Hearing Loss
HEARING LOSS
5 ways to make conversation easier for users wearing hearing aids

5 ways to make conversation easier for users wearing hearing aids

Many people mistakenly believe that wearing hearing aids can achieve normal hearing and immediate results, in fact, wearing hearing aids is only the beginning of the hearing rehabilitation process. Hearing aid wearers need to get used to new sounds and changes in timbre to re-establish self-confidence when communicating. Friends and family should gradually help them overcome difficulties in order to give them great help, 5 ways to help hearing aid users talk easily:

5 Ways to Talk Easily with Hearing Impaired

1. Keep the user focused before conveying the message and avoid talking to multiple people at the same time. We can pat the user before talking to him to help him focus on us, or ask the user to stop what they are doing to focus. For users with poor speech resolution, it is more recommended to understand one-on-one, avoid multiple conversations, and avoid distracting users.

2. Communicate face-to-face when speaking, using gestures, facial expressions, lip language to help users understand. Even when people with normal hearing communicate with others, face-to-face communication, supplemented by facial expressions and lip speech, can achieve the best results. This is even more important as a person with hearing impairment.

3. The speaker should speak clearly, talk at a normal communication distance and normal volume, and slow down the speed of speech. Often in life we have a misunderstanding, think that can not hear clearly the sound can be increased, does have a certain effect, but its effect is not as good as the normal volume to slow down the speed of speech, so in daily life we as family and friends to help our hearing impaired people with more patience, take the initiative to slow down the speed of speech.

4. Reduce background noise and try to keep users away from noise sources. For example, turn the sound off the TV or radio, or close the door to reduce noise.

5. When talking, if you find that the wearer is tired, do not force or prolong the conversation. Especially the elderly, due to age, are weaker and not suitable for long-term focused conversation.

AUSTAR: A leading professional Chinese hearing aid manufacturer and supplier, committed to improving hearing through technology for hearing-impaired users.

2022-12-30
When I heard how expensive Hearing Aids were, I knew I had to help!

When I heard how expensive Hearing Aids were, I knew I had to help!

A number of years ago, both my father and father-in-law started to experience hearing loss. Communication became increasingly frustrating for everyone and eventually they were convinced to have their hearing tested. While no one was surprised that their audiologists recommended hearing aids, we were all stunned when we heard how much the recommended models were going to cost! $4,000 for a basic model and over $6000 for the best available. 

I knew there had to be a better and a more affordable option. After all, incredibly sophisticated smart phones and computers cost hundreds of dollars, not thousands!

I decided to look into the industry and see what could be done. Some very smart people had looked at this issue including The New York Times: The search for an affordable hearing aid and AARP: Why do hearing aids cost so much. But most articles simply explained why they were expensive rather than what do do about it. 

I quickly learned two things:

First, there are many models and options for hearing aids but the best ones are built using European technology and are custom programmed by an experienced audiologist to meet each individual patient’s hearing challenge.

Second, much of the cost of hearing aids comes from the highly costly local retail model. Hearing aid retail shops must cover the many costs that come from running a “brick-and- mortar” storefront, including rent, equipment, and staff salaries. In addition, they typically serve only a very local customer base so these exceptionally high fixed costs must be spread over very few customers, adding several thousand dollars to each order.

So, I began to wonder if it would be possible to provide high quality hearing aids without the costs of retail storefronts and retail staff while maintaining a highly experienced audiology and customer service team … and that is when I discovered Embrace Hearing.

Thanks to the Internet, Embrace Hearing can offer the highest quality audiologist programmed hearing aid technology found at a brick-and- mortar retailers for thousands of dollars less. I was really impressed and spoke with the owners and eventually decided to buy the company.

Embrace Hearing keeps costs down by:

 *   Buying directly from the German manufacturer. We focus on a few, really great models of hearing aids to get the best pricing possible.

 *  Selling exclusively online. We sell to customers anywhere – across the United States and around the world but we only sell online to keep our costs down.

 *   Eliminating the costs of retail storefronts and retail staff while maintaining a highly experienced audiology and customer service team.

In fact, Embrace Hearing can deliver custom programmed hearing aids directly to your home in less than a week for about 1/3 of the cost charged by the typical local retailer. That’s a savings of $2,500 - $4,000!

So, I found a solution that offers German technology, 24/7 customer service and a 45 day free trial program – 100% satisfaction or 100% of your money back.

Can I help you afford top quality hearing aids?

2020-08-05
The Best Hearing Aid Type for your Activity of Choice

The Best Hearing Aid Type for your Activity of Choice

If you want to maintain an active, social lifestyle, there are some great ways to stay healthy and exercise. But you want to factor in the differences between hearing aids types and health activities when deciding on a hearing aid.
According to the National Institute on Deafness, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. If you are over age 45, it is more likely that you will eventually face losing some or all of your hearing. If you wish to stay active, that can pose problems.



However, you have options to mitigate the problem of lessened hearing ability while still doing the activities you enjoy with hearing aids. There are several types available.


Here are some types of hearing aids and which type of health activity corresponds best.

Receiver-in-Ear (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-ear hearing aids are smaller than behind-the-ear hearing aids. They are more susceptible to earwax. But those are not things you need to worry about when walking, so that might be a good health activity for this type of aid. Conversation while walking also becomes easier because the speakers in this type of hearing aid offers higher voice quality.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids, the world’s most common, are most appropriate for yoga. This is because you can do it alone, and behind-the-ear hearing aids are not discreet. Also, yoga requires a relatively low amount of active motion.



In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

in-the-ear hearing aids are smaller and more discreet than the two previous types. The Mayo Clinic warns that this type of hearing aid may pick up more wind noise. Tai Chi is practiced indoors in studios without wind noise, making in-the-ear hearing aids well suited for that health activity.



