Thursday, December 25, 2014

Hearing is a gift. Do we appreciate it enough?


 Quite often we take our ability to hear for granted.  When it is compromised, temporarily or permanently, we begin to realize how much we depend on our sense of hearing.  Reduced hearing sensitivity can result in wide range of physical and emotional conditions including: irritability, negativism, anger, fatigue, tension, stress, depression, avoidance or withdrawal from social situations and loneliness.  Yikes, who wants to be faced with all of that?
Fortunately, there are numerous solutions for those with hearing issues.  As Jane and I have stated many times before, the first step in finding those solutions is to begin with a baseline hearing test.  This testing will be the guide to finding the correct course of treatment.  If hearing instruments are recommended, there are many choices to fit lifestyle and hearing needs.  Today’s technology is opening many new avenues to improve listening experiences.
This Holiday Season, resolve to appreciate the gift of hearing.  Discover the importance of being able to confidently participate in all conversational situations, watch and understand television, hear on the telephone and listen to music.  We have so much to gain by hearing well. 


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848440-205-8848
Fax: 440-205-9818






Thursday, December 4, 2014

What's the noise in my ear?


Christmas <b>Bells</b>
Noises in the ears is called tinnitus.  The Better Hearing Institute defines tinnitus as “the perception of a sound that has no external source.” The noise can take on several forms.  Some people report ringing, humming, buzzing, clicking or cricket-like sounds.

At times tinnitus may be a combination of sounds or sounds that change in pitch or loudness. It can be constant or intermittent, in one ear, both ears, or in the head.  It may vague, and difficult to pin point a point of origin.

Occasionally people with tinnitus hear music, singing or voices.  This is different from someone who has a mental illness and may experience hallucinations. With tinnitus, there is neural activity in the brain causing the phenomena.

There are many causes.  At times the cause in not known. The most common causes include hearing loss and exposure to loud sounds.  Sometimes is presents following a head injury, stroke or can be a side effect of some medications.

While there is typically no “cure” for tinnitus there are ways to manage it.  For most people, masking is successful at covering up or hiding the tinnitus.  Since tinnitus usually presents with hearing loss, hearing aids are often used.



Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

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




Image obtained 12-4-14 at : https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrBT9f7cYBU_RQA2yVXNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTMxNgRncHJpZANRY0xYWVFRdlRmeTNWS2txMmRuSnlBBG5fcnNsdAMwBG5fc3VnZwMxMARvcmlnaW4Dc2VhcmNoLnlhaG9vLmNvbQRwb3MDMARwcXN0cgMEcHFzdHJsAwRxc3RybAMxMQRxdWVyeQNwaG90byBiZWxscwR0X3N0bXADMTQxNzcwNDAwNg--?p=photo+bells&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=yfp-t-316&fp=1

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Hearing loss runs in my family. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?


While you may not be able to prevent hearing loss completely if it is genetic, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of hearing loss you may experience.  

Hearing loss is often results from a reduction in blood of oxygen reaching the ears.  When the ears do not get enough oxygen, the nerves starts to deteriorate.  Oxygen travels through the blood stream.   Reduced blood flow reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the ears.  Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fats and cholesterol, along with exercise can maintain a health flow of oxygen to your ears.  

Besides eating right and exercising, you can also prevent other types of hearing loss altogether.  Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Be aware of when, where and how you are exposed to loud sounds.  Loud sound, whether it is noise or music, can hurt your hearing.  Protect your hearing, use ear plugs or muffs when exposed to loud activities such as car races and fireworks, and performing loud activities such as using power tools.  Also, pay attention to how loud you listen to music and keep the volume on the softer side.
  2. Certain medications can cause hearing loss.  Some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can be harmful to hearing.  When on any medication, talk to your doctor about potential side effects.
Receiving good hearing care and regular audiologic evaluations will allow us to monitor your hearing and hearing needs.  Call to make an appointment to see one of our audiologists.  As part of the evaluation you will have your ear canals checked for earwax and it can be removed safely by the audiologist.  We can review your risks for hearing loss and develop a plan for you. 




Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

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






Thursday, November 20, 2014

What should I know about purchasing hearing aids?


Buying hearing aids can be a very daunting process.  The nature and degree of your hearing loss will be a factor in determining the style of hearing aids that will be appropriate for you.  The audiologist will guide you through this process.  Information regarding your life style, work setting, recreational activities and expectations from amplification will be helpful in making a decision regarding the hearing aids. 

