How do know if you need to have a hearing evaluation?

Typically, hearing changes slowly and gradually.  So slowly most people don’t realize it’s changed.  Because the one with decreased hearing ability often is unaware of it, it’s important to listen to the loved ones around you.  They will notice the changes in your hearing behavior.  When they do, it’s time for a hearing evaluation.

Though loved ones often notice it first, you may be aware of some of the signs and symptoms.  You can take the Hearing Quiz.

1. Do family members complain that the TV is too loud? 
2. Do you have difficulty hearing someone talk from another room? 
3. Do you have difficulty with a conversation when in a moving vehicle? 
4. Do you feel people mumble? 
5. Do you hear part of what people say? 
6. Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone? 
7. Do you have noises in your ears? 
8. Have you worked in a noisy place?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you are overdue for a baseline assessment.  We recommend everyone have a baseline evaluation by the age of 40 years.  This will allow us to track future changes in hearing.  Hearing assessment is usually a covered benefit under your health insurance, there is no reason to put it off.   You have much to gain by taking care of your hearing.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

 

Image obtained 5-28-14 at: http://www.saferinternet.org/quiz

First step to better hearing

A complete hearing test is the first step to better hearing.  Many people go through life simply “living with” hearing loss, never recognizing there are solutions readily available!  Diagnostic hearing testing will identify the nature and degree of your hearing and understanding problems.  Following the complete testing, recommendations for treatment will be made.

Treatment may be as simple as the removal of excess earwax.  If necessary, a referral for medical treatment will be made.  Sensorineural hearing loss will cause speech to be difficult to understand, even if the volume of sound appears to be adequate. Recommendations may include hearing aids, listening therapy, and use of assistive listening devices and the support of counseling.

Hearing aids provide the amplification of sound.  Digital technology allows the flexibility to cater to our individual lifestyles and needs.  Miniature behind the ear instruments are now available and are practically invisible.  Several options include directional microphones, multiple programs and automatic programming, volume control and telephone switches. 

Assistive listening devices can make the activities of daily living more accessible.  Amplified telephones, vibrating alarm clocks, alerting doorbells and wireless TV amplifiers provide additional sound awareness.

The psychological impact of hearing loss should not be overlooked.  Often denial of the hearing loss leads to frustration, exhaustion, isolation and even depression.  Listen to your family and co-workers, have a thorough examination.  The importance of seeking help for hearing loss cannot be emphasized enough! 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Picture obtained from:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hearinglosseducation.com/sites/default/files/hearing-tests.jpg%3F1316196682&imgrefurl=http://www.hearinglosseducation.com/hearing-tests&h=270&w=680&sz=28&tbnid=G8VJbhEpusL4QM:&tbnh=59&tbnw=149&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bof%2Bhearing%2Btests%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+of+hearing+tests&usg=__fQCOHrQuSqas6DdtLwM-F9RuXPk=&docid=m3DOVsgE7YhxqM&sa=X&ei=_D3xUa30D6bgyQGY-oGwAg&ved=0CEMQ9QEwAw&dur=5174

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 instrumentation 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. 

Several different styles are available.  The number of microphones, programs and features should be thoroughly discussed, as well as the availability of a telecoil.  Not all features and styles are appropriate for every person or every type of hearing loss. 

Cost of the instruments varies depending upon the level of technology and features of the aids.  If the price of the hearing aids would cause you not to buy them, be sure to ask if a more basic model would also be appropriate for you needs.  Inquire about the availability of financial assistance.  Although most insurance companies will cover the cost of the hearing assessment, they generally do not cover the cost of hearing aids.

The hearing aids should be fit with a trial period .  You should expect to be seen for at least two or three hearing aids checks, to discuss your progress.  Questions you have 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.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Picture obtained at: 

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/ear-nose-throat/img/hearing-aids.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/ear-nose-throat/audiology/hearing-aids.html&h=303&w=450&sz=37&tbnid=orbtfIO4U4ee9M:&tbnh=82&tbnw=122&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bhearing%2Baid%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+hearing+aid&usg=__jp37HStlSg6_OnZqGMMJ9bDj4GY=&docid=CCei71mLMeXDpM&sa=X&ei=1nvRUYKpDKjLyQGknYDYBA&ved=0CEIQ9QEwAg&dur=1832

Why do people who use hearing aids still have trouble hearing?

Without a doubt, hearing aids improve hearing, communication and quality of life.  While they can have a significant positive impact on life, they are unable to restore hearing to normal.  They do a fabulous job when someone has a mild to moderate loss of hearing.  For those with a more severe or profound hearing loss, they at times mishear, misunderstand or miss something all together.

Most people who wear hearing aids have permanent hearing loss.  Permanent hearing loss is called sensory or sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss results from damage to the hearing nerves called hair cells.  Hearing aids do not repair this damage.  Hearing aids amplify and manipulate sound, and send sound to the ears.  Sound then passes through the damaged haircells.  These damaged haircells act similar to a damaged loud speaker in that they distort sound.  The more damage there is to the haircells, the more distorted words become.

There are things you can do to help someone with hearing loss to hear better.  Get the person’s attention, and speak slowly and clearly.  Reduce background noise whenever possible.  These changes can make a big difference in how well someone understands. 

The person with hearing needs to have regular audiologic care.  An annual hearing evaluation can determine if the hearing aids settings are appropriate.  Today’s digital hearing aids are easily adjusted to maximize hearing.  Call to schedule a hearing evaluation.    Don’t wait. 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, Au.D.
Paula Webster, M.A.