In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
In-the-canal hearing aids may pose problems for people with dexterity issues. Using stationary bicycles requires less dexterity, so it may be useful to choose in-the-canal hearing aids for stationary bicycling.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

The second-smallest type of hearing aids, completely-in-canal hearing aids, may be less likely to fall out during the high-impact activity of running. This makes them ideal for an exhilarating run.


Invisible (IIC) Hearing Aids
Invisible hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aids and the most discreet. They rest in the second bend of your ear canal. They may not accommodate manual volume or memory controls. Zumba classes are high-intensity group activities requiring wide range-of-motion, so invisible hearing aids should stay in even while you get your Zumba on. Plus, the memory control features are more likely to be needed for activities that require going from indoor to outdoor to indoor again than for Zumba classes, where noise level is usually set.

If you are older with hearing issues but still social and active, these recommendations should assist you in choosing what type of hearing aid is best for your health activity of choice.




2020-08-04
The Online Hearing Test Customer Journey

The Online Hearing Test Customer Journey

While the journey from taking a hearing test to obtaining hearing aids and getting those new hearing aids adjusted may have changed, the result is the same. At Connect Hearing, we are doing everything we can to serve your hearing needs and keep everyone safe during COVID-19.
We recently launched a new telehealth service that allows us to provide hearing tests remotely. Even patients with minimal tech experience find our online services easy to use and much more efficient. We will explain the process in detail below. 

While we have switched to a mainly online approach for the duration of the coronavirus, we do still offer some emergency appointments. Here are some preventative measures we are taking at the clinic.
Clinic Precautions
At this time, we are only accepting emergency appointments from current patients, healthcare workers, and other essential service workers. 

However, we will continue to offer curbside pickups and drop-offs for all patients. Inside the clinic, we perform rigorous sanitation routines and require that both patients and providers use masks and gloves inside the building.


Online Hearing Tests

We are delighted to embrace remote care opportunities, and our online hearing tests have been very popular among patients. The entire exam takes very little time to complete, and you will then receive a pre-adjusted hearing aid at your door within a few days. Here’s how the process works:


Step 1: Take The Test
Go to www.connecthearing.com/online-hearing-test/ to take the test. The only equipment you will need for the test is a pair of headphones. You’ll hear various tones testing three different frequencies and receive instant results when you submit the test.

Step 2: Receive a Set of AST Hearing Aids
When you submit your test, the results are automatically sent to a Hearing Care Provider (HCP) who will program a set of AST Hearing Aids for you. Once programmed, we will send the hearing aids to your doorstep for a free product trial.


Step 3: Download The App

Once you receive your AST Hearing Aids, download the My AST  app. The app has several features, such as remote control, usage statistics, and even a Hearing Diary.

Step 4: Your Hearing Care Professional Makes Adjustments
When a new patient comes to the clinic to wear hearing aids for the first time, we usually schedule several follow up appointments to adjust it for comfort.
 
Our remote services are no different.
Only, instead of coming into the clinic, you can talk to your HCP through video conferencing software and perform regular hearing tests through the My AST app.
Based on the results, your HCP can make real-time adjustments to your hearing aid settings in the My AST  App.

Step 5: Continued Adjustments For The Trial Duration

During the duration of the trial, your HCP will continue to adjust your hearing aids. At the end of the trial period, you can choose to keep them or send them back. If you decide to keep them, we’ll discuss invoicing and insurance over the phone.

Conclusion
As you can see, our online process is super simple and requires very little technical knowledge. We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to our new online hearing test and always welcome suggestions on how we can better serve you. Know that you still have the full support of the entire Connect Hearing team throughout the process.

If you have any further questions regarding our new telehealth services, please contact our office.

2020-08-04
Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus

Best Hearing Aids for Tinnitus


What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition that causes an individual to hear sounds that are not actually physically present.

What sounds do people hear?
It varies among individuals, but tinnitus sounds are often described as whistling, ringing, hissing or beeping.

Who experiences tinnitus?
Anyone can experience tinnitus at any time in their lives, though the condition is more common among older people. Also, those whose work involves being exposed to loud noises are also more liable to experience tinnitus; Michael Stipe of REM, for example, has spent his life near loudspeakers when playing concerts and has spoken at length about the impact tinnitus has had on his life.

What causes tinnitus?
The causes vary among individuals.
 *  For most people, tinnitus is part of the natural aging process. As we age, we lose vital sensory hair cells in the inner ear; as this happens, tinnitus becomes more likely.
 *  As mentioned above, exposure to loud noise – particularly over a prolonged period of time – has been linked to the likelihood of developing the condition.
 *  Tinnitus can be caused by embedded earwax in the ear canal.
 *  Tinnitus is also a symptom of some health conditions not related to the ear, such as B12 deficiency.

 *  Finally, it is worth noting that an individual can experience tinnitus for no discernible reason.


How is tinnitus treated?
If a person is experiencing tinnitus, they should first visit a medical professional in order to rule out underlying causes or illnesses. If there is an underlying cause, this illness – rather than the tinnitus – will be the target for treatment and tinnitus symptoms should alleviate as a result of treatment.

If tinnitus has been caused by embedded earwax, then earwax can be removed by a medical professional. When the blockage is cleared, most people find that their tinnitus symptoms dissipate.

Tinnitus that is due to aging or prolonged exposure to loud noise, however, is often more difficult to treat. For most people in this bracket, tinnitus tends to be managed rather than treated – the condition is rarely “cured,” but its impact can be reduced. One of the most common methods for managing the condition is the use of hearing aids with tinnitus masking functionality.

How can hearing aids help tinnitus?
Most people see hearing aids as a treatment for hearing loss, which is understandable given that this is their primary purpose. However, hearing aids can also be used to help treat tinnitus, regardless of whether or not the person also experiences hearing loss.