Cost of the instruments varies depending upon the level of technology and features of the hearing aids.  The purchase of hearing aids is a major investment.  If the price is the largest hurdle in your decision to purchase hearing aids, be sure to consider if more basic instruments would be appropriate.  Inquire about the availability of financial assistance.  Although most insurance companies will cover the cost of the hearing testing, they generally do not cover the cost of hearing aids.

The hearing aids should be fit with a trial period.  Expect to be seen for at least two hearing aids checks, to discuss your progress.  Questions regarding the hearing aids, how they function, how well you are hearing in quiet and in noise, on the phone and in challenging listening situations will be addressed.  If at the end of the trial period, you are not satisfied with the hearing aids, you have the right to return them or exchange them and try something different. Generally, there is a non-refundable fee when the instruments are returned.
Purchasing hearing aids should be a positive experience with a successful outcome.  Work together with your audiologist for the best results. This holiday season, please encourage those in your life who may need hearing assistance to take the first step and schedule a complete Hearing Evaluation.




Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

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





Thursday, November 13, 2014

Why does someone resist getting hearing aids?


There are many reasons why people resist seeking help for their hearing difficulties.  Often, hearing loss is perceived as a sign of aging or weakness.  Sometimes they feel that with hearing aids will be viewed as less attractive or less competent.  Putting off using hearing aids may be based on what appears to be valid logic, i.e., “I’m too young!”, It’s not bad enough yet!”, “No one I know likes their hearing aids.”, “We just can’t afford it now!”, “My brother has a hearing loss and doesn’t wear hearing aids and he gets along just fine!”.  In reality, none of these excuses amount to anything but procrastination, minimizing the problem in order to justify not pursuing treatment. 

Sadly, only 20 percent of people who have hearing loss seek treatment through the use of hearing aids.  This statistic alone, speaks volumes about what a spouse and families endure.  It not only means louder TV, repeating throughout the day, filling in important parts of conversations, it raises the anxiety levels of everyone in the family.  Struggling to communicate under these circumstances is exhausting. 
The real tragedy of untreated hearing loss is the isolation that results from avoiding all the situations that make hearing a challenge.   The natural progression of this is giving up more and more activities in order to operate within a “comfort zone”.   Coming to terms with hearing loss is not an easy task.  Continue to be supportive and encourage loved ones to begin to accept hearing loss and to seek treatment.  They may be surprised at what they were missing. 







Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained on 10-28-14 at: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+of+seniors+communicating&id=B8217E8889D4124BF1B6E2AD164972BE9C4F3030&FORM=IQFRBA

Thursday, November 6, 2014

What causes a conductive hearing loss?


Conductive hearing loss is can be caused by any condition that prevents sound from reaching the inner ear.  When sound enters the ear it must travel down the ear canal, pass through the eardrum, set the bones in the middle into motion and enter the inner ear. Problems anywhere along this path prior to the inner ear, can cause a conductive hearing loss.  

Here are some of the more common causes:

·         Ear wax build up

·         Fluid behind the eardrum

·         Growth in the ear canal or behind the eardrum

·         Hole in the eardrum

·         Problems with the bones in the middle ear such as otosclerosis

·         Swimmer’s ear


Conductive hearing loss is usually temporary in that it is often medically or surgically treatable.  Once the underlying cause is remedied, hearing returns completely or at least partially.  If there is any remaining hearing loss following treatment, hearing aids can be beneficial.

Conductive hearing loss can be diagnosed through an audiologic assessment (hearing evaluation). This assessment can also reveal the underlying cause.  If you think you have a conductive hearing loss, start with an audiologic evaluation.  Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment.


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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




Image obtained on 10-22-14 at: https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+conductive+hearing+loss&biw=1079&bih=732&tbm=isch&imgil=J65WNPSI5fBh4M%253A%253B8iG2jNV6FN2ECM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.hearingaid-specialist.org%25252Fhtml%25252Fhearingloss.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=J65WNPSI5fBh4M%253A%252C8iG2jNV6FN2ECM%252C_&usg=__LuNCDIToGSkBm4OGQCT4xHChW0E%3D&ved=0CDMQyjc&ei=7wdIVJrRKMKvyASywoLQCA#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=J65WNPSI5fBh4M%253A%3B8iG2jNV6FN2ECM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hearingaid-specialist.org%252Fimages%252Fconduct.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hearingaid-specialist.org%252Fhtml%252Fhearingloss.html%3B366%3B281

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Does everyone have hearing loss when they are older?



