick the habit yourself you have to deal with a lot of mental stress and physical side effects that can really throw you. So, for many people, it's simply easier to pick up the bad habit again to make the nasty symptoms go away. This doesn't make us weak or mean that we lack willpower - it simply means that our bad habit has taken such a hold we need external help to deal with it once and for all.
How can hypnosis help?

There are all kinds of methods you can try to help you kick a bad habit. Most of these will try and appeal to your brain on a conscious level. So, for example, you might go along to a 'Quit Smoking' group where you socialize with other smokers and counsel each other on the effects of smoking and so on. On a purely rational level you will walk out of a meeting knowing that smoking is bad for you and knowing that you want to quit.

But, it isn't that easy. The rational side of your brain might be telling you all this but your subconscious may still be hanging on to the fact that you are a smoker and could be telling you to go into the nearest store and buy a pack right away! So, to put it simply, hypnosis deals with the subconscious thus making it far easier for you to quit effectively.

Going for hypnosis sessions to cure a bad habit will simply help ALL of your mind focus on the goal of giving up. The methods used by hypnotherapists vary. Some, for example, use a form of aversion therapy that makes you feel slightly nauseous at the thought of smoking. Others simply tell your subconscious that you are not a smoker so - after your session; you'll act like a non-smoker because your brain is telling you to.

Can it help me quit smoking?

Hypnosis is a great way of quitting smoking. So many of the issues involved with nicotine addiction are psychological so this form of therapy works perfectly here. The fact is that many good hypnotherapists can help you quit smoking in just one session.

http://www.josephclough.com Hypnosis CD’s and Hypnosis MP3 Downloads by Celebrity Hypnotherapist Joseph Clough

http://www.josephcloughtrainings.co.uk - Affordable Accredited NLP, Hypnosis, Time Line Therapy Trainings ™ and Coaching trainings and courses and self development seminars.

Psychic Readings A Guide To Help From A Higher Source

Psychic readings can be anything from a tarot reading to a rune casting to astrology. A psychic reading can also be done without any divination tools. Basically, a psychic reading is when the reader tells a person, called the querent, the answers to their questions. The psychic reader uses their intuition to give the querent details and information.

Choosing a psychic reader can be difficult. There are many people who fake having psychic abilities. They tell people what they want to hear or use other tactics to give the querent answers. One of the best ways to find a psychic reader is through referrals. When a person gets a referral from a friend or relative they can usually trust that the psychic is worth going to. For someone who does not know much about how psychic reading work it can be difficult to tell the fake ones from the real ones.

A big aspect of finding a good psychic reader is that the reader and the querent need to be able to establish a good connection. The psychic connection between the querent and the reader allows the reader to open up and receive messages to give the querent. Usually a reader will know right away if they can or can not connect. If a person gets a reader that says they cannot read for them, then this is usually the case. They are not being rude, they just know they can not help you because they can not establish the connection. As a querent, the best way to tell if there is a connection is based upon the gut feeling. A querent should feel comfortable and at ease with the reader. Any hesitation or uneasiness will throw off the reading.

Once a person finds a reader they need to be able to clear their mind and focus on the situation at hand. They should have a good idea of what they want to know before starting their reading. They should be clear about their feelings in a given situation. It helps because the reader can then connect to these thoughts and feelings in order to get the answers. Many times a reader will want to hold hands or have everyone close their eyes, this is mainly to help the querent stay focused. Sometimes the reader will try to set a calm and mellow mood by using candle light and burning incense.

During the reading the reader may use tools like tarot cards, runes or even a crystal ball. These tools are just an aid for the reader and can also be helpful to the querent. A querent who is even slightly skeptical can then se by the tools that the reader is not just saying things out of thin air. The tools serve as a guide and can help clarify messages the reader may be getting.

A psychic reader can help a querent, but they can not tell them with 100% certainty that something will or will not happen. No psychic reading is positive. The future is not written in stone and as such, nobody can tell anyone else their exact future. Psychic readers can tell a person what may happen based upon their current situation. Any changes in the querent situation and their future may be altered.

A psychic reader is like a guide to the psychic realm. Some people are more prone or find it easier to communicate with those who have passed over, angels or higher beings. These people, psychic readers, work to help others try to make the most of their lives and try to help them get clarity when needed in tough situations.




Astrological Readings | Psychic Readings Online

Realtime Court Status - Gregory Reyes Trial

We are writing tins letter in reference to Mr. Greg Reyes. Our association with Greg began as a business relationship. We are a local general contracting firm that has been building/developing homes throughout the Peninsula for nearly forty years During those years there have been few clients that we truly consider friends, and we proudly consider the Reyes' a part of that select list.