Tinnitus hearing aids have a particular functionality known as “tinnitus masking.” Tinnitus masking involves an individual wearing a hearing aid, but rather than amplifying existing sounds, the hearing aids emits new sounds – most commonly, broadband or narrow-band noise, usually at low levels.

Admittedly, the idea of a device emitting new noises to someone who is already hearing too many noises may seem odd – but the noise the device emits tends to act as a masking sound for the noise of tinnitus. As the person is continually experiencing the noise from their device, they are less likely to notice tinnitus-related sounds. The experience is akin to using a white noise machine to drown out traffic sounds.

Doesn’t additional sound emitted by a hearing aid create a new problem?
No. The sound emitted by tinnitus hearing aids is specifically formulated to be unobtrusive. While you may need a few days to adapt to such a device, in time, it’s unlikely you will notice it at all.

Do tinnitus hearing aids work?
Yes. Most people find that they notice tinnitus-related sounds far less when wearing a device.

Which hearing aids include tinnitus masking?
Tinnitus masking is a feature on a wide variety of hearing aids. Your hearing care professional or audiologist will be able to advise you on which device may be suitable for your specific needs.

Can tinnitus hearing aids also assist with hearing loss?

Yes, suitable devices can be multifunctional, providing the amplification required for successful treatment of hearing loss in addition to the masking function that tinnitus requires.



2020-08-03
Hearing Loss in One Ear

Hearing Loss in One Ear

For the most part, hearing loss tends to affect both ears. One ear may experience a slightly higher degree of hearing loss than the other – similar to how most people with eyesight issues have one eye that is slightly worse than the other – but the issue is predominantly universal.

However, in some cases, hearing loss can occur in just one ear, with the other completely unaffected. Below, we at the Hear For You Hearing & Balance Center have put together a simple guide to this scenario, exploring the possible causes, potential treatments and what anyone experiencing the issue should expect.

Introducing unilateral hearing loss
When an individual is only experiencing hearing loss in one ear, this is known as “unilateral” hearing loss. This is in contrast to the more common bilateral hearing loss, which is hearing loss that affects both ears.

Unilateral hearing loss is unlikely to be diagnosed in an individual if they are experiencing hearing loss in both ears, even if one is more severely affected than the other. Unilateral hearing loss is only usually diagnosed if the person’s hearing in their unaffected ear is completely standard.

What causes unilateral hearing loss?
For the most part, unilateral hearing loss has the same causative factors as bilateral hearing loss, namely:

 *  Aging
 *  Prolonged exposure to loud noises without sufficient ear protection
 *  Excess earwax in the ear canal
 *  Tumors
 *  Illness
 *  Ear infections
 *  Injury to the ear


Why does unilateral hearing loss occur?
In cases of excess earwax, tumors or injuries, unilateral hearing loss occurs because only one ear is affected.

For cases where there is no secondary factor besides aging or damage, unilateral hearing loss is just one of those things – there’s no definitive reason why only one ear has been affected by these issues, while the other continues to function completely as standard.

How is unilateral hearing loss diagnosed?
It varies depending on the cause of the hearing loss.

Injuries and ear infections tend to be acute conditions, meaning they will last for less than three months. For these causes of hearing loss on just one side, the diagnosis is usually based on the infection or the injury itself; the hearing loss does not need to be formally diagnosed, as it is a symptom of a larger issue rather than a condition in and of itself.

For more chronic occurrences of unilateral hearing loss – such as hearing loss that is due to aging or damage to the ear – diagnosis is usually obtained via an audiologist-administered hearing test. This test is identical to the same tests used for suspected bilateral hearing loss, with the test results – known as an audiogram – confirming that the issue is only present in one ear.

How is unilateral hearing loss treated?
For cases where the hearing loss has been caused by secondary issues – such as illness, tumors or earwax – the rectification of these problems tends to resolve the symptom.

In cases where hearing loss is caused by aging or damage to the ear, the most common treatment for unilateral hearing loss is identical to the treatment for bilateral hearing loss: hearing aids.

Can you just use hearing aids in one ear?
This is a possibility, but for most people who experience unilateral hearing loss, there is a preferable solution worth exploring.

To explain this, we first need to discuss how standard hearing aids work. There are a variety of different types of hearing aids, all with the same central function: a microphone or receiver “hears” noise and the noise is then amplified into the ear canal, allowing the wearer to hear the sound clearly. This process is essentially self-contained; the microphone and amplifier are dedicated to improving the hearing of the ear they are attached on only. For this reason, people with bilateral hearing loss will wear two hearing aids, one in each ear, both performing this same self-contained process.

A person experiencing unilateral hearing loss could, technically, wear a single hearing aid on their affected ear, which would perform the same function as above. However, most people who experience one-sided hearing loss prefer to opt for a device that works a little differently. In these specialist devices, when a noise from the non-hearing side is “heard” by the microphone, it is transmitted to their unaffected ear, rather than amplifying the sound so their affected ear can hear it.

Is it always necessary to treat unilateral hearing loss?
Given that people with unilateral hearing loss can still hear well in their unaffected ear, some people find it tempting to try and manage without a hearing aid. This, however, is inadvisable; hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, even if it’s just on one side, so treatment via a hearing aid is always the best course of action.

2020-08-03
What to Expect at Your First Hearing Aid Fitting

What to Expect at Your First Hearing Aid Fitting

The hard part is over—now it’s time for the final stretch.
Making the decision to correct your hearing loss by purchasing a hearing aid is often the most difficult step in the hearing restoration process. Still, arriving at the fitting stage is an exciting and emotional moment that can be stressful if you’re not prepared. To help alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling, here is what you should expect from this important visit.

How long will this take?
You should expect to spend somewhere between one and two hours during this first appointment. While that may seem long, it is important for you and your hearing care professional to take the time to ensure your hearing aids will fit comfortably and that you know exactly how to use, maintain, and care for them. You should also expect your professional to schedule a follow-up visit to see how well the devices are functioning after an initial trial phase to make any necessary adjustments.

