Friday, March 30, 2012

Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Children


I recently diagnosed a 12 year old boy with noise induced hearing loss equal to the hearing of a 6o year old factory worker.  His mom asked "How can my 12 year have been exposed to that much noise?"

Hearing loss can happen at any age or stage of life.  We are finding more and more children are damaging their hearing through exposure to loud sound.  Surprisingly, about 12 percent of children between the ages of 6–19 have noise-induced hearing loss.   Unfortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is usually permanent and it is preventable!  Loud sound damaged the fragile nerve endings called hair cells.  Once enough hair cells are damaged there is a loss of hearing.  That is why hearing protective measures are so important. 

Children today are exposed to loud sounds in many ways.  Here are just a few: noisy toys, sporting events, band class, motorbikes, yard and farm equipment, movie theaters, shop class, arcades, concerts, firearms, firecrackers and fireworks, power tools and MP3 players. 

There are steps you can take to protect your son from further damage.  First, think about his activities and see if you can determine where the noise exposure is coming from.  Does he use the MP3 player to cover up the sound of the lawn mower?  When used to cover a sound that is already too loud only increases the risk for damage.

There are three ways to prevent noise induced hearing loss: turn down the volume, use ear plugs or move away from the source of the sound.  Here are few examples.  When mowing the lawn use earplugs to decrease the volume of the mower.  When at a race track, sit further back, away from the track (you also need to wear earplugs or muffs).  Don’t use a music player set at more than ½ volume.

To help your son learn more about hearing, hearing loss, and hearing protection, check out www.dangerousdecibels.org.  If he continues to be exposed to loud sounds, have regular hearing evaluations to monitor his hearing and hearing protection use.  



Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave.
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-2050-9818

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Hearing Aids and Hearing Loss


If you are experiencing hearing problems you are not alone. Thirty six million Americans have hearing loss.  It is anticipated that in less than twenty years, 85 million Americans will experience hearing difficulties. One in three people over 60 and half of those over 85 have hearing problems.  It is one of the most common problems facing older adults.

Hearing loss makes it hard to understand words, follow conversations and respond to signals, including doorbells and smoke alarms. Hearing difficulties interfere with relationships, making visits with family and friends challenging. Hearing problems can be physically tiring, frustrating, isolating, embarrassing, dangerous and more.

There are many benefits to using hearing aids.  They restore normal loudness, so one can hear soft talkers and they help clear up mumbled words.  Hearing aid users report it is easy to participate in conversations again.  For many people hearing aids can be life changing in positive ways.

Not only do hearing aids help you to hear better, those who use hearing aids report living a healthy life style.  They are more active and participate in more social gatherings.  They rate themselves with higher self esteem and self confidence than those who don’t use hearing aids.
Get started now. The sooner you start wearing hearing aids the more likely you will be successful.  Start with a hearing evaluation and see what is available in hearing aids.  You’re likely to be surprised.  Hearing aids work better than ever and are inconspicuous.  Watch this video on one of the newest instruments on the market. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LIRjhyPfM

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
ww.aacHEAR.org



Thursday, March 22, 2012

Hearing Aids Can Change How You Hear Your Voice

Often first timei hearing aid wearers are surprise that their voice sounds different to them. This is common.  Typically there are two things that may be happening. 
First, when you hear your voice through hearing aids it does sound different to you.  It is similar to what happens when you speak into a tape recorder and play it back.  When listening to the tape recording, you are hearing your voice the way others always hear your voice.  People who use hearing aids get use to this very quickly.  Just give it some time.
Second, others may feel you are speaking softer then you use to when you wear your hearing aids.  They are likely correct, you may be speaking softer.  When hearing loss sneaks up on you, slowly increasing over time, everything begins to sound softer.  Naturally, people start to talk , sometimes almost shouting, to hear their own voice.  When you use hearing aids, normal volume is restored. You don’t need speak as loud to hear your own voice.  Others will get use to this.  If they don't and find it hard to hear you, gently they have a hearing evaluation.  They may have a mild loss of hearing.
Sometimes the hearing aids may not be adjusted just right and this will make your voice sound odd.  If your voice sounds different to you and you are not getting use to it, talk to your audiologist. The hearing aids may need to be fine tuned.
Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Board Certified Audiologists
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
fax: 440-205-9818
                                                              website: www.aacHEAR.org



