Hearing for the Holidays

The holidays can be a joyous time and often a loud hectic time of the year.    For those with hearing loss and hearing aids it can be especially stressful.   With hearing loss, hearing does not come naturally, people need to pay attention, focus and concentrate.  Listening in noisy places takes effort on the part of the person with hearing loss. 

Gatherings with family and friends, whether in a home or a restaurant can be loud, interfering with conversation.  When having difficulty hearing in a group conversation, try one- on-one conversations.  Make sure you are able to see speaker's face and pay attention to gestures.  Keep as much of the noise behind you as you can.  Be ready to ask people to speak slowly or to rephrase the information when needed.  Conversing loved ones is well worth the effort.  

When talking to someone with hearing loss, first get their attention.  This can be as simple as starting a sentence with their name. This way they can give your comments their attention.  Speak slowly and distinctly.    If they miss hear what was said rephrase it, state it differently.  Whenever possible reduce background noise. 

The first and best step to hearing well for the holidays starts with good audiologic care.  Have an audiologist perform a hearing evaluation and when recommended, wear hearing aids.  Hearing aids do a great job improving hearing and communication.  Get started 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/

Things to consider when purchasing hearing aids

I am often asked what is important to consider when investing in hearing aids.  I typically tell people to keep it simple and break it down into three basic decisions.  The first two are simple.

First, for most people if you have hearing loss in both ears, then you need two hearing aids.  There are few exceptions to this rule.  The ears work best when they work together.  This is important when in noisy places.  You need both ears to separate speech from background noise.

Second, you will need to decide on the style of the hearing aids.  There are four basic styles.  Among the newest instruments are miniature behind-the-ear aids.  These rest at the top of the ear and have a slim tube leading into the ear canal.  They are discreet and well camouflaged.  Traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids have a thicker tube leading to an ear piece that fills the ear.  In-the-ear hearing aids fit all in the ear and fill the opening of the ear.  In-the-canal hearing aids are placed in the lower part of the ear and ear canal.  Completely-in-the-canal aids fit in the ear canal.  Hearing loss, dexterity of the hands and fingers and personal preference are considered when choosing the best style of each individual.

Third, you will choose the technology for the hearing aids. This is the most complex of the decisions and has the greatest impact on the cost of the aids.  The technology and features typically affect; how well the aids can adjust to many different listening environments; the degree of fine tuning available to match your hearing loss and how aggressive the hearing aids will be at separating speech from background noise.  Any hearing aid technology and feature can be added to most any style instrument. 

Your audiologist can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of style and technologies and further explain the benefits best suited to your lifestyle.  Get started with an Audiologic Evaluation. In Mentor Ohio call 440-205-8848.

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 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/

Why are some hearing tests free and others are not?

My dad always told me there was nothing free in life.  I agree with him when it comes to hearing tests.  I don’t believe there are “free” hearing tests.  Those who offer free hearing tests often bundle the cost of the test into the price of the hearing aids.  It is hard to see the added cost since it is difficult to price compare hearing aids. 

Typically and audiologist will charge for the assessment.  An audiologic assessment is more than just a hearing test.  Audiologic assessment gives in depth information about your ears and hearing.  It is the most important part of your evaluation.  It is the cornerstone form which all of the decisions and recommendations are made.  The assessment needs to be accurate and thorough.  It is performed in a sound booth using calibrated equipment.  The assessment is the first step to good hearing care and properly adjusting hearing aids.  It is so important that Medicare and other insurances pay for the assessment even when they do not pay for hearing aids. 

Audiologists are recognized by the government and insurance companies as providers for audiologic assessment.  If you seek assistance from an audiologist, then the audiologist can bill insurance for the audiologic evaluation.  Besides receiving good hearing care, billing insurance for the evaluation, keeps your costs down. 

Hearing aid dealers or hearing aid "specialists" can perform a hearing test but not an audiologic assessment.   Hearing aid dealers are trained to perform simple measures of hearing.  In most states, hearing aid dealers are not recognized as providers for audiologic assessment and cannot bill medical insurance to be reimbursed for the evaluation.

Give yourself good care.  Have a thorough audiologic assessment with an audiologist.  From there your audiologist will determine if you need to see a physician, wear hearing aids or if other options are appropriate.  

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

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/