What will we discuss?
Fittings usually begin with an orientation session about your specific hearing aids. You will discuss all the features in your new hearing aids, as well as receive any cleaning and maintenance advice to keep your hearing aids safe and functioning at peak performance. Your hearing care professional should also make sure to correct any false expectations you may have about what hearing aids will do for you, in order to avoid feelings of disappointment or discouragement that could sabotage your hearing aid experience.

A hearing test will also be administered to determine the quietest sounds you can hear and the degree of loudness at which sounds become uncomfortable. Your hearing care professional will use special software to match the hearing aids to your preferences and set up different programs for each listening situation you’re likely to encounter in everyday life. This orientation and initial set-up will likely constitute the bulk of your visit.

Should I expect more tests?
Probably just one. A test called a real ear or probe microphone measure will measure the amplification (or gain) of sounds entering the hearing aids to determine if they match the severity of your hearing loss needs. A thin tube attached to a microphone is placed inside your ear canal, to measure the volume of sound in the area around your eardrum without a hearing aid present. Then, with the tube in place, a hearing aid is inserted to determine whether the amplified volume is appropriate, using either speech or a calibrated tone to which you will react as directed.

Hearing aids reality check
Due to current limitations on hearing loss science and technology, hearing aids rarely restore hearing 100 percent, unlike how a pair of glasses can restore 20/20 vision. And only occasionally do a pair of hearing aids function optimally immediately following the first fitting—it is more likely that some adjustments will be required. If this is your first time wearing hearing aids of any kind, your hearing care professional should give you a wearing schedule suggesting how long and under what circumstances you should wear your hearing aids for the first week or so. If you have had diminished hearing for several years, it may take some time for your brain to get used to hearing sounds it hasn’t for a long time.

The term “fit” refers to more than just how the physical hearing aid fits in or on your ear. The results of your audiogram are also used to tailor your hearing aids to your specific volume and situational listening needs. While this method is reliable, adjustments will likely be needed as you become more familiar with your hearing aids and listening preferences.

For example, it may turn out that the initial assessment for volume is actually too loud for your comfort. Or it may simply be that you need time to get used to previously unheard sounds in all their forms—including those that are annoying, irritating, or constant. Arrive at your fitting with the expectation that your hearing aids will need to be adjusted at least once or twice during follow-up visits. When it comes to hearing restoration, patience is the key to success.

What else should I know by the time I leave?
The idea of maintaining a new pair of hearing aids may seem daunting, but developers and designers have worked hard to make sure every pair works as effortlessly as possible with minimal wearer intervention. Still, it is important to know some basic procedures that are required for maintaining most hearing aid models:

 *  How to change and discard batteries (unless hearing aids are rechargeable).
 *  How any advanced features work, such as tinnitus therapy signals and connecting via T-coil to inductive loop systems.
 *  How to change programs, adjust volume, or make any other adjustments that aren’t automated.
 *  How to clean and maintain your hearing aids.

 *  How to program and use remote controls and other accessories.


Your hearing care professional should also give you any supporting documentation, such as an instruction guide, in addition to cleaning tools, a storage case, and a supply of batteries. If you have any worries at all, make sure to speak up—by the end of your visit all questions and concerns should have been addressed to your satisfaction. Expect that your hearing aid provider will contact you in a few days to see how you’re doing, answer any additional questions, or arrange for a follow-up appointment.

Contact a hearing care professional
With both you and your hearing care professional committed to your success, your new life with hearing aids should be an improvement over the one you led while still struggling to hear. Contact a hearing care professional today to schedule a hearing test and hearing aid fitting.

2020-07-31
When to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids

When to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids

It’s rare that a hearing aid will still be functioning at peak levels after about five years of use, and most warranties don’t cover repairs or replacements after four years.

Woman wearing deaf aid
While follow-up visits with your hearing care professional to have your hearing aids adjusted can extend their lifespan, rapidly advancing technology means that the features of your hearing aids will already be obsolete by the time the electronics begin to malfunction. For this reason, it’s good to know the warning signs of a failing device so you don’t ever have to spend a day without the best hearing modification available.

Changes in hearing and lifestyle are enough to warrant an upgrade. Starting a new job means readjusting to an office with audio and communication equipment that’s different from what you’re used to. Moving to a new location, such as a city where the environmental sounds are louder, could also affect your hearing requirements.

If you’re wondering if it’s time for a new pair or if you’re intrigued by all the features today’s smart hearing aids have to offer, complete the following form before your next appointment with a hearing care professional. It is possible that they will not suggest the same brand or model of hearing aids the second time around, as listening preferences and needs tend to change over time.

Hearing Aid Upgrade Form


1. I’ve had my current hearing aids for:
One-three years
Three-five years
Five-seven years

More than seven years


2. My hearing aids are working:
Perfectly
Mostly well, but occasionally need servicing
Alright, but need repairs more often than in the past

Not well, they need repairs regularly


3. True or False: My hearing aids have Bluetooth® or wireless connectivity that allows me to stream audio from my smartphone, tablet, or other device.
True

False


4. I’ve sent my hearing aids in for repairs:
Three or more times
Twice
Once

Never


5. How often do you clean your hearing aids?
Every day
Every other day
Every week

Every month


6. How often do you raise the volume on your hearing aids?
Much more than I used to
A bit more than I used to
The same as I always have
A bit less than I used to

Much less than I used to


7. My budget for a new set of hearing aids is:
Higher than what I paid the first time
The same as what I paid the first time

Less than what I paid the first time


8. I can hear _______ with my current hearing aids:
Extremely well
Pretty well
Okay
Not as well as I used to

Poorly


9. My hearing needs at work have changed
Yes

No


10. My hearing needs at home/socially have changed
Yes

No


11. My current hearing aids allow me to (check all that apply):
 * Hear and keep up with conversations easily in crowded and noisy environments
 * Listen to audio clearly from TVs, smartphones, and other devices
 * Hear well in windy situations, such as while walking
 * Help me hear well even though I have little-to-no hearing in one of my ears
 * Enjoy music in all its fullness and clarity
 * Maintain the level of discretion I want while wearing them and while adjusting my program or volume

 * Hold telephone conversations with ease

It may help to write down the ways in which your hearing needs have changed since your last fitting before speaking with a professional. This way, you can arrive confident that you know which features you want and ask questions about how your new hearing aids will match your lifestyle.