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Adjusting to Hearing Aids


It is typical to need time to adjust to hearing aids.  Often people lose hearing slowly. It is so gradual that they don’t notice background sounds fade away and voices soften.  When one uses hearing aids, volume is suddenly restored and it could be overwhelming.  It is similar to the way light is too bright when we wake up during the night and turn on the light.  Just as it takes time to adjust to the bright light at night, the ears take time to adjust to the “bright” sound through hearing aids.
Everything becomes louder than you are use to.  Initially the brain focuses on background noise.  As the brain adjusts to hearing all of noise again, the focus shifts to voices.
At times an audiologist can help ease this adjustment by setting the hearing aids at a softer volume than is needed.  This is similar to using a dimmer switch to ease the eyes’ adjustment to bright light. The volume is then increased at the follow up visits to maximize hearing.
You can help the process by wearing your hearing aids even when home alone.  The more they are worn, the faster the ears and the brain adjust to all of the sounds around you.  If they are worn for just a few hours a day, the adjustment may never occur, limiting the benefits of the hearing aids.   
Here are some dos and don’ts:
1.       Do have realistic expectations.  Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing.  They provide great help but there are times when you will miss some things.
2.       Do stay in quieter situations for the first few days.  Go to a quiet restaurant.  There will be less background noise and it will be easier to adjust to it.
3.       Do understand how your hearing aids work in noisy environments.  Should you sit with your back to noise or do you need to face the noise?
4.       Do watch the face of the speaker. The brain uses all the information you can give it, even lip cues.
5.       Do sit up close to the speaker at a lecture or church service.  You will hear better.
6.       Don’t say “what?” if you miss heard something.  Repeat what you heard, it will help the speaker fill in what was missed, possibly with other words that are easier for you to understand.
7.       Don’t give up. The more you use the hearing aids and work with them the better it becomes.
Even experienced hearing aid wearers find it necessary to adjust to new hearing aids.  The new hearing aids amplify higher frequencies then older ones.  Putting high frequencies back in can improve understanding of words and change the quality of the sound.  Again, time allows the brain to get use to the new sound quality so you can enjoy improved understanding ability.
If you are having difficulty adjusting to hearing aids talk to your audiologist. He or she will be able to help. Click here for a helpful video


Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!
Does your voice sound different to you when you wear hearing aids?  Do others feel you talk softer with hearing aids on?  Learn why next week
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Board Certified Audiologists
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
1-440-205-8848
Fax: 1-440-205-9818
http://www.aachear.org/

Monday, March 12, 2012

What should I know about purchasing hearing aids?

Buying hearing aids can be an overwhelming process.  After you have had your hearing assessment, the audiologist will guide you through the process.  It is important that you share information regarding your life style, work setting, recreational and social activities as well as what you would expect of hearing aids.

Cost is always a significant factor.  The cost of the instruments varies depending upon the features and level of technology you choose in your hearing aids.  If price is the largest hurdle in your decision to purchase hearing aids, more basic instruments might be appropriate.

A trial period should be offered with the fitting of your hearing aids. This could be from 30 to 45 days.  Expect to be seen for at least two to three follow-ups during the trial period.  Questions will be asked regarding your adjustment to the hearing aids, how well you are hearing in a variety of listening situations and how to clean them. If at the end of the trial period, you are not satisfied, you have the right to return the instruments.  Generally, there is a non-refundable fee when the aids are returned for credit.

Purchasing hearing aids should be a positive experience with a successsful outcome.  Working together with your audiologist for best results.

Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane M. Kukula, Au.D.
Paula G. Webster, M.A.
Advanced Audiology Concepts, Inc.
8897 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH  44060
440-205-8848
www.aacHEAR>org

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Getting Started with Hearing Aids

Do people speak softly?  Do you mishear words?  Can you hear a whisper? Do others complain that the TV is too loud? The sooner you start the more likely you are to adjust to hearing aids and maintain your ability to understand words. 
See an audiologist for an evaluation of your ears and hearing.  The audiologist will look in your ears with a light to determine if there is a buildup of ear wax.  The examination will also assess the flexibility of the eardrums, muscle reflexes in the ears and the function of the inner ear.  Measures of hearing ability along with lifestyle considerations will help us determine the best hearing aids for each person. 
Hearing aids are comfortable and easy to use.  They come in many styles. Some are custom fit to the ears and others fit over the ear with a soft silicone earpiece in the ear canal. They have various features that assist hearing ability in many different situations including noisy places such as a restaurant.
Our audiologists assist in finding the best hearing aids for each person’s abilities. We listen to the individual needs and lifestyle, taking them into account when recommending specific hearing aids.  We consider:
  • Type of hearing loss
  • Severity of hearing loss
  • Size and shape of the ear and ear canal
  • Lifestyle
  • Patient preference
  • Patient dexterity
  • Financial Investment 
We have access to many manufacturer's brand allowing us to choose among many instruments.  Once we determine the best hearing aids for each person, they are programmed according to the hearing measures and to specific listening environments.
Why wait?  Get started now!  
Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!
Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
www.aacHEAR.org
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848


Thursday, March 1, 2012

Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

If you are experiencing hearing problems you are not alone. Thirty six million Americans have hearing loss.  It is anticipated that in less than twenty years, 85 million Americans will experience hearing difficulties. One in three people over 60 and half of those over 85 have hearing problems.  It is one of the most common problems facing older adults.

Hearing loss makes it hard to understand words, follow conversations and respond to signals, including doorbells and smoke alarms. Hearing difficulties interfere with relationships, making visits with family and friends challenging. Hearing problems can be physically tiring, frustrating, isolating, embarrassing, dangerous and more.

There are many benefits to using hearing aids.  They restore normal loudness, so one can hear soft talkers and they help clear up mumbled words.  Hearing aid users report it is easy to participate in conversations again.  For many people hearing aids can be life changing in positive ways.

Not only do hearing aids help you to hear better, those who use hearing aids report living a healthy life style.  They are more active and participate in more social gatherings.  They rate themselves with higher self esteem and self confidence then those who don’t use hearing aids.

The sooner you start wearing hearing aids the more likely you will be successful.  Start with a hearing evaluation and see what is available in hearing aids.  You’re likely to be surprised.  Hearing aids work better than ever and are inconspicuous.  Why wait? Get started now!

Watch this video on one of the newest instruments on the market.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LIRjhyPfM

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/