We first met Greg and Penny Reyes in the early part of2000 when they happened upon a home site we were developing. We entered in to contract to build their home shortly thereafter. Our initial meetings with Greg were cordial and as design progressed our interaction was somewhat limited, as is the case with many of our clientele. However over the course of the project we had the opportunity to spend some time with Reyes' both on a business and personal level. Behind the corporate executive we found a sincere family man. Greg is a loving husband and father and to place him behind bars would not only devastate the family, it would be an injustice.

If you've ever been involved in construction of a new home, you'd understand how emotional and very personal the process can be. We were fortunate enough to have been entrusted with that responsibility for Greg and his family. After having worked with many Silicon Valley executives, we can safely say that Greg was among the fairest and most reasonable we have encountered to date. A prime example of that occurred when we were nearing completion of their home. A nearly catastrophic accident took place that injured a worker and delayed the completion of their home. Greg's immediate concern was not the damage that his home sustained nor the delays that would occur as a result but the condition of everyone involved. The Reyes' moved in a few weeks later than ' planned without a word of dismay or dissatisfaction only relief that no one was seriously injured.



Realtime Court Status



Gregory Reyes

Cleaning your hearing aids

Hearing aids which fit in the ear.

When removing your hearing aid before you go to bed you should carefully wipe down with a soft dry cloth or tissue. You should also spend some time inspecting the part of the hearing aid that fits into the ear canal as it is likely that a accumulation of ear wax may have occurred. If this is the case then you will have to remove the wax. When you purchased the hearing aids you should receive a cleaning tool which can be used to do this which usually takes the form of a wire pick or a brush or you could also use a toothbrush.

Hearing aids which fir behind the ear.

As with the above, the procedure is similar. However, the main difference being that the ear mould which fits into the ear which is usually made of Lucite or silicone which is non-electrical and therefore can be washed in mild soapy water. Before washing it is important to ensure the earpiece is disconnected from the behind the ear section to ensure the electrical part of the hearing aid does not get wet. Dry the ear piece correctly before using and also ensure that the tube is clear of water. Please note that the tube may need to be replaced after a period of time usually 3 to 6 months as the flexibility may be lost.

Things not to do…

1. Wash the hearing aid with solvents or alcohol as this may cause the materials from which the aid is made to break down. You can purchase special cleaning fluids designed to clean hearing aids.

2. Don’t let the electrical part of the hearing aid get wet. Avoid wearing the aid when showering of bathing.

3. Try not to drop the hearing aid, especially on a hard floor as this may cause the hearing aid to break.


Hearing Aids Albuquerque NM

Win That Lotto Review - Good Or Bad?

I decided to write this Win That Lotto review after having a chance to look into the program myself. Is there really a strategy that will help you win the lottery? Is there a system that works better than picking random numbers based on your husband’s birthday? I sought to answer these questions and more as I looked at the program, with the hopes that this review will help you decide if it’s something worth looking into on your own.

I have to admit, every time I read the headlines about random people who won huge lottery jackpots I get jealous. I play every week, but have never won more than $100. If only there was a system to win, other than letting the machine choose random numbers for you. Apparently, there is such a program: Win That Lotto.

Win That Lotto is a strategy in the form of software and an e-book that teaches you ways of dramatically increasing your odds of winning. Underground lottery pros have been using the system for years, and now you can as well.

With Win That Lotto, you will learn top lottery systems that put the odds in your favor. The software also teaches you how to come up with the best number combinations, which number combinations never to play, the do’s and don’ts of playing the lotto and how lottery professionals have been making a killing working certain systems.

Win That Lotto is an excellent resource to use if you’re tired of not winning the lottery. When you order the program, you have nothing to lose. The system comes with an iron clad guarantee that promises 100 percent satisfaction. If for any reason you aren’t happy, keep the knowledge you’ve obtained and get your money back. With a promise like that, how can I not tell everyone I know about it? I enthusiastically recommend Win That Lotto to anyone who is tired of being poor. It’s a great system, and can work for you!



winning lottery numbers

winning lotto

Stairlifts – A Guide For The Disabled And Elderly

Many elderly people face a difficult choice in their later years, as their ability to tackle the stairs in their houses becomes more difficult. Do they sell the houses they love and move into a bungalow or sheltered accommodation or do they convert their dining room to a bedroom and live downstairs, assuming they have a bathroom on the ground floor. Of course, there is a third option, which is to provide safe and secure access to their upstairs facilities by using installing a stairlift.

