I am interested in that Lyric device but fly planes, can I still do that with the Lyric?

This is an excellent question.  Many people become 
concerned regarding the Lyric device and flying because of its close placement to the eardrum.  Lyric recommends flying in planes with a pressurized cabin.  Most all commercial planes have pressurized cabins.  If you do fly in planes that do not have pressurized cabins, the concern is then a rapid change in pressure.  This is the same concern as scuba diving and sky diving.  You can still wear Lyric if you choose to do these things, the Lyrics simply need to be removed before these events and replaced after the events have occurred.  Lyric may be contraindicated if you did these sort of events on a regular basis, meaning daily, weekly or monthly.  So getting back to the initial question, can you fly with Lyric?  The short answer is yes.  You will experience the same flying symptoms you always experience, no better, no worse.  If you are interested in knowing more about the Lyric device, make an appointment today.  

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD & Ashley Spisak, AuD

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://aacHEAR.org

I’ve lost my hearing aids 3 times this year, is there anything that can help me?

Hearing aids are an investment in your hearing health care.  When you invest your time and money into getting a pair of hearing instruments it can be devastating to lose them, especially if it happens more than once.  With traditional hearing aids, you need to put them in every morning and take them out every night.  You also need to remove them to change the zinc-air battery.  Obviously the more you need to remove and reinsert the hearing instrument, the more risk there may be in misplacing it or losing it.

Lyric, an extended wear hearing device, is a device that is placed deep in the ear canal by one of our audiologists and remains in the ear canal 24 hours a day for 7 days a week.  The lyric device is FDA approved to remain in the ear canal for up to 4 months.  Because there is less maintenance with the Lyric device and it remains in your ear canal for an extended period of time,  there is virtually no risk of misplacing the device or losing it.   

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD & Ashley Spisak, AuD

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

Fax: 440-205-9818

http://aacHEAR.org

Fun facts about hearing

Did you know???

• Cicadas have their hearing organs in their stomachs.
• Crickets have their hearing organs in their knees.
• Male mosquitoes hear with thousands of tiny hairs growing on their antennae.
• Fish do not have ears but they can hear. They hear pressure changes through ridges on their bodies.
• Snakes do not have ears, but their tongues are sensitive to sound vibrations.
• In World War One (WWI) parrots were kept on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France because of their remarkable sense of hearing. When the parrots heard the enemy aircraft coming they would warn everyone of the approaching danger long before any human ear would hear it.
• The three bones in the ear are the smallest bones in the human body. All three together could fit on a penny.
• The ear continues to hear sounds, even while you sleep.
• Sound travels at the speed of 1,130 feet per second, or 770 miles per hour.
• Dogs can hear much higher frequencies than humans.
• Ears not only help you hear, but also aid in balance.
• Sitting in front of the speakers at a rock concert can expose you to 120 decibels, which will begin to damage hearing in only 7 1/2 minutes.
• Everyone by 40 years of age should have a baseline hearing evaluation.

Schedule an appointment for a baseline hearing evaluation now!

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 10-15-13 from: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://davelearningstuff.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/cricket.jpg&imgrefurl=http://davelearningstuff.com/2011/06/15/a-crickets-ears-are-on-its-legs/&h=398&w=500&sz=66&tbnid=sBhoYgMq0esLuM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=113&zoom=1&usg=__o7BLYQJFhvV2cu_EUoVyq8PAyeU=&docid=QTUWTpmKjeFCEM&sa=X&ei=LGldUuqLOsL4yQG9woHwDA&ved=0CC8Q9QEwAQ

References
Better Hearing Institute (2008). BHI Factoids. Retrieved from: http://www.betterhearing.org/research/factoids.cfm

Sight and Hearing Association (2002). Health Issue of The Month. Retrieved from: http://www.sightandhearing.org/news/healthissue/archive/hi_0802.asp

The Nemours Foundation (2006). Your Ears. Retrieved from: http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.

jsp?lic=1&article_set=54031&cat_id=20607

Healthy Hearing (2008). Healthy Hearing (2008). Do Snakes Have Ears? How Do Snakes Hear Ssssssounds? Retrieved from: http://www. healthyhearing.com/hearing_library/article_content.

asp?article_id=847

Bess, F.H., Dodd-Murphy, J., & Parker, R.A. (1998). Children with minimal sensorineural hearing loss: Prevalence, educational performance, and functional status. Ear & Hearing, 19(5), 339-354.