If it’s been awhile since your last audiology exam, you may be anxious upon finding out how your condition has changed. Hearing loss worsens with age, so don’t be alarmed if the results of your audiogram are more severe than you had anticipated. Fortunately, with the right adjustments and advice, your hearing care professional can make it so that you won’t even notice any additional hearing loss you may have developed since you purchased your original hearing aids.

Try before you buy
If you’re still on the fence about whether to stick with your current hearing aids, remember that most hearing care professionals will be happy to let you try out the latest technology during a trial period to help you determine whether an upgrade is in order. At the very least, talk to your hearing care professional about having your hearing tested if it’s been more than a year since your last exam.

2020-07-31
Do I need hearing aids?

Do I need hearing aids?

Hearing loss can be hard to detect because it often occurs gradually over time. The average Australian takes seven years to get their hearing tested.1 If you think your hearing or the hearing of a loved one might be diminishing, it is best to get it checked out. Here’s a list of simple questions you can ask yourself to see if you need to get it checked:

 *  Do I listen to the TV with the volume up high?
 *  Do my friends and family think I can’t hear well?
 *  Do I work around loud music or machinery?
 *  Do I ask people to repeat themselves?
 *  Do I struggle hear conversations in crowded places?
 *  Do I often miss phone calls or the door bell ringing?
 *  Do I often hear an annoying sound in my ears?

If you have answered yes to two or more of these questions, then it is time to get your hearing tested.



Don’t worry, you are not alone!

Research shows that 3.6 million Australians, or 14.5 per cent of the population, currently experiences hearing loss. This figure is expected to rise to 7.8 million by 2060.2

Over time, the sounds we hear may become distorted or muffled, and it may be difficult to understand other people when they talk. If you have noise injury you might not even be aware of it, but it can be detected with a hearing test.

Noise injury can also be caused by extremely loud bursts of sound, such as gunshots or explosions, which can rupture the eardrum or damage the bones in the middle ear. This kind of noise injury could result in immediate hearing loss that may be permanent.

If left untreated, hearing loss can leave people feeling disconnected from loved ones, reduce their ability to participate in social situations, or even affect their working life.

The online hearing assessment is a quick and easy 10-minute assessment that tests to see if your hearing is up to scratch.

Simply enter a few details about your hearing experiences and take the online audio test.


If you have any more questions about your hearing health or that of a loved one, you are always welcome at your local Hearing Australia centre, call us on 131 797 or contact us today.

References

Access Economics (2006), Listen Hear: The Economic Impact and Cost of Hearing Loss in Australia, Feb. p25.

Ibid. p20
2020-07-30
Keeping Your Brain Fit Through Hearing Aids

Keeping Your Brain Fit Through Hearing Aids

One of the best ways to maintain brain fitness as you age is to stay mentally engaged through an active social life. You can achieve cognitive acuity through communicating with the world around you. When hearing loss interferes with your ability to connect with friends and loved ones, it increases your risk of cognitive decline. Fortunately, you may be able to improve your hearing, keep your brain fit and slow down the accelerated cognitive decline linked to hearing loss.

Think of your brain first

How is hearing health connected to your brain? Listening and understanding require your brain and your ears to work together, with the brain doing the heavy lifting. The auditory cortex (which is in the temporal lobe) sorts out and interprets the sounds your ears detect. Your brain translates the information from your two ears to orient you. It also deciphers where noise comes from. These processes help you focus on conversation and separate out unwanted noise.

When you have hearing loss, the sound signals your brain receives from your ears is compromised. Your brain doesn’t receive the sound information it needs, and it has to exert its energy to fill in the gaps. The extra effort to keep up with conversations can leave you feeling tired and frustrated. You may begin to withdraw and avoid the social connections that are so important to your well-being.


Hobbies keep your brain fit

According to researchers in Japan, performing math problems helps seniors retain mental acuity.¹ But, for those who don't love math, there are many options for seniors to keep their brains active. According to a report from Harvard Medical School, mind-stimulating options vary, and include:

    Reading
    Playing cards
    Doing crossword puzzles
    Learning a new language
    Playing a musical instrument

Remember, many everyday tasks and hobbies require tackling math problems. Estimating costs when shopping, figuring how many plants you need in your garden and even knitting all require some math. 


Avoid the risks of untreated hearing loss

Many studies have shown a link between untreated hearing loss and isolation, depression and a host of other health issues, including stroke². If you have hearing loss, you are also more likely to experience problems with thinking and remembering than older adults with normal hearing. Researchers have also found a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. The study shows that if you have hearing loss and don’t use hearing aids, you may accelerated cognitive decline³.


How hearing aids help your brain

Wearing hearing aids actively addresses hearing loss and reduces your risk of cognitive decline. That is what French researcher Hélène Amieva and her team concluded in a major study. The research involved nearly 4000 volunteers over a 25-year period. It found that people who utilized hearing aids and were socially active experienced cognitive decline at a rate similar to those without hearing loss. The researchers believe that the ability to hear better helps improve mood, increases social interactions and enables more participation in brain-stimulating activities.4


For best results, keep your hearing aids in your ears – not in a drawer

Hearing aids can only help you stay socially engaged and help keep your brain alert if you wear them. Today’s hearing aids give you both comfortable and stylish solutions that are easy to wear and can be tailored to your exact needs. Hearing aids can give an extra boost you need to follow social interaction. Staying alert will help keep your brain fit and slow down the cognitive decline linked to hearing loss. Plus, you can enjoy brain-stimulating social activities such as playing board games, cards and charades.



