Thursday, July 31, 2014

Why does someone resist seeking hearing aids?



Sometimes people with hearing loss resist seeking help.  There are many reasons for their resistance.  Understanding where it comes from may help you to work with her.

She may not realize what she does not hear.  Hearing loss is often gradual.  It decreases slowly over time.  So slowly, people don’t always notice the changes.  Some sounds such as bird songs, fade away without notice and aren’t missed.  

Denial is another reason.  Hearing loss causes voices to sound soft and mumbled.  For example, children are often soft spoken, making it easy to assume they are not speaking up.

Not knowing or not understanding about hearing and hearing instruments or where to go and who to see can create fear.  To complicate it, many have heard stories of people being unsuccessful with hearing devices.  This can create concern about making a good decision.

Help your mother focus on how hearing impacts her family and social life.  Those with untreated hearing loss will isolate themselves and withdraw from family and social situations.  Share with her how you feel when she is not able to participate in family activities.  Stop in and pick up some information that may help her understand the many ways she stands to gain by addressing her hearing difficulty. 

When she is ready, schedule an audiologic (hearing and ear function) assessment.  Call l-440-205-8848 for an appointment.  We will guide her through the process and support her in meeting her hearing goals.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 7-8-14 at: http://possiblyhelpfuladvice.com/?p=4839


Thursday, July 24, 2014

What can I expect when having an audiologic assessment (hearing evaluation)



Seeing an audiologist is a great start on the road to better hearing.  You will likely find the first visit to be interesting and informative.  You will learn about your hearing ability, understand your hearing goals and be able to make informed decisions.




Audiologists are uniquely trained and qualified to evaluate your hearing and the functional aspects of your ears.  We will spend time getting to know you, your hearing experiences and what is important to you.  We will evaluate your ears and hearing, establish your hearing goals and a plan to achieve those goals. 

To make the most of this visit, come prepared.  Think about the situations when your hearing is the most challenging.  Think about how hearing impacts family, social, home and work life.  Make a list of them so that we will be sure to address all of them.  This information will guide your discussions and be included in your recommendations.

Your plan may recommend the use of hearing protection, the use of communication strategies, a referral to a physician or the use of hearing instruments.  If your plan includes the use of amplification, the various options and features will be discussed and demonstrated. 
Schedule an appointment to get started.  Why wait?

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



 Image obtained 7-8-14 at: http://delsurfoundation.org/goals/

Thursday, July 17, 2014

New hearing technology



 
Hearing instrument technology is constantly changing, getting better and better.  Here are few things the Better Hearing Institute has to say about today’s instruments.



They are virtually invisible. Modern in-the-ear instruments fit discreetly and comfortably inside your ear canal, providing both natural sound quality, and discreet and easy use.  The behind-the-ear instruments are also comfortable, discreet and well camouflaged. 
                                                                                                                             Lyric By Phonak
They automatically adjust to all kinds of sounds and listening
environments. They improve hearing in staff-meetings, restaurants,
conversations, music and so much more. 

There is something for just about everyone. Today’s hearing device options are amazingly varied. There are styles and colors for the fashion conscious, the trendsetter, the party goer, the intellectual, the active sports enthusiast, the adventurous senior, the romantic, the weekend warrior, and even the guy just tired of turning up the volume on the TV.

Water, sweat, and dust can be no problem while wearing them. Water resistant, digital hearing aids have arrived. This new feature is built into some newly designed hearing aids for those concerned about water, humidity, and dust. This feature suits people who work in demanding environments, as well as those with active lifestyles—like swimmers, skiers, and sports enthusiasts.

They love smartphones, computers, and other prized electronics. Wireless, digital hearing aids are now the norm. That means seamless connectivity—from smartphones, MP3 players, computers, FM systems, and televisions—directly into your hearing aids, at volumes just right for you.

It’s time for your dad to give hearing instruments another try.  Hearing devices can be set up to work easily and automatically. While there are remote controls, streamers, remote microphones for the “techie”, hearing instruments can be also set up to work easily and automatically. Call and make an appointment for an audiologic assessment.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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



Thursday, July 10, 2014

What type of noise is considered loud enough to require ear protection?



free fireworks image 11 Over 100 FREE Fireworks PicturesThis is a great question to consider as summer begins and we are spending more time enjoying the great outdoors.  Recreational activities such as video arcades, fireworks, discos, music concerts, shooting guns, sporting events, motorcycles and even movie theaters, can be excessively loud.  Actually, even using appliances around your home (vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, dish washer, leaf blowers, lawn mowers and power equipment), particularly if they are running at the same time, can be dangerous to your hearing.  


It is important to wear hearing protection when participating in these recreational or occupational activities.  If you work in an at-risk occupation, check with your employer to make sure your hearing is protected in accordance with OSHA regulations.  Limit the amount of time you are exposed to loud noise.

Custom hearing protection is available.  Ask your audiologist about more information regarding the appropriate ear plugs for your particular interests and activities.  We live in a very noisy world.  Through education and positive action, the incidence of noise induced hearing loss can be greatly reduced.




Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 7-2-14 at : http://www.iceflowstudios.com/2013/freebies/over-100-free-fireworks-pictures/