Baseline Hearing Evaluation

If you or someone you know is often asking “what?”, has noises in the ears, a family history of hearing loss, works in a noisy environment or uses increased volume for the TV, it may be well past time for a baseline evaluation.  It is best to have the baseline evaluation prior to having problems with your hearing.  

See an Audiologist.  Audiologists are professionals uniquely trained in the science of hearing and balance.  An Audiologist will have a masters or doctoral degree that includes months of clinical training including the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids.  Audiologists are recognized by insurance companies as appropriate professionals to provide hearing assessment and hearing aids.

There are several components to a baseline hearing evaluation.  First we look into the ears with an ear light to determine if there is a buildup of ear wax.  Next we check the flexibility of the eardrum (it is painless) and the ear reflexes.  Then we measure your hearing by finding the softest volume you hear various pitched tones and how well you can understand a list of words.  Lastly, we do a test that assesses the health of the hearing nerves.  The hearing evaluation is a benefit of Medicare and most insurance companies.

Why wait?  Have your baseline assessment now.  May is Better Hearing Month, it’s a great time to get started.

Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD

Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

www.aacHEAR.org

Resistance to using hearing aids

Are you living with someone who has a hearing loss and refuses to do anything about it? 

Sadly, only 20% of those who have hearing loss, actually seek treatment, with the use of hearing aids.
Why is this?  Men usually see this as a sign of weakness and women as a sign of aging.

We all know someone (or maybe more than one) who has complaints about their hearing aids.  They don't care for them for one reason or another (they squeal, they don't help in background noise, they are too visible). The list could go on and on, and sometimes does!!
Fortunately, the new technology is truly helping to address all of these issues.  And the instruments are so discreet that they are virtually invisible!  And yes, they can be pricey, but if fit well, meeting your expectations, it is worth every penny.

The first step to deal with the resistance of using hearing aids is to have a complete Hearing Evaluation.  Then the audiologist can map out a plan of action, demonstrate hearing aids, answer any questions you or your family member has and hopefully calm your fears about entering into this journey!  Why wait? We can help.

Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts, Inc.
8897 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH  44060
440-205-8848
www.aacHEAR.org

Hearing Loss and Unseen Affects

It is easy to see how hearing loss affects communication and relationships. We know good communication is the cornerstone of a good relationship.  Being cut off from people and easy communication can take a toll on every aspect of life not just relationships. We know hearing loss can raise feelings of nervousness, anxiety, irritability and depression.  The added struggle of daily communication with family members, friends and store clerks can leave one frustrated and angry.

Another unseen affect is how others sometimes perceive people with hearing loss. When you miss hear and think the conversation is about something different, yes, it can lead to laughter, but it can also leave one feeling foolish.  Another unseen impact is on memory.  If you don’t hear something correctly, you are unable to remember it correctly.  This can lead others to believe you have memory problems when really you just didn't hear it. Often people need to put together what they heard, lip reading information, contextual cues and body language to follow a conversation. Putting all this information together takes longer.  Sometimes this appears as if one’s ability to understand and process information is slowing down. Again, leaving another undesirable perception.

Hearing loss can have an unnoticed affect on the work environment.  Did you know that studies show that those with untreated hearing loss earn an average of $24,000 less year?  When you think about how untreated hearing loss appears to others, it is easy to understand how one can be passed over for promotion or receive less in a raise. 

Treating hearing loss with hearing aids and sometimes listening therapy, can have a positive impact on all of these.  Greater self confidence and self esteem positively impacts home and work lives.  Benefits of hearing aids have a far reaching emotional impact.  Why wait? 

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane M. Kukula, AuD
Paula G. Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts, Inc.

8897 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/

Common Misconceptions about Hearing Loss

In the past, those with hearing loss in one ear, a high frequency hearing loss, or with "nerve" damage, may have been told that hearing aids would not be helpful.  This may have been the case many years ago, but with all of the modern advances in technology, nearly 95% of those with sensorineural hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids.