What is the best way to talk to someone who has a hearing loss?

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. 

It is not necessary to raise your voice or “yell”.  Speaking in a clear, distinct voice is most effective, particularly when speaking 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.  Also, if you raise your voice, your facial expression changes and it would appear that you are upset or angry.

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!

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 on 8-8-13 from:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/people-talking-online1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/are-people-talking-about-you-online-heres-what-you-need-to-know/&h=300&w=400&sz=21&tbnid=YdaaZnqQwQZBJM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=134&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimage%2Bpeople%2Btalking%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=image+people+talking&usg=__W--nPLrL9JVKY9ATtowN1UnfV9Q=&docid=KVK4OEHjlgdHjM&sa=X&ei=x_IDUsiCPcaayQH90oFo&ved=0CDEQ9QEwAQ&dur=2249

Alone with hearing loss

Hearing loss, especially when it is untreated can cause people to withdraw from social gatherings, feel alone, ignored and left out.  This can lead to feelings of paranoia and to social phobias.  These can have a negative impact on relationships, quality of life and the overall feeling of well being.

Even though hearing loss makes one feel alone and left out those with hearing loss are not alone.  Millions of people experience hearing problems.  There are over 36 million Americans with permanent hearing loss.  This number is rapidly increasing due to the number of baby boomers turning 65 and the prevalence of hearing loss later in life.  

Out of the millions of people with hearing loss, 20% of them seek treatment.  Left untreated hearing loss can result in reduced word understanding, further isolation, depression and social phobias.  There is no reason to delay seeking help.  Waiting could actually cause more problems. 

The important thing is there is help.  Start with a hearing evaluation.  This will determine if there is a medical problem or if you have permanent hearing loss.  If the loss is permanent and hearing aids are recommended, try them.  Hearing aids have a positive impact on life.  Hearing aids improve many things including communication and self confidence, and can reduce stress, paranoia and listening effort. 

Take the first step.  It could something as simple as a buildup of ear wax.  Call to schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist.   We can expect to live longer than our parents and grandparents.  With hearing aids you can live a full and active life.  

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.thoughtful-self-improvement.com/image-files/beach-alone.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thoughtful-self-improvement.com/Introverts-T2.html&h=1000&w=725&sz=50&tbnid=0b2779hHWNbrwM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=67&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dimages%2Bo%2Bf%2Bbeing%2Balone%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=images+o+f+being+alone&usg=__PjBIXlaycI9p3HNTSsrDc_dog9s=&docid=al8dNGCALFo6sM&sa=X&ei=hpWvUbr3F6HXygH564DoCQ&ved=0CFUQ9QEwDA&dur=1544

I have ringing in my ears!

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound when that sound does not exist.  The most common sounds are ringing, buzzing, clicking or humming.” It is estimated that 50 million Americans experience tinnitus.  For some, it is constant, for others it is occasional.  It can be heard in one or both ears.  The most common cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sounds.  Tinnitus has also been associated with ear infections, aging, excessive ear wax, high blood pressure and hearing loss.  Other activities which can cause tinnitus include smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine and taking excessive amounts of aspirin or antibiotics.

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that relieves tinnitus.  Obviously, reducing stress, alcohol and caffeine consumption, keeping blood pressure under control and reducing exposure to loud noise will all be beneficial.  Tinnitus can be a very troublesome symptom.  It should be investigated, evaluated and treated.

First, rule out a medical problem. If there is a medical cause, treatment of the underlining problem may resolve the tinnitus.  In many cases, those who have tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss possibly even a mild loss of hearing.  An Audiological Evaluation can identify the nature and degree of hearing loss, as well as evaluate the frequency and intensity of the tinnitus.  If hearing aids are appropriate, use of hearing aids often “cover up” or “mask” the tinnitus, making it less distracting.  Sometimes a noise generator called a tinnitus masker is used.  This creates a noise to cover up the tinnitus.  If these solutions are not successful, behavior modification and relaxation techniques may be recommended.  

Start with a hearing evaluation and medical examination.  Call today to schedule an appointment.

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/

Hearing Aid Facts

Did you Know?????

Hearing aids can improve communication with family, friends, and co-workers, which can help maintain a better quality of life.

Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving, such as the use of directional microphones, to help you better understand speech in noisy environments.

Wearing hearing aids can improve your overall hearing; however, hearing aids do not function like natural ears do; hearing loss is irreversible.

Hearing aids come in a variety of options at different price points, the cost of a hearing aid depends on the technology used.

Medicare covers hearing testing with a physician’s referral, but Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids.

Medicaid, some private insurance carriers, and some charitable organizations may help cover the cost of

hearing aids.

Most audiologists have financing or payment plans available to help with the costs of hearing aids.

Hearing aids come in several styles that include completely in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, and

behind-the-ear.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are smaller than in years past and come in a variety of styles, colors, and

shapes, they are well camouflaged

Why wait? Get started now.

Life Sounds Great!  Enjoy Every Moment!

Dr. Jane Kukula, Au D

Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Ave

Mentor, Ohio 44060

440-205-8848

http://www.aacHEAR.org

Hearing Loss: The Third Most Common Health Problem in the United States

Hearing loss currently affects more than 36 million Americans today. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired persons are younger than 65. With the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing.

On average, most Americans consider hearing loss a condition that is simply associated with aging, and don’t know how to recognize the condition or who is qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. In an effort to raise public awareness for the growing number of Americans suffering from hearing loss, the American Academy of Audiology in conjunction with Advanced Audiology Concepts is celebrating Better Hearing Month this May.

As part of Better Hearing Month, we are encouraging people to be more aware of their hearing health and have a baseline hearing evaluation.

Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration due to normal aging process.

An audiologist is a highly educated and clinically experienced health-care professional who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders. They are the professionals with the most extensive training in hearing aid evaluation and fitting. Hearing loss can affect patients of all ages—newborns, infants, babies, toddlers, children, teens, adults, and the elderly.

You may have a problem with your hearing and need to see an audiologist, if you have trouble hearing conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing or pain in your ears.

The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist.

Advanced Audiology Concepts audiologists have a variety of specialties including:

Performing baseline and diagnostic hearing assessments

Prescribing and fitting hearing aids

Prescribing and fitting custom hearing protection, hunter’s plugs and iPod molds

Providing hearing training such as

o Listening training

o Speech reading

o Listening skills improvement

Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing training.

Why Wait? Schedule an appointment for a baseline hearing evaluation.  Call 440-205-8848 in Lake County Ohio. 

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/

Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

If you are experiencing hearing problems you are not alone. Thirty six million Americans have hearing loss.  It is anticipated that in less than twenty years, 85 million Americans will experience hearing difficulties. One in three people over 60 and half of those over 85 have hearing problems.  It is one of the most common problems facing older adults.

Hearing loss makes it hard to understand words, follow conversations and respond to signals, including doorbells and smoke alarms. Hearing difficulties interfere with relationships, making visits with family and friends challenging. Hearing problems can be physically tiring, frustrating, isolating, embarrassing, dangerous and more.

There are many benefits to using hearing aids.  They restore normal loudness, so one can hear soft talkers and they help clear up mumbled words.  Hearing aid users report it is easy to participate in conversations again.  For many people hearing aids can be life changing in positive ways.

Not only do hearing aids help you to hear better, those who use hearing aids report living a healthy life style.  They are more active and participate in more social gatherings.  They rate themselves with higher self esteem and self confidence then those who don’t use hearing aids.

The sooner you start wearing hearing aids the more likely you will be successful.  Start with a hearing evaluation and see what is available in hearing aids.  You’re likely to be surprised.  Hearing aids work better than ever and are inconspicuous.  Why wait? Get started now!

Watch this video on one of the newest instruments on the market.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LIRjhyPfM

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/

Hearing Aids and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss reduces the volume for sound and distorts words, making them difficult to understand.  Those with sensorineural hearing loss report that it sounds as if people speak softly and/or mumble.  Hearing aids are the first step to successfully treating sensorineural hearing loss.  Hearing aids can restore normal volume and improve word understanding. 

Act now.  Left untreated, word understanding can remain mumbled. Make an appointment for a hearing aid consult.  You will be surprised by how small and inconspicuous hearing aids are and they work better than ever! 

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor Ave
Mentor, Ohio 44060
1-440-205-8848
Web Address: http://www.aachear.org/