Hearing loss affects people of all age groups.  The occurrence of hearing loss is the reverse of what most people think. The Better Hearing Institute reported the majority, 65% of people with hearing loss, are younger than age 65. There are more than six million people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss, and nearly one and a half million are school age.


People with hearing loss often feel alone. They think they are different because of their hearing. People with hearing loss are not alone.  Hearing loss is a common condition.  It is estimated that 38 million American’s have hearing loss.  That is about 10% of the population of the United States.

Here is the how the numbers breakdown:

  • 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss;
  • 1 in 6 between the ages 41-59, or 14.6%, have a hearing problem;
  • 1 in 14 between the ages 29-40, or 7.4%, already have some hearing loss;
  • At least 1.4 million children 18 or younger have hearing problems;
  • It is estimated that 3 in 1,000 infants are born with significant hearing loss

Hearing loss affects people of all ages.  It is not merely a sign of aging.  If you notice changes in hearing or feel words sound muffled, have an audiologic assessment (hearing evaluation).  Get started now.  Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment.
 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



 
 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Effects of untreated hearing loss

Untreated hearing loss has been known to have a significant impact on the quality of one’s life.  

A multitude of emotions surround those with hearing loss.  To name a few: sadness, anger, frustration, embarrassment, feelings of inadequacy, isolation, loneliness and loss of concentration.  Often these feelings can lead to exhaustion, withdrawal and depression. 

Treatment of hearing loss, with the fitting of hearing aids, has been shown to improve:
  • Earning power
  • Communication in relationships
  • Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
  • Ease in communication
  • Emotional stability
  • Sense of control over life events
  • Perception of mental function
  • Physical health
  • Group social participation

Additionally, treatment for hearing loss also reduces anger and frustration in relationships, feelings of anxiety and paranoia, depression and self-criticism.  Research by the National Council on Aging has demonstrated that hearing aids clearly are associated with impressive improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being of those with hearing loss.   

Schedule a complete hearing evaluation.  If hearing loss is identified, consider the impact of an untreated hearing loss.  Fitting of hearing aids has the potential to positively change your life.




Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!



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


Image obtained 10-15-14 at: https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0LEV04PEz1Uly8Arn5XNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTkwMS1zBGdwcmlkA19uZkVlS3ZSVERxejk0QWRVWFREM0EEbl9yc2x0AzAEbl9zdWdnAzQEb3JpZ2luA3NlYXJjaC55YWhvby5jb20EcG9zAzAEcHFzdHIDBHBxc3RybAMEcXN0cmwDMTkEcXVlcnkDcGhvdG8gb2Ygc29jYWxpemluZwR0X3N0bXADMTQxMzI4OTYzMw--;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTkwMS1zBGdwcmlkA1VlLjA3c3A0UnVLTF96X1ZoMVo1SkEEbl9yc2x0AzAEbl9zdWdnAzEEb3JpZ2luA3NlYXJjaC55YWhvby5jb20EcG9zAzAEcHFzdHIDBHBxc3RybAMEcXN0cmwDMjcEcXVlcnkDaW1hZ2Ugb2Ygc2VuaW9ycyBzb2NhbGl6aW5nBHRfc3RtcAMxNDEzMjg5NjYx?p=image+of+seniors+socalizing&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=yfp-t-901-s&fp=1

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Can I "nag" my father into investing in hearing aids?

Multigenerational+familyData released by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), suggests that family members are the key factor in influencing the decision to pursue the purchase of hearing instruments.  Fifty-five percent of new hearing aid users sought treatment once they realized, following encouragement by family members and through a baseline hearing test, the severity of their hearing loss.

Denial poses a significant barrier to improving the well-being of those with un-addressed hearing loss.  Many people, with untreated hearing loss, simply aren't aware of the impact it has on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.  Others deny or minimize their known hearing loss and the effect it has on loved ones.  Hearing loss is linked to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including: irritability, negativism, anger, fatigue, tension, stress, depression, avoidance or withdrawal from social situations, and loneliness.  Additionally, reduced alertness, increased risk to personal safety, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, reduced job performance and earning power, as well as diminished psychological and overall health, can be associated with untreated hearing loss.

Helping a family member deal with their loss of hearing can be a difficult challenge.  The most positive course you can take is to help him come to terms with it so he can seek treatment.  Make it your goal to reach out and prevent your father from drawing back into isolated silence – make this season the time he regains the gift of hearing.  Begin with a baseline hearing test and gently guide him through the process of resolving his hearing loss.