Signs that it’s time to get started on your hearing health journey

It may be time for a hearing assessment*, especially if you have these signs:
    Are people mumbling more than they used to?
    Are you having difficulty hearing conversations?
    Does your family complain about the volume on the TV?


Just by scheduling an appointment with HearingLife, you are taking an important step to keep your brain fit. There are many modern, discreet hearing solutions available – far more than even 10 years ago. Today’s hearing solutions preserve as much natural sound and detail as possible so that your auditory cortex receives the information it needs to make sense of sound. (And we won't make you do math problems.)


1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2276592/
2www.healthyhearing.com/report/31633-Study-links-sudden-hearing
3www.asha.org/Articles/Untreated-Hearing-Loss-in-Adults/
4Amieva H, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63(10):2099-104

2020-07-29
Why be thankful for hearing aids?

Why be thankful for hearing aids?

This is the time of the year when we count our blessings and think about what we are thankful for. For people with hearing impairment, having hearing aids certainly could top the list. It may come as a surprise to some, but there are even more reasons to be grateful for hearing aids beyond being able to turn down the volume on the TV.

Hearing loved ones is a great start

"Grandma, grandma! Guess what I did at school?" Children's voices are often the hardest to hear for people with senorineural hearing loss. With the help of technology, you'll be able to communicate better with the youngsters in your life. Many children are eager to share their stories with older relatives.

Addressing hearing loss can also lead to fewer misunderstandings around the dinner table or catching up on the phone. Today's devices can help you follow more than one conversation at a time and help you be more involved in group discussions. 



Five reasons to be grateful for hearing aids


People who delayed wearing hearing aids often tell our providers that they regret that they didn't address their hearing loss sooner. For those who have hearing aids, there are a multitude of reasons to feel grateful for the decisions to use them:

   1. Cutting-edge hearing aid technology. The high-tech hearing aids of today allow you to reconnect to the world around you. Modern hearing aids are sophisticated pieces of technology. Often described as "minicomputers," they are professionally calibrated to address your individual hearing loss and some models are molded to fit your ears.

    2. Better communication with loved ones. This is a benefit of hearing aids that people with hearing loss generally won’t realize until they begin hearing better again. During the holidays, what can be better than communicating better with your family and friends?

    3. Increased earning potential. The Better Hearing Institute has done research on the correlation between hearing loss and earning potential. Their study shows that untreated hearing loss can reduce annual earnings by as much as $30,000. However, when hearing aids are implemented the risk of decreased earnings was reduced up to 90%.¹

    4. Less tired feeling. People who suffer from hearing loss can experience listening fatigue. This is how hearing works: Since hearing is a process of the brain, when your ears do not hear well, your brain has to work harder to process and translate the sounds around you. This can lead to mental exhaustion, but hearing aids can help eliminate listening fatigue by relieving the strain on your brain.

    5.Feeling more secure and independent. Once hearing aids are part of your life, you almost immediately realize how you can become independent again. You may experience feelings of confidence when you no longer need to look for your “translators” to help you understand what is being said all the time.



HearingLife is grateful for you!

We know you have many reasons to be grateful for your hearing. Everyone has favorite sounds, such has hearing laughter, birds, music and our favorite people's voices. What tops your list? 

The team at HearingLife is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve people with hearing loss. Our mission, to help more people hear better, is never more important than this time of year when we hear how much easier it is for families to communicate well and enjoy each others company. If you notice someone during the holidays who may benefit from hearing care, we hope you will encourage them to focus on their hearing. You can encourage them to make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment,* and even join them. By taking part in the assessment, you may help provide more accurate results.  
2020-07-29
Humans ‘Perk Up Their Ears’ Similarly to Animals

Humans ‘Perk Up Their Ears’ Similarly to Animals

Asking children to ‘perk up their ears’ means asking them to listen intently. Nobody seriously thinks that kids literally move their ears the way that cats, dogs, or horses do. But the fact is, they do, as researchers at the Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNNU) have now shown. The research team, led by Professor Danial Strauss, has shown that the muscles around the ear become active as soon as novel, unusual, or goal-relevant sounds are perceived, according to a post on the Saarland University website.

“The electrical activity of the ear muscles indicates the direction in which the subject is focusing their auditory attention,” said Strauss. “It is very likely that humans still possess a rudimentary orientation system that tries to control the movement of the pinna (the visible outer part of the ear). Despite becoming vestigial about 25 million years ago, this system still exists as a ‘neural fossil’ within our brains.”

The question why pinna orienting was lost during the evolution of the primate lineage has still not been completely resolved. 

The researchers were able to record the signals that control the minute, generally invisible, movements of the pinna using a technique known as surface electromyography (EMG). Sensors attached to the subject’s skin detected the electrical activity of the muscles responsible for moving the pinna or altering its shape. Two types of attention were examined. To assess the reflexive attention that occurs automatically when we hear unexpected sounds, the participants in the study were exposed to novel sounds coming at random intervals from different lateral positions while they silently read a monotonous text. To test the goal-directed attention that we show when actively listening, the participants were asked to listen to a short story coming from one laterally positioned speaker, while ignoring a ‘competing’ story from a speaker located on the opposite side. Both experiments showed that muscle movements in the vestigial pinna-orienting system indicate the direction of the subject’s auditory attention. 