Also, many have been told that their hearing loss is "common" for their age.  Hearing loss of any degree is going to have an impact on daily living, no matter what our age!!!  It is the impact of the hearing loss that needs to be addressed. 

Often, an individual with hearing loss will begin to withdraw from family and social situations.  They (or their family) will demonstrate extreme frustration with most communication situations.  A change in  emotional or social behavior is often an important clue to hearing loss. 

The most common misconception relative to hearing aids is that they make us look old!  Appearing older is clearly affected by many other factors other than hearing aids.  Today, they are so small and discreet that you cannot tell who is wearing hearing instruments.  I have often felt that a hearing loss is much more obvious than the hearing aids!

Hearing aids have an impressive list of potential benefits.  Why be fooled by some of these misconceptions? Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane M. Kukula, AuD
Paula G. Webster, M.A.
Advanced Audiology Concepts, Inc.
8897 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.com/

Hearing Success Story

Today I saw someone who found hearing aids to be life changing.  She had a significant hearing loss that crept up slowly.  It happened so slowly, she did not know how poor her hearing really was.  One day she realized she was missing out on conversations.  She attended social gatherings, family events and church but felt left out.  She even found it a challenge to talk with store clerks.

For her, feeling isolated from family friends and acquaintances brought her in seeking help.  I give her credit.  It is a big step to recognize that people may not be speaking softly, and that maybe it is your hearing.  Following the evaluation, she was fit with hearing aids. She now enjoys easy conversations and has a more active life.  She is happy to accept invitations to lunch or dinner.  She is aware of things happening around her again.  She knows when someone walks up behind her, or if something falls off the counter.  She can hear birds, traffic and a neighbor calling her over the fence.   She no longer misses the jokes or feels left out. Her hearing aids have become her best friends.

Though getting hearing aids is not life changing for everyone, even subtle improvements in hearing have a positive impact in life.  People are comfortable wearing hearing aids, they are light on the ears and inconspicuous.  Typically people forget they have them on. 

Most people seek hearing help when they realize they are missing things that are important to them.  Sometimes it is difficulty hearing at work, miss hearing the boss is never good.  For others it happens when they have trouble hearing the grandchildren.  Others it is when the volume on the TV becomes too loud for family members (usually it doesn’t sound loud to the person with hearing difficulties).  At times it happens with the loss of spouse who has been the "ears" of the couple.

Whatever the reason or the catalyst that brings someone to our office, each person is treated with respect.  We understand that for some it is stressful.  Know that hearing assessment is easy and painless.  Individual needs and hearing challenges are addressed.  

If it seems people speak softly, mumble or if you miss hear what was said, Act now!  Schedule an appointment.

To learn more about us go to http://www.aachear.org/  We can help.

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

Hearing Loss, Alzheimer's and Dementia

Hearing loss is associated with several diseases among them are dementia, cognitive dysfunction, and alzheimer's disease.   We now know there are more older adults with dementia who have hearing loss then there are older adults in general with hearing loss. 

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.  What we found is a link between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease.   For every 10 decibels (a measurement of volume) of hearing loss there is a 20% increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.  Another study demonstrates adults with a mild to moderate hearing loss used so much energy to hear, they were unable to recall a short list of words.  Other cognitive abilities affected by hearing loss include learning new tasks, reduced alertness, irritability, anger and fatigue.   Thus hearing loss can make it appear as if someone is having memory issues when really it is a hearing problem.  Left untreated, hearing loss can result in permanent changes in the way the brain works. 

On a positive note, when treated with hearing aids and listening training, symptoms such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and disorientation can be reduced.  Just as we know working crossword puzzles and other word games stimulate the brain, so does hearing.  Just hearing sounds in your environment stimulates the brain.  Basically it is a case of use it or lose it. And unfortunately, while there are many people with Alzheimer’s who have hearing loss, they are less likely to receive hearing help. 

The Better Hearing Institute recommends regular comprehensive audiologic examination and hearing aids when recommended.  Hearing aids can and do improve the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s.  Call today to schedule an appointment. 

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
http://www.aachear.org/