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

Thursday, September 11, 2014

What is the lifespan of a hearing aid?

As with any battery driven electronic device, hearing aids last much longer than the power source. The average hearing aid lifespan varies significantly due to the conditions they are used in and the way you care for them.  But breakdowns happen.  The older the hearing aids, the more often they tend to breakdown resulting in costly repairs.  When it comes to hearing aids, seven years may not seem very long, but the devices are considered ancient by that time.
The average lifespan is about 5 years.  There are several reasons for this:
·         Paying to repair older technology is a poor investment (typically being more expensive           with age)
·         Repairs of older aids are not as reliable as newer ones
·         Parts replaced on older hearing aids may come from other older, and sometimes used,         hearing aids
·         The technology is outdated
·         Old software often cannot be used on newer computers making it impossible to adjust           the devices for hearing changes
·         Hearing may change so much that stronger hearing aids are needed
·         Hearing aids are not designed to last a human lifetime
Hearing instruments can continue to perform very well, and last longer than the average five years, by giving them proper care.  Moisture is the leading cause of breakdowns.  Using a hearing aid dehumidifier can reduce the number of repairs and extend the life of your hearing devices.
Hearing aids eventually reach a point where it is no longer feasible to invest in repairs.  If you love the hearing aids you have, and aren't sure where you want to invest your time and money in new instruments, discuss the costs and benefits with your audiologist.  We work to support your hearing goals, including maximizing your investment in hearing instruments.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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




Image obtained 8-20-14 at: http://thedaytodayobservationsandrants.blogspot.com/2012/05/characters-lifespan.html

Thursday, September 4, 2014

How do you take care of hearing aids?

It is important to treat your hearing instruments with care.  This way you will keep them in good working order for many years, and minimize potential problems during everyday use.  Hearing aids may be sturdy, but they cannot withstand improper use.  


Protect your hearing aids from moisture.  Moisture and condensation may damage the electronics in your hearing aids. Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming.  Due to the high humidity, you should not leave the devices in the bathroom.  Dry your ears before inserting the hearing aids.  Use a hearing aid dehumidifier at night if you perspire heavily or work outdoors.

Protect your hearing aids from dirt.  Always make sure that your fingers are clean and dry before touching your hearing aids.  The microphone openings are very small and can become blocked through improper handling.  Avoid contact with hairspray or make-up.  The fine particles of hairspray or powder make-up may clog the microphone opening and volume control and program switches.  

Keep the devices away from children and pets. Store your hearing aids in the case that is provided, out of the reach of children and pets.  Be sure to disengage the battery door.  A high pitched squeal is emitted when the hearing aids are out of your ears and running.  This can raise the curiosity of some pets.

In order to be fully functional, your hearing aids need to be clean at all times. Clean the devices with a soft, dry cloth.  Never use alcohol, solvents or cleaning agents.  Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for cleaning ear wax from the devices.  Special care products for your hearing aids are available at our office.  Stop in and have us clean your hearing aids every 3-6 months.  


Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!


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


Image obtained 8-20-14 at: http://www.phonakpro.com/us/b2b/en/products/hearing_instruments/virto-q/hearing-aid/styles/nano.html