My husband resists hearing aids. What can I do?

Resistance to wearing hearing aids is common.  Many people have excuses for neglecting their hearing.  Some worry about looking old and others feel the financial investment isn’t worth it.  Few people realize the cost of not using hearing aids.  Talk to him about the negative effects of ignoring his hearing problem.   

                        

When someone cannot hear what is said or miss hears information, it’s easy to see the impact on communication.  Isolation and withdrawal from social situations is also easily seen.  Not so apparent are the affects the brain.  Not using hearing aids reduces stimulation of the hearing pathways in the brain.  This can cause a reduction in the brain’s ability to recall words and the ability to learn new tasks. Words become mumbled and with long periods of reduced stimulation, the mumbling can become permanent. People with hearing loss have to work harder to hear and remember what was heard. 

Untreated hearing loss can also have serious social and emotional affects.  A study by the National Council on Aging reported that adults 50 and older with hearing loss experience more stress, sadness, and depression.  They worry and are more anxious than those who use hearing aids. 

Other studies show that those who are working earn from $12,000-$24,000 less annual due to hearing loss.  They are less likely to be promoted and often seen as loaners.

Don't wait to get started.  Encourage him to have a trial with hearing aids.  Hopefully he will find they are inconspicuous, comfortable and work well.  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/

Reference and for more information go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164026.htm

Second Hand Smoke, Hearing loss and Children

ScienceDaily.com reported a recent study showing secondhand smoke caused hearing loss in teens.  The study looked at 1500, 12-19 year olds for nicotine and hearing loss.  They found those exposed to the secondhand smoke were twice as likely to have hearing loss then those who were not exposed. The more secondhand smoke the teens were exposed to the greater the risk for hearing loss.

They found hearing was affected in the mid to high frequency range interfering with the ability to understand words and speech. This caused words to be misheard.  In a classroom the teens can mishear teachers resulting in misunderstanding information and assignments, ultimately affecting school performance.

Hearing loss among teens and children is on the rise.  Secondhand smoke is not the only cause.  Teens are also at risk for noise induced hearing loss.  12.5% of 6-19 year olds have documented hearing loss related to noise exposure. Learn more about hearing loss at: http://aacHEAR.org/education

Teens with undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss often have socialization problems. They can have difficulty in social situations, lack self confidence and have low self esteem.  Also, teens who cannot hear well in the classroom get bored, act out and become labeled troublemakers or labeled as ADHD. 

Typically misheard words and speech are blamed on the speaker.  Rarely does one realize hearing is the culprit.  If your child or teen misunderstands words or information, schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. 

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/

Reference and for more information go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164026.htm

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

We are often asked what are the signs of hearing loss.  Here are just a few. 

·         Mumbling of words

·         Difficulty hearing in noise or in a crowd of people

·         Frequently asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and/or loudly

·         Withdrawal from conversations

·         Ringing in the ears

·         Hearing better when people face you when they talk to you

·         Avoiding some social settings

·         Dizziness

·         Muffled hearing

·         Family members reporting that you miss hearing things and encouraging you to have a hearing evaluation

·         Occupational or recreational exposure to loud sounds

When even one or two of these signs and symptoms are present see an audiologist.  Have a comprehensive

hearing evaluation.  That will determine the next steps for you.  See example, if a medical condition is

resent you will be referred to a physician.  If there is no medical condition, hearing aids may be

recommended.  If you have a history or noise exposure, hearing protection may be discussed. 

Click here to learn more about hearing loss.

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/

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/

Hearing Vs Listening

If you think there is a difference between hearing and listening, you are right, there is! Hearing is the ear perceiving sound.  Hearing simply happens. For instance, you hear while you sleep, you don't have to do anything it just happens.  Other then having ears that can hear, there is nothing you need to do.  Even folks with mild to moderate hearing loss can hear somewhat.

Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain finds meaning in words and sentences.  Some people are “hard of listening”.  Have you ever heard the term “selective hearing”?  This term reflects the act of listening or rather, not listening.  The key here is that it is an active process requiring participation on the part of the listener.   

Listening leads to learning.  First, we “tune in” to what we hear.  Then the brain applies meaning to the sounds. It’s a way of gathering information, allowing for an exchange of ideas and thoughts.  This is where communication happens. 

When one has hearing loss, there is a breakdown right at the ear itself.  When let go over time, the brain stops trying to listen and communication becomes challenged.  Over time the brain stops trying and words become even less clear, less distinct.  This is where hearing aids can bring about great improvements.  By helping the ear to hear better, the brain receives more of the signal and is able to find more meaning in the words and sentences.  Plus using hearing aids can also help the brain to stay sharp.

If words are mumbled, or if you feel people speak softly, have a hearing evaluation.  It will help to determine if you hear normally.  It’s the first step to good communication. 

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/

Fun Hearing Facts

Did you know???

• Fish do not have ears but they can hear. They hear pressure changes through ridges on their bodies.
  • 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.
  • 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 needs to have a baseline hearing evaluation.
  
  
  Schedule a hearing evaluation now!

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/

Referrences:
Better Hearing Institute, Obtained 8-6-12, http://www.betterhearing.org/aural_education_and_counseling/hearing_loss_facts/fun_facts/index.cfm

Turn It To The Left: Obtained 8-6-12, http://www.turnittotheleft.com/educationresources.htm

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