The purchase of a stairlift is quite a daunting prospect since it is something that you have probably never done before and will never do again. What should you look for in a stairlift and do you understand all of the facilities available and which ones are most important to you? There is also the cost factor, how much do you pay to get peace of mind and should you consider second-hand or reconditioned stairlifts.

Firstly, my recommendation is that whether you buy new or reconditioned that you go to a reputable supplier who can advise you on all of the issues, especially installation. If someone has passed away in you locality and their stairlift is for sale cheaply, it is tempting to buy it. However, remember that there are strict safety standards to adhere to, and that installation may not be straight forward. Just consider the tracking for a moment, is it a straight run, is it on the same side of the stairs, are the stairs the same dimensions, or is the tracking actually curved. With stairlifts you are not just buying a mobility product, you are also buying peace of mind. Make sure you deal with suppliers who have years of experience in advising customers and installing their products.

When considering actually what type of stairlift you require, most people opt for the seated version of the product although other types are available including a standing stairlift and one with a large platform to accommodate a wheelchair. For the rest of the article we will consider the most common type, the seated stairlift.

Seated Stairlift
These tend to be the most common type used in a domestic setting. The majority of users are able to walk, but find it difficult to negotiate the stairs. The person must be able to sit safely on the seat during transit and transfer on and off at the top and bottom of the stairs. A swivel seat and lift-up armrests will make transfers onto and off the seat easier.

The swivel seat can be manually or electrically operated. It is preferable that the user can transfer independently; however, in some situations it may be possible for the carer to carry out an assisted transfer in conjunction with a piece of small handling equipment. The ability of the carer to transfer the user at the top of the stairs should be very carefully considered and avoided if at all possible.

Seating Position
There is a choice of fixed seats, fold-down seats, perching seats and seats which slide forward to assist access in and out of the lift. Some companies will fix the seat at the most appropriate height for the user.

Some of questions you should consider prior to purchase are:

• Will the standard seat provided be the correct size for the user?

• Will the user need a special seat for a child or a harness for a more severely disabled child? A seat unit or moulded seating system will have to be removed before the seat can be folded.

• Which direction will the user need to face? Most seats face sideways, but if the user has a stiff knee he/she may need to face forwards to give them more room.

Installation Design Considerations

If your staircase has a sub-landing at the top, with a few steps to the left or right, most companies can fit a manual or motorised folding platform which bridges the gap between the top of the stairlift and the landing, although the number of stairs and the amount of available headroom will need to be taken into consideration. This allows the user to get off the stairlift and walk straight onto the landing, avoiding the need to have a curved or two straight stairlifts installed.

Some people may find the platforms unnerving as they are quite high up over the staircase. If the track for the stairlift cannot continue beyond the bottom or top step of the staircase, usually because it will obstruct a door, some companies can provide a fold-up, hinged rail to overcome this problem. Can other members of the household easily use the stairway when the lift is folded against the wall?

How will the stairlift be controlled and powered

Will the user be able to operate the standard controls, usually push button controls sited on the end of the armrest, or is an alternative method required, for example joystick or toggle controls? Will the controls need to be sited in another position? Wander leads allow the user to operate the controls from the most comfortable position or a carer to operate the lift independently. Remote controls, for a carer to operate, are also available from some companies. Lifts are available with an audible signal to alert blind and partially sighted users that the lift is at the top or the bottom of the track.

Straight stairlifts are available with a battery backup option in case of power failures. Most standard straight stairlifts are powered from the mains. Most curved stairlifts run from rechargeable batteries, which are continually topped up from charging points at the top and the bottom of the stairs. This needs accurate re-siting at the charging point because of a warning bleep if it is in the wrong place.

Maintaining your stairlift

Most major companies guarantee their stairlifts for one year. After this it is recommended that they are inspected every six months and serviced annually. Some companies offer an emergency call-out facility. However, check that they have fully trained service engineers on call 24 hours per day. On completion of your one year warranty most companies will offer to re-guarantee the lift for a charge. It is advisable to check these charges before purchasing.

So, in summary, my advice is to consider all of the points above and then contact a reputable supplier of stairlifts and go and discuss your requirements with them. Most have expert staff on hand to answer your technical queries and build a tailor made solution to fit your needs. Products to make someone more mobile are often bought by, or for, the vulnerable or infirm - take the risk out of the purchase and talk to experienced care advisors that have been specially trained to understand their customer's needs and requirements.


used stair lifts

used stairlifts