To better characterize these minute movements of the ear, the team also made special high-definition video recordings of the subjects during the experiments. The subtle movements of the ears were made visible by applying computer-based motion magnification techniques. Depending on the type of aural stimulus used, the researchers were able to observe different upward movements of the ear as well as differences in the strength of the rearward motion of the pinna’s upper-lateral edge.

“Our results show that electromyography of the ear muscles offers a simple means of measuring auditory attention. The technique is not restricted to fundamental research, it also has potential for a number of interesting applications,” said Strauss.

One area of great practical relevance would be in developing better hearing aids.

“These devices would be able to amplify the sounds that the wearer is trying to hear, while suppressing the noises that they are trying to ignore. The device would function in a way that reflects the user’s auditory intention,” he said. The hearing aid would almost instantaneously register and interpret the electrical activity in the ear muscles. A miniature processor would gauge the direction the user is trying to direct their attention towards and then adjust the gain on the device’s directional microphones accordingly. 

The research project was conducted by researchers at the Systems Neuroscience & Neurotechnology Unit (SNNU), which is affiliated to both the Medical Faculty at Saarland University and to the School of Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Saarland. External project partners were Dr Ronny Hannemann from the hearing aid manufacturer Sivantos GmbH and Steven A. Hackley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, who in 2015 first postulated the existence of a vestigial pinna-orienting system in humans.
2020-07-28
The ‘New Normal’ for Hearing Healthcare in the UK

The ‘New Normal’ for Hearing Healthcare in the UK

What Audiology Looks Like Now—From an Audiologist’s Perspective
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, audiologists around the world are adjusting their best practices to reflect the evolving nature of this novel disease. In this blog, Hearing Aid UK Founder Paul Harrison discusses the “new normal” among audiologists in the UK as it relates to the provision of hearing care with the instillation of new safety protocols to keep both patient and practicioner as protected as possible.

By Paul Harrison

As the UK audiology world gradually starts to reopen its clinic doors, they do so with a dedication and willingness to reach out to the community and serve those with hearing needs once more. Although the transition of adapting normal audiology practice into the one we see today has undoubtedly proven to be challenging, the message remains a positive one. Hearing healthcare can and will be looked after in a time that requires it now more than ever.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the audiology services we provide to our patients have changed and shifted into what is now known as the “new normal.”  With this change comes uncertainty, both in the length of the pandemic and what the state of the world will be when it ends. However, the continued support from the National Health Service (NHS), the UK government’s current COVID-19 guidelines, the UK’s audiology professional bodies, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has ultimately made this transition possible. There will be many obstacles going forward as we discover more about the virus’s trajectory until a vaccine becomes available.

“We were not recognized as an essential service initially, so we were venturing into the unknown for some time until we obtained the acknowledgment,” said David Roberts, an audiologist at Hearing Aid UK. “This, in itself, was unsettling for both audiologists and patients.  Although the lead-up to the opening of our audiologist’s hearing care services was understandably a stressful and sometimes anxious time, we knew that it was an important task that we had to get right, so we could do everything possible to keep us and our patients safe. That alone makes me feel proud of our network.”

Communication is Key


Maintaining a high level of communication between fellow audiologists, key manufacturers in the industry, and colleagues of each practice within our professional network has also played a key role over the last few weeks. 

The way we communicate to patients, new and old, has also had to adapt accordingly and has varied by patient and their initial hearing wants and needs. We have reached out remotely where possible using virtual tools and platforms so we can assist those in need in whichever way they choose. However, we have found that by continuing to maintain our patient-centered ethos, regularly updating patients on safe practice and being approachable throughout the pandemic, we have seen an increase in those who can attend clinic choosing to do just that or opting for the convenience of a home visit. We believe that this will only increase as the patient’s confidence to seek hearing care grows and the government starts to relax the coronavirus guidelines in the UK.

The ‘New’ Norm


We have adapted to this new pandemic climate within our practice and home visiting services, as well as ensuring that we are sourcing and maintaining the right personal protective equipment (PPE) successfully. Some examples of the changes implemented are strict sanitization and cleaning methods, reducing appointment times, regular risk assessments and staff training, social distancing where possible, consistent hand and respiratory hygiene aseptic techniques, adaptation of equipment, keeping what equipment is used to a minimum, and removing any unnecessary procedures, such as REMs.

We are constantly rethinking our audiology care in the pandemic, with our priority being to separate the category and assessment needs of the patients we administer to. The UK’s COVID-19 screening questions along with over-the-phone assessments, provide the knowledge and understanding of what care and what type of service is most effective and safe.  

We are currently not seeing patients, either in clinic or at home, if they or another member of their household has any symptoms of the virus. We are, however, booking audiology appointments for those who are shielding or labelled as high risk. In such circumstances as these, we are advising the patients to remain isolated and offering them a home visit instead of a clinic-based appointment.  We are also providing various earwax services, but due to guidelines, we are prevented from performing micro-suction or hearing tests on patients with an active perforation or “wet ear” because of the possible risk of transmission.

Sustainability


Were we, as an industry, ready for the pandemic?  That remains to be seen.  What is certain is that the pandemic brought what the professionals are calling a “watershed moment” to the audiology industry, which promoted a positive outlook on remote and telehealth care. This has been an opportunity for audiologists to educate themselves and their patients on a new digital way of practice that ensures hearing services are always accessible. It has taken us into a new era of hearing health care, requiring us to rethink, evolve, and learn to “be prepared” for situations like the one we are facing. From an industry point of view, it has no doubt sparked the beginning of smarter technology that responds more effectively to the shift in our landscape. That being said, remote care was historically only featured in the more premium hearing aid models, as well as only serving current patients, which was, therefore, a limited platform for some.

“Though supporting patients remotely where necessary still warrants importance, the pandemic still requires us to adapt our services by providing limited-exposure hearing care alternatives, ” said Roberts. “An invaluable service that not only ensures accessibility to audiology but also secures the industry by keeping practice doors open and sustainable.  While we understand that our unique circumstances in the industry, across the country, and worldwide will vary, our common focus is providing an environment that is as safe as possible for our colleagues, patients, and families.”


