Thursday, August 29, 2013

Are Alzheimer's disease and hearing loss related?

Yes, hearing loss is associated with several diseases among them are dementia, cognitive dysfunction, diabetes and heart 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 and there is a link between Alzheimer’s disease and hearing loss.  Studies show that 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 studies looking at cognitive function and hearing loss demonstrated 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 include learning new tasks, reduced alertness, irritability, anger and fatigue.   Untreated hearing loss can appear as if someone is having memory problems when it is a hearing problem.  Further, 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.  Basically it is a case of use it or lose it.  Unfortunately, studies also show that people with Alzheimer’s who have hearing loss, they are less likely to receive hearing help. 

The Better Hearing Institute recommends regular comprehensive audiological examination and hearing aid consultation.  Hearing aids can and do improve the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s.  Call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!



8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818





Picture obtained at:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://mi2g.com/images/q_cognition.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.mi2g.com/cgi/mi2g/press/030511ii.php&h=407&w=450&sz=37&tbnid=8u7Gv6w-XwbGaM:&tbnh=116&tbnw=128&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bof%2Bcognition%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+of+cognition&usg=__Se7wddBtgDSXVQJsDbCfEW8RW5o=&docid=23Krg2O2OpYo0M&sa=X&ei=Zk7xUfHLOLGgyAHuqIGgDw&ved=0CEEQ9QEwBQ&dur=109

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Hearing aids and quality of life

Hearing aids improve quality of life in many ways. They improve communication. Good communication is a key to good relationships, impacting intimacy and warmth. They help make communication easy, increasing one’s confidence in social situations.  Improved communication positively affects many daily life activities, work, shopping, social situations and family life, just to name a few. 

Research shows that hearing aids return a sense of control over life events.  Those who use hearing aids have greater physical, emotional and mental health, and higher self-esteem.  They are physically and socially more active.

Emotional stability is improved and people report an improved perception of mental function. Hearing aids can help decrease feelings of discrimination, anger, frustration, depression, feelings of paranoia, anxiety and social phobias.

Another plus is increased earning power.  Some studies show an increase in income of up to $24,000 a year for those who use hearing aids vs those with hearing loss who do not use them.

If you have a mild, moderate or severe hearing loss and are considering hearing aids, think about these benefits. Hearing aids hold great potential to positively change your life.  Schedule a hearing evaluation and discuss the benefits you stand to gain with an audiologist.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!





8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818




Picture obtained from:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://media.coreperformance.com/images/411*308/Improve%2BYour%2BQuality%2Bof%2BLife%2Bat%2BAny%2BAge.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.coreperformance.com/daily/the-performance-life/improve-your-quality-of-life-at-any-age.html&h=308&w=411&sz=23&tbnid=pEp7PFvmE2CW8M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bfor%2Bimprove%2Bquality%2Bof%2Blife%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+for+improve+quality+of+life&usg=__D1xgBmsRZ--uG25I_Br2_t0xVLk=&docid=fJrIPvHfrqDq2M&sa=X&ei=PkrxUe-TK-OayAGooIHwCQ&ved=0CDQQ9QEwAQ&dur=6545

Thursday, August 15, 2013

First step to better hearing

A complete hearing test is the first step to better hearing.  Many people go through life simply “living with” hearing loss, never recognizing there are solutions readily available!  Diagnostic hearing testing will identify the nature and degree of your hearing and understanding problems.  Following the complete testing, recommendations for treatment will be made.

Treatment may be as simple as the removal of excess earwax.  If necessary, a referral for medical treatment will be made.  Sensorineural hearing loss will cause speech to be difficult to understand, even if the volume of sound appears to be adequate. Recommendations may include hearing aids, listening therapy, and use of assistive listening devices and the support of counseling.

Hearing aids provide the amplification of sound.  Digital technology allows the flexibility to cater to our individual lifestyles and needs.  Miniature behind the ear instruments are now available and are practically invisible.  Several options include directional microphones, multiple programs and automatic programming, volume control and telephone switches. 

Assistive listening devices can make the activities of daily living more accessible.  Amplified telephones, vibrating alarm clocks, alerting doorbells and wireless TV amplifiers provide additional sound awareness.

