Thursday, April 24, 2014

What are hearing aid channels? How many channels are needed?



Hearing aid channels are tools the audiologist uses to fine tune hearing aids.  Channels are frequency specific.  When programming hearing aids, each channel or sometimes a group of channels called a band, is given a specific amount of volume based on the hearing evaluation results.  As a result we can shape the frequency response of the hearing aids to match your individual hearing ability.


How many channels are needed, is a hard question to answer.  The number one goal for hearing aids is to improve your ability to understand conversation.  A research study conducted by a hearing aid manufacturer showed that after eight channels the amount of improvement in word understanding significantly decreases.  Conventional thinking among audiologists is to fit hearing aids with at least 12-16 channels to match the frequency points measured in the hearing evaluation.  There is no evidence to support high numbers of channels (above30) as increasing word understanding.  There is evidence that shows high numbers of channels slows down hearing aid processing speed.


When it comes to participating in conversations, particularly in noisy places, there are more important features to consider than the number of channels or bands.  Advanced features such as directional microphones, noise canceling, noise reduction, gain reduction in noise and signal processing have a greater impact on one’s ability to understand conversation in noisy places

When it comes to channels, more is necessarily better.  Discuss your hearing needs, life style and hearing ability with your audiologist.  Together you will find the best instruments for you.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



 Image obtained 4-9-14 at: http://blog.crystalhearinguk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/15-channels.jpg

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Does hearing loss affect more than your ability to hear?



Yes, hearing can affect more than your ability to communicate with family, friends, shop clerks, physicians, servers and so many more people.  It impacts cognitive, social, emotional and physical aspects of daily life.  


Sharing in conversation, discussing new topics even having a healthy disagreement on a topic stimulates thought.  This in return stimulates the brain.  Just like working crossword puzzles is healthy for your brain, so is having a lively conversation sharing thoughts and ideas.  


Untreated hearing loss causes withdrawal and isolation from social situations. It limits your desire to dine out, visit with friends, and engage in family gatherings, negatively impacting relationships.  The loss of social interactions and intimacy in relationships limits daily life.  Sadness, depression even anger and frustration can result.  


Physically health is affected in two ways.  Untreated hearing loss can be tiring causing fatigue, increased stress and sometimes headaches. Those who use hearing aids are more physically active aiding overall health. 


Treating hearing loss increases independence in daily life activities.  Hearing aid use reduces anger and frustration in relationships, depression, anxiety and self criticism.  It also improves earning power, physical health, social participation, intimacy and warmth in relationships and emotional stability.  


Hearing well impacts every aspect of daily life.  It is important to treat hearing loss as soon as possible.  



Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 4-8-14 at: http://www.stankcheese.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/doctor-appointment.jpg

Thursday, April 10, 2014

How do you talk to someone with a hearing loss?



This is a question we are asked quite frequently.  It is very important to recognize that the person with hearing loss is going to require some special attention in order to communicate.  Most importantly, be sure to speak face to face.  Individuals with hearing loss, even if wearing hearing aids, depend a great deal on facial expression and lip movements to fully understand what is being said.  Speaking with a mouth full of food or chewing gum makes lip reading very difficult.  Also, being in the same room is paramount.  It is not possible to carry on a satisfactory conversation from a different room, with the dishwasher running, the fan going or the television set on.  

Speaking in a clear, distinct voice is most effective, particularly when speaking face to face or on the telephone. This method of communication allows the person with the hearing loss to understand enough words to realize what you are trying to communicate.  It is not necessary to raise your voice or “yell”.  If you raise your voice, your facial expression changes and it would appear that you are upset or angry. In the event it is necessary to repeat, make an attempt to restate what you have said, not word for word, but in general.  This will help the person with hearing loss to gain more information with each repetition.  

Noisy environments are particularly challenging for those with hearing loss.  Make attempts to find settings away from air conditioners, running water, entryways, speakers and the restaurant kitchen.  If seated in a restaurant, be sure to find a quiet location and sit across the table from the person with hearing loss.  

Hearing aids do not restore hearing to normal.  They are very helpful in improving the ability to communicate, but it is necessary for everyone to contribute toward a successful conversational situation.  The person with hearing loss needs to advocate for themselves.  Family, friends and co-workers must be told what is needed to help improve communication.  Hearing loss is an invisible disability and it is easy to forget someone has a hearing loss. 


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 4-8-14 at: http://tx.english-ch.com/teacher/trina/level-a/talking-to-strangers/