Untreated Hearing Loss

Unfortunately, hearing loss remains one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in the United States today.  The Better Hearing Institute reported more than 38 million American’s have hearing loss. Women tend to address hearing loss and use hearing aids more readily then men. The majority of those experiencing the negative effects of nont using hearing aids are men.

Rarely do people consider the affects of untreated hearing loss.  The obvious affects are the loss of communication and the enjoyment of sounds such as bird song and music.  The not so obvious ones include a negative impact on relationships, communication and social life.  Research has shown that those with untreated hearing loss on the average, earn $24,000 less a year then those who use hearing aids.  Studies show that those with hearing loss appear to be not as "sharp" or "Johnny on the Spot" at work due to the extra time it takes for communication.

As the work force in the US continues to work later into life, the number of workers over the age of 70 is increasing.  Along with this, the number of workers with hearing loss is also increasing.  Read more here.  The need to use hearing aids becomes even more important.

The Better Hearing Institute reported that hearing health is an important part life. Not only does it affect quality of life but also well being.  Fortunately, wearing hearing aids mitigates the impact on income by about 50 percent, improves quality of life and over all wellbeing.

We live in a busy world today.  Encourage your loved ones to take time to take care of themselves.  Call today for a hearing evaluation and get started.  Hearing aids work great and are discreet!

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

Advantages of Wearing Two Hearing Aids

Your brain needs to hear from both ears to be able to locate a sound.  For example, if you hear with one ear, you will hear keys fall off the counter but not be able to tell exactly where they fell.  When both ears hear equally, the brain can quickly locate the spot the keys fell.  This is one reason why we typically recommend two hearing aids when you have hearing loss in both ears. Hearing aids work as a system.  This way the brain receives more accurate information keeping you in touch with your surroundings.

The second benefit of wearing two hearing aids is better hearing in noisy places.  With two hearing aids, the brain better separates words from background sounds.  The more information the brain has the better you can focus on the conversation.  This allows for easier communication even though there is background noise.  

Today many hearing aids operate wirelessly.   With wireless hearing aids, the aids communicate with each other maximizing hearing.  This binaural processing coordinates sound giving the brain more accurate information.  You have a better idea of things happening around you.

Research shows those who wear two hearing aids are more satisfied and those who wear one. Those who wear wireless hearing aids are the most satisfied.

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/

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