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Picture obtained from: http://www.google.com/imgresimgurl=http://srxa.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/hearingloss.jpg&imgrefurl
=http://srxawordonhealth.com/2011/12/19/&h=407&w=295&sz=136&tbnid=5RQ7CH_Qvc8dAM:&
tbnh=90&tbnw=65&zoom=1&usg=__ZabDfHyYkYkDnJ0rAys7qwaUECg=&docid=XSXIa_uBHxZ
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Hearing Aids and Quality of Life

Hearing aids improve quality of life in many ways, the most obvious is improved communication.  Improved communication positively affects many daily life activities, work, shopping, social situations and family life, just to name a few.  Good communication is a key to good relationships, and impacts intimacy and warmth in relationships.  It increases confidence in social situations. 

Hearing aids also return a sense of control over life events.  Emotional stability is improved and people report an improved perception of mental function.  Studies also demonstrate those who use hearing aids have greater physical health and higher self-esteem.

Those who use hearing aids also experience a decrease in feelings of anger, frustration, depression, paranoia and anxiety, and of social phobias.

Another plus to using hearing aids is increased earning power.  Some studies show an increase in income of up to $24,000 a year for those who use hearing aids vs those with hearing loss who do not.

If you have a mild, moderate or severe hearing loss and are resisting hearing aids, think about these benefits. Hearing aids hold great potential to positively impact your life.  Schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist and discuss the benefits you stand to gain.  Why wait? 

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://www.aacHEAR.org

How loud is too loud?

Noise Induced hearing loss is on the rise, especially in teenagers!   Yes, teenagers are exposed to more loud sounds than ever before.  Some sources of loud sound include; music players, car races, even toys such as a fire truck with a siren are loud enough to harm hearing.

It’s not easy to know when sound is too loud.  That is because it’s not just about how loud a sound is.  “Too loud” is a combination of the volume of the sound and how long one is exposed to it.  The louder a sound is, the shorter the permissible length of exposure. 

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Generally, exposure to a sound at 85 dB over 8 hours is acceptable.  For every three dB increase in the sound, the acceptable time is cut in half.  For example if the volume is 88 dB, it is safe for 4 hours, 91 dB is safe for 2 hours, 94 dB for 1 hour, etc.

Here is a guide to help you determine the volume of some common sounds. 

60 dB—Normal conversations or dishwashers
80 dB—Alarm clocks
90 dB—Hair dryers, blenders, and lawnmowers
100 dB—MP3 players at full volume
110 dB—Concerts, car racing, and sporting events
120 dB—Jet planes at take off
130 dB—Ambulances and fire engine sirens
140 dB—Gun shots, fireworks, and custom car stereos at full volume

Here are few rules to go by.  You know a the sound is too loud if; you have to shout over the background noise to be heard, if the volume actually causes pain, if the noise makes your ears ring or if you have decreased or muffled hearing after being exposed to the sound. 

There are three ways to protect your hearing; use earplugs or muffs, move away from the source of the sound or turn the volume down when using a music player. Never use a music player to cover up the sound of another unwanted sound such as the lawn mower.  Use ear plugs or noise canceling plugs to decrease the volume of the unwanted noise.

When someone is exposed to loud sounds it is important to have regular hearing evaluations by an audiologist.  If you or a loved one is exposed to loud sound, have a baseline hearing evaluation.  Why wait?  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

http://www.aacHEAR.org

How the ear works

Understanding how we hear starts with understanding how the ear works.  There are three parts to the ear, outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. 

The outer ear consists of the pinna (the part of the ear we can see on the side of the head) and the ear canal.  The eardrum is located at the end of the ear canal.  The main job of the outer ear is to collect sound waves and send them down the ear canal to the eardrum. 

The middle ear includes the eardrum and three small bones.  They are located in an air filled space surrounded by the bones of the skull.  Their job is to amplify the sound waves and send them to the inner ear. 

The inner ear is located in a snail shaped bone deep inside the head.  This boney section is filled with a fluid. The hearing nerves called haircells are in this part of the ear.  Sound travels through the inner ear by setting up waves in the fluid.  These waves “wash” over the haircells, stimulating them.  The stimulated nerve fibers change sound into electrical impulses that travel to the brain.  It is the brain that assigns meaning to the sounds and words.  We hear in the brain.  It recognizes familiar voices and birds, understands words and enjoys music.

If you are a loved one are noticing changes in hearing or muffling of voices call to schedule and hearing evaluation.  The hearing evaluation checks the entire system of the ear including: a look in the ear canals for ear wax, assessing the flexibility of the eardrums and checking your hearing.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Who is the best professional to see for hearing aids?

It certainly seems to be puzzling.  With all of the ads about “invisible” hearing aids and differing cost of instruments, it is difficult to know where to turn.  Audiologists, ENT physicians and hearing aid dealers all dispense hearing aids. 

Audiologists are uniquely trained to evaluate and treat the non-medical aspects of hearing loss and to dispense hearing aids.  Audiologists have a Master of Arts or Doctoral degree with emphasis on hearing, hearing loss, balance, hearing aids and listening therapy.  They are the best trained professionals to assist you with hearing aids.

Ear, nose and throat physicians (ENT) deal with medical disorders of the head and neck, which include the ears, hearing and balance.  It is important that you see an ENT specialist if you have a history of ear problems or ear disease. 

Hearing aid dealers at least in Ohio, must have a high school education or equivalent and pass a test on hearing aids prior to becoming licensed. 

As you can see, there is a vast difference in the training and scope of practice of an audiologist, physician and hearing aid dealer.  It is highly recommended that you see an Audiologist.  When choosing the audiologist, consider a professional who is readily available.  In the event your hearing aids need service, or you have questions, quick and easy access is extremely important. 

A complete Hearing Evaluation is the first step in the process of purchasing hearing aids.  Why wait?

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aacHEAR.org