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