Thursday, November 29, 2012

Affects of untreated hearing loss


Hearing health is an important part of daily life. It not only affects quality of life but also well-being.  There are many side effects of hearing loss that are rarely considered.  The obvious side affects are the loss of communication and the enjoyment of sounds such as listening to music.  The not so obvious ones include a negative impact on relationships and social life. Self esteem, confidence and level of physical activity are also impacted.  Further, untreated hearing loss leads to withdrawal and depression.

Folks with hearing loss are not alone. It is a common health problem impacting 48 million Americans. While hearing loss is common, it remains one of the most commonly untreated health conditions in the United States. The sad truth is, the majority of people with untreated hearing loss are men.

On the positive side, 95% of those with hearing loss are successfully treated with hearing aids.  Modern hearing aids are digital making them smart.  They adjust to sounds in the environment maximizing hearing for conversations.  There are many features such as directional microphones, noise cancelling and noise reduction that help hearing speech in restaurants and social activities, and they look great.  They are discreet and cosmetically appealing.  Treating hearing loss has a positive effect on self esteem, confidence, social events and relationships.  There is no reason to wait and put off treatment.  Most people regret they waited awhile to invest in hearing aids.

For those who resist seeking hearing help, the Better Hearing Institute reports one of the best ways to get a loved one to seek help for their hearing loss is to stop being their hearing helper! When family members help others to hear by repeating specials in a restaurant or filling them in on conversations, family members become the hearing "aides".   When they stop this, the person with the hearing loss becomes much more aware of what they are missing.

For most of us, the holidays bring social gatherings which can be difficult.  Encourage loved ones to call now  and schedule a hearing evaluation there is still time to be fit with hearing aidsImproving hearing is a great gift.


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








Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing You and Your Families a
Happy Thanksgiving
Filled with the Sounds of Joy and Laughter!  


From all of us at
Advanced Audiology Concepts



Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


Jane Kukula, AuD

Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848






Thursday, November 15, 2012

Hearing aid styles


Hearing aids are the primary means of treating permanent hearing loss.  Most hearing loss is permanent and is not medically or surgically treatable. If you notice difficulty hearing or changes in your hearing, see an audiologist.  A comprehensive evaluation will determine whether you are a candidate for hearing aids or for medical/surgical options.

90% of all hearing loss is permanent. In which case
hearing aids are the first line of treatment.  Hearing aids are basically miniature loud speaker systems. The microphone picks up the sound, the amplifier makes the sound louder, and the receiver (speaker) delivers the sound. By 2009, 98 percent of all hearing aids were digital. Digital technology allows sound to be manipulated in many useful ways.  Some hearing aids are completely automatic, while others have adjustable controls. 


Hearing aid styles are classified as “standard” and “custom.” Standard hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE) and mini-BTE devices. These devices are designed to fit most ears and usually require some customization of the earpiece and the connection of the device to the earpiece. Custom hearing aids include in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC). These products require a custom-molded shell that houses the electronics. Standard and custom hearing aids come in a variety of technologies, colors, shapes, and sizesWe work with you to review hearing aid options and assist you in making a good choice. 


The choice of hearing aid styles and features is based on several factors including the type and amount of hearing loss, individual needs such as communication requirements, lifestyle, and manual dexterity, and medical history. 


Start with a comprehensive hearing evaluation performed by an audiologist.  Call for an appointment.  


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/






Thursday, November 8, 2012

Asymmetrical hearing loss


Typically we see hearing loss that is equal between ears.  Sometimes, it is unequal.  That is one ear has a mild loss and the other a more significant loss of hearing.  In these cases, when they compare hearing in between ears, it appears as if one is “good” and the other is not.  It is typical for someone who hears better in one ear to favor that ear.  They learn to rely on it for most hearing needs such as conversation, telephone, etc.  This gives the impression that the ear is good or “normal” when there is hearing loss.   

Nearly all patients who believe that they have "good" hearing in one ear actually have hearing loss in both ears.  The Better Hearing Institute also reported that about 90% of people who benefit from hearing aids benefit from two hearing aids.

Hearing loss affects people of all ages, not just the elderly.  About 65% of people with hearing loss are under the age of 64 years.  There are about six million people in Americans between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and more than one million are school age.

Whether you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty hearing in one or two ears, see an audiologist.   In rare cases, asymmetrical hearing loss can be a sign of a serious condition.  Following the audiologic evaluation we would be able to make specific recommendations for medical follow up or for amplification, listening training or other services.  Get started now!  Call and schedule an appointment.

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/








Thursday, November 1, 2012

An audiologist



I recommend you see an audiologist.  Audiologists are the most trained in hearing and hearing loss.  An audiologist will perform an audiologic evaluation including measures of hearing and assess the function the eardrums, ear muscle reflexes and hearing nerve (haircell) health. The audiologic assessment is a thorough evaluation of the function of the ear going well beyond simple hearing measures. As a result an audiologist will know whether to refer you to a physician, or recommend listening training or hearing aids.

If hearing aids are indicated, I again, recommend you work with an audiologist. A hearing aid dealer can also fit and dispense hearing aids but their education and training is different.  Audiologists have either a Master’s Degree or Doctoral Degree which includes college course work on the development of the ear, how it works, the anatomy and physiology of the ear, causes of hearing loss, ear diseases and fitting hearing aids. Hearing aid dealers are licensed in most states. The requirements may vary slightly state by state.  In Ohio they need a high school education or equivalent, and must pass a state examination.  Typically they are trained by other licensed hearing aid dealers.

Get started by scheduling an appointment with an audiologist.  Call one now.



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/