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



Image obtained 10-15-14 at: https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0LEV04PEz1Uly8Arn5XNyoA;_ylc=X1MDMjc2NjY3OQRfcgMyBGZyA3lmcC10LTkwMS1zBGdwcmlkAzZXZ2ZUejFLU2EuaGtCQXJ0eWpSRUEEbl9yc2x0AzAEbl9zdWdnAzEEb3JpZ2luA3NlYXJjaC55YWhvby5jb20EcG9zAzAEcHFzdHIDBHBxc3RybAMEcXN0cmwDMzMEcXVlcnkDcGhvdG8gb2YgbXVsdGlnZW5lcmF0aW9uYWwgZmFtaWx5BHRfc3RtcAMxNDEzMjg4ODQw?p=photo+of+multigenerational+family&fr2=sb-top-search&fr=yfp-t-901-s&fp=1

Friday, September 26, 2014

How “bad” does hearing need to be before hearing aids help?


The short answer to your question is that if hearing loss is present, even at a mild level, use of hearing aids will be helpful.


A hearing loss between 16 and 25dB is considered a borderline normal level or a minimal hearing loss.  In children, a hearing loss at this level will significantly impact the ability to learn language and succeed academically.  For adults, with a hearing loss at this level, people may seem to “mumble” or speak softly.  Communication in group settings, in the presence of even a slight amount of noise, will become very challenging.  Participation in social events, church functions and family gatherings may be frustrating and even embarrassing, when hearing loss results in miscommunication.
 

Quite often, even a minimal hearing loss can result in anger and frustration, anxiety, depression and isolation.  Success depends upon what your husband’s expectations are from treatment with hearing aids. They have been shown to improve communication in all situations.  Certainly hearing aids will help to improve communication with the family, in church, stores and on the telephone.  The volume on the television set will be lowered, reducing a great deal of tension around the house.  Participation in group meetings will become much more satisfying.  He may even begin to realize that communication is no longer exhausting.  With the help of hearing instruments, your husband may recognize just what he has been missing. 




Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



Image obtained 9-16-14 at: https://www.google.com/search?q=images+of+help&biw=1319&bih=914&tbm=isch&imgil=Hi9XCYDk47ArcM%253A%253BDxJXeUI0k1SICM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fmicrosoftupdateshelp.com%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=Hi9XCYDk47ArcM%253A%252CDxJXeUI0k1SICM%252C_&usg=__HESq3wH6LHERm_AIWwGYcMAz_I0%3D&ved=0CDUQyjc&ei=sJwYVJ31Nc6TyASE2YLABQ#facrc=_&imgdii=-febcMLmvmgfCM%3A%3B_ewL1xNCJ6fD3M%3B-febcMLmvmgfCM%3A&imgrc=-febcMLmvmgfCM%253A%3BDymGzhvzQkvRXM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.customrecall.com%252Fmedia%252Fwysiwyg%252Fhelp-button.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.customrecall.com%252Fneedhelp%3B730%3B655

Thursday, September 18, 2014

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

The power requirements of hearing instruments varies. Hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks.  Today’s technology is great but it needs power.  We use many electronic devices daily.  Think about how long your cell phone or tablet run before needing to be recharged.  What if you used these constantly for 10-12 hours such as with hearing aids?  Batteries for these devices typically only last hours.  Using them all day you would need to recharge them several times.
Hearing instruments are small and so are the batteries.  This leaves little room for an electrical charge. The estimated battery life depends on your hearing aids and the length of time you wear them.  Further, using a hearing aid streamer or other accessory places an even bigger demand for power on the battery.
Some hearing instruments use rechargeable batteries.  While this sounds like a good solution, there are some “bugs” in how rechargeable batteries work in hearing devices.  Often those who have tried rechargeable switch to disposable batteries. 
Talk to your audiologist about battery life.  He/she will let you know what to expect in battery life.  Further, hearing instruments will require a certain size battery, but not all batteries will work the same.  Hearing aid manufacturers typically recommend a specific brand of battery to use with their devices.  Find out what brand battery works best with your hearing instruments.  Using the recommended brand will give you the best possible battery life.  
Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 8-201-4 at: https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=Ap0Xstno1mJKDMEn_xSeiA.bvZx4?=images+of+hearing+aid+batteries&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-901&fp=1