The psychological impact of hearing loss should not be overlooked.  Often denial of the hearing loss leads to frustration, exhaustion, isolation and even depression.  Listen to your family and co-workers, have a thorough examination.  The importance of seeking help for hearing loss cannot be emphasized enough! 



Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818




Picture obtained from:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hearinglosseducation.com/sites/default/files/hearing-tests.jpg%3F1316196682&imgrefurl=http://www.hearinglosseducation.com/hearing-tests&h=270&w=680&sz=28&tbnid=G8VJbhEpusL4QM:&tbnh=59&tbnw=149&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bof%2Bhearing%2Btests%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+of+hearing+tests&usg=__fQCOHrQuSqas6DdtLwM-F9RuXPk=&docid=m3DOVsgE7YhxqM&sa=X&ei=_D3xUa30D6bgyQGY-oGwAg&ved=0CEMQ9QEwAw&dur=5174

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Do I need two hearing aids?

This s a very common question.    If you have a hearing loss in both ears ear, it is highly recommended that you be fit with a hearing aid in both ears.  Research has shown that individuals who have been fit with two hearing aids are generally more satisfied than those who were fit with one instrument.  When given the choice, overwhelmingly, consumers choose two hearing aids.

Some of the advantages of hearing in both ears include:  better understanding of speech in both quiet and noisy situations, better overall sound and tonal quality, improved localization of sound and a wider range of hearing.  By wearing two hearing aids, it is easier to focus on the conversation and your ability to understand speech is improved.  Localizing the source of sound is vitally important.  For example, it allows you to identify the direction from which speech or noise (like a car or siren) is coming.

When listening to a stereo system, both speakers allow the smoothest, sharpest, most natural sound quality.  The same thing will be true with hearing aids.  With two hearing instruments, the range of hearing increases from 180 to 360 degrees.  This greater range of hearing provides a better sense of balance and sound quality, making listening more enjoyable and relaxing.  As an added advantage, many hearing aid wearers report not hearing the “ringing” tinnitus that plagues them.  If you have a hearing aid in only one ear there will still be ringing in the unaided ear. 

Using two hearing aids will allow you to enjoy better hearing in small and large group settings, with improved localization and less strain, for a more pleasant listening experience.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Resistance to seeking hearing help

We often see people with hearing loss resist seeking help.  There are many reasons why they it put off. 

It easy to deny there is a problem and blame others for the difficulty.  Hearing loss causes voices to sound soft and muffled.  It does not appear as if it is their hearing, just that others do not speak up or talk clearly.  When they watch TV, the volume does not sound loud to them, leading them to believe others like it very soft.

Hearing loss is often gradual.  It decreases slowly over time.  So slowly, that people can be unaware that hearing is changing.  Some sounds, such as birds or voices from another room and more, fade away without being missed. 

Not knowing or understanding about hearing and hearing aids, or where to go and who to see, can create fear.  To complicate it, many have heard stories of people who were unsuccessful with hearing aids.  This can create concern about making a good financial investment.  We recommend an audiologist.  Audiologists have many years of study in the area of the ears, hearing and hearing aids.  If hearing aids are recommended, they can help find cost effective ones.  

Help them to focus on what they are missing and how hearing loss is changing thier life in negative ways.  Often those with untreated hearing loss isolate themselves and withdraw from social situations including family gatherings.  They miss out on grandchildren and their stories.  It can impact relationships and her quality of life.  Stop in your local audiologist's office pick up some literature.  Knowledge about what to expect can help dispel some of the fear and anxiety.  Encourage them just as you would with any health issue. 

The longer they put it off, the more likely they will have a reduced ability to understand words.   Call and schedule a hearing evaluation.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!




8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818







Picture obtained from:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.agoramedia.com/everydayhealth/gcms/photogallery_social_withdrawal_full.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/depression-symptoms-to-watch-for.aspx&h=400&w=300&sz=34&tbnid=kyOam7F9IAKZxM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=77&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dphoto%2Bof%2Bsocial%2Bwithdrawal%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=photo+of+social+withdrawal&usg=__qNsHXtuDGJI5_1eQSsMWZnDP6BE=&docid=mXgLie8nGQZl0M&sa=X&ei=caTRUfibAbDLywGa1oCYBA&ved=0CEEQ9QEwBQ&dur=266