Hearing Loss and Aging

Hearing loss often occurs later in life.  One out of three people over age 60 have hearing loss, and one out of two people over age 85 are affected.  Hearing loss related to age is called presbycusis.  This is a permanent hearing loss.  Medications and surgery cannot restore this kind of hearing problem.  Presbycusis results from:

Changes to the structures of the inner ear

Reduced blood flow to the inner ear

The deterioration of hearing nerves and  

Changes in how the brain processes speech

Presbycusis usually is a gradual decrease in hearing for high-pitches.  These changes are subtle, slowly muffling words.  This causes difficulty hearing female voices, children’s voices, and when in noisy places.  Presbycusis is increased by other factors such as diabetes, poor circulation, kidney disease, noise exposure, and certain medications. 

Age-related hearing loss is treated with hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are digital microcomputers that automatically adjust thousands of times per second, making speech comfortable and more natural.  The side effects of hearing loss, isolation, withdrawal, anger, frustration, and communication breakdowns can be helped with hearing aids.  Those who do not seek hearing help experience a decrease in overall quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can lead to further decrease in word understanding, sadness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, reduced social activity and poor relationships.

May is designated Better Hearing Month to raise awareness of hearing loss and its effects on quality of life.  If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty hearing, feel people mumble,  have ringing in the ears or other ear symptoms, now is a great time to call an audiologist and 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

hearing aids mentor ohio

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

I have difficulty hearing. What do I need to do? What should I expect?

First, see an audiologist.  The American Academy of Otolaryngology reported a screening test from a hearing aid dealer or hearing instrument specialist does not assess the status of the ears, it simply measures hearing and may not be adequate. Audiologists are uniquely trained to assess, diagnosis and manage permanent hearing loss.  An audiologist will have either a doctoral or master’s degree in anatomy of the ear, diseases of the ear, hearing, hearing assessment, hearing aids and clinical training.  

The audiology exam includes a look in your ears to check for ear wax.  The wax will be removed if it blocks your ear.  The hearing evaluation assesses the softest tones you can hear, how distinctly you hear words, the mobility of the eardrums, ear reflexes and health of the hearing nerves in the inner ear.  It is a safe and comfortable exam.

The results of the evaluation will indicate whether you need hearing aids or if you need medical evaluation.  90% of the time hearing loss is not related to a medical condition and is permanent leading to the recommendation of hearing aids.   If you need medical attention you will be referred back to your physician.

Keep in mind hearing aids have come a long way in the last few years.  They are small, discreet and do a great job for the vast majority of people with hearing loss.  Your audiologist will review the hearing aid options based on your hearing, lifestyle and hearing needs.  Call now for 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/

Education and Training of Audiologists vs Hearing Aid Dealers

We often see confusion among our patients regarding the difference between an Audiologist and hearing aid dealer.  The big difference is in the education and training.  In most states, the minimum education and training is mandated by the state licensing board.  Usually there is big difference between the two.  Ohio is a great example to demonstrate how very different it can be.

In Ohio an established Audiologist needs a masters degree and young people entering Audiology must have a doctoral degree.  Both have 9-12 months of clinical hands on training and must pass a national examination.  The education and training covers all aspects of hearing, hearing loss, hearing aids and much much more.  Clinical training includes months of hands on experience in assessing the ears and hearing, and selecting, fitting and adjusting hearing aids for each individual.  Audiologists are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive hearing, balance and aural rehabilitative services. 

In Ohio hearing aid dealers are also licensed by the state of Ohio to perform measures of hearing in order to fit and sell hearing aids.  They are required to have a minimum of a high school equivalency education and pass a state mandated examination. 

Understanding the training and background of both helps in understanding why the services offered by the two groups are different.  When you notice changes in your hearing we recommend you schedule an appointment for diagnostic audiologic assessment with an Audiologist.  This will provide more complete information about your ears and hearing.

Life sounds great!  Enjoy every moment!

Dr. Jane Kukula, AuD

Paula Webster, MA
Advanced Audiology Concepts
8897 Mentor, Ohio 44060
440-205-8848
http://www.aachear.org/

Hearing Aids and Hearing Loss

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 than those who don’t use hearing aids.

Get started now. 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.  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
ww.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/

Heart Disease and Hearing Loss Are Related

In 2005 Harvard University established a staggering relation between heart disease and hearing loss.  The researchers found hearing loss occurred 54% more often in people with heart disease then in the general population. 

Cardiovascular disease reduces blood flow through veins, arties and organs of the body. The reduction in blood flow decreases oxygen to the body’s systems and organs. The lack of oxygen results in damage to the heart and other organs including the hearing nerves deep in the inner ear.  Researchers believe the hearing nerves are so fragile that the ear, is likely the first organ damaged from cardiovascular disease.  There are those who believe hearing loss may one a day predict heart disease.

Do you take care of your heart and your hearing by eating right and exercising? Let us know.

Life Sounds Great! Enjoy Every Moment!

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Dr. Jane Kukula, AuD
Paula Webster, MA

Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor, Ohio 44060

1-440-205-8848

http://www.aachear.org/