This article was written by Paul Harrison. Harrison has been in the audiology industry for over twenty years and started his professional journey at Cambridge. He has worked in both the retail and manufacturing sectors of the industry and dispensed many hearing aid solutions. His profession has led him to roles such as trainer, product manager, sales director, and national sales manager for one of the national hearing aid retailers. He is now the founder of Hearing Aid UK and sits son the council of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA).
2020-07-28
 Too many rock shows? Hearing aids can be a solution.

Too many rock shows? Hearing aids can be a solution.

For many Baby Boomers, these artists epitomize rock music played at stunningly loud volumes in front of adoring crowds worldwide.

But as they’ve aged, they also represent another phenomenon: all these best-selling musicians now suffer from hearing loss linked to long hours in front of booming amps.

Some artists have been so stricken by hearing complications that they have had to curtail recent performances, such as AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson, who stepped away from touring this year after doctors warned him that his partial hearing loss could progress to complete deafness while on tour.



And hearing loss is not just a risk for the bands who take the stage. Increasingly, Baby Boomers who grew up attending concerts pressed up against Fender amps and then switched to Walkmans, portable CD players, and iPods later in life are beginning to feel the effects of years of noise exposure.

In fact, virtually every Boomer suffers from some degree of hearing loss with the severity increasing as they age. It’s estimated that 1 out of every 3 people above age 65 suffers from hearing loss issues, while a survey from the EAR Foundation found that more than 50 percent of the Baby Boomers suffering from hearing loss blame it on noise exposure, including loud music.

So why are loud concerts so hard on our hearing?

Doctors have found that continued exposure to louder-than-normal sounds actually causes a so-called “temporary shift” in hearing, meaning the typical audience member’s hearing ability drops after exposure to loud music.

For most concertgoers, the effect is temporary and their hearing recovers. But after continual exposure to loud sound, the shift can become permanent.

Earlier this year, a group of researchers in the Netherlands studied two groups of attendees to an outdoor concert, one group who wore earplugs during the concert and another who listened without any protection.

The results were clear: only 8 percent of people in the group wearing earplugs experienced temporary hearing loss, while 42 percent of the unprotected group did.

That’s because rock concert sound levels can rise above 120 decibels, louder than the roar of a subway car or the engine of a motorcycle or a chainsaw. Doctors consider any sound louder than 85 decibels to be harmful to hearing and caution that the louder the sound, the more damage can be caused by even short periods of exposure.

But there’s still good news for anyone who struggles with hearing loss: advancements in hearing aid technology have made it easier than ever for Baby Boomers to restore their listening experience.

Increasingly, hearing aids are designed to provide the best possible listening experience for music aficionados.



At Embrace, our hearing aids feature:

Up to 20 processing channels: All of our hearing aids are equipped with multiple channels to process sound, meaning you have a richer and more nuanced listening experience than using older models. A higher number of channels also allows for greater customization of your individual listening profile. Our audiology team starts with your hearing test and then further fine-tune the way you hear the world for the best possible experience.

Bluetooth: With Bluetooth compatibility, Embrace Hearing aids can connect directly to your smartphone, music player, or TV so you can hear music beamed directly to your ears the way it was intended.

Discreet size: Because all Embrace models are designed to be ultra-small, you’ll feel comfortable wearing your hearing aids everywhere, even to busy concerts and performances.

And by shopping online, you access the highest-quality technology at the lowest prices in the industry while sacrificing none of the customer service you deserve.

Don’t leave your rock n’ roll days behind just yet—consider how hearing aids can help you recapture the sound you love. 

2020-07-25
 Buying Hearing Aids: Online, or from an Audiologist?

Buying Hearing Aids: Online, or from an Audiologist?


One of the most important considerations when investing in hearing aids is cost. Some models cost $1000; some cost upwards of $7000 for a pair. But it’s not as straightforward as simply comparing numbers. There’s also the question of where you buy.

If you purchase hearing aids from an audiology practice, servicing and other follow-up care will typically be “bundled” into the price of the hearing aids.




If you choose to buy online, some servicing may be covered, but you may be “on your own” when it comes to in-person follow-up care. You may want and benefit from this care, and the cost is a big unknown. This makes it very difficult to compare the “all in” costs of buying hearing aids from an audiologist, vs. buying online.

But the fact is, even if you buy hearing aids online, you can still seek servicing and follow-up care with your local audiologist. And based on an excellent study recently released by Hearing Review, this approach will save you money in a large majority of cases.


The Hearing Review Study


Hearing Review collected data 503 patients for a year after their initial hearing aid fitting, to see how often they returned for follow-up care.

The findings: if you buy hearing aids from an audiologist, you’re likely to make an average of 3 follow-up visits in the year after purchasing your hearing aids. But this isn’t the whole story. There are a very small number of customers out there making 5, 10, or even 15 follow-up visits, and they inflate the overall average.

 

If you’re like most people, you’re much more likely to be at the lower end of the range. In fact, there is a 50% chance you will make 2 or fewer follow-up visits, and an 80% chance you will make 4 or fewer follow-up visits.

Hearing Aid | Audiology Post Dispensing Visits

Let’s take this a step further. If we estimate the average cost of a follow-up visit at $100*, this means that if you buy online, there’s a 50% chance you’ll be adding at most $200 to your all-in first-year cost, and an 80% chance you’ll be adding at most $400.

If we compare with the thousands of dollars you’ll save by buying the hearing aid itself online, it becomes clear that if you’re like most people, you’ll save money overall by buying hearing aids online. However, it’s also true that buying online is not for everyone. If you have an unusually high number of follow-up visits, you’ll end up paying less overall for the “bundled package” of care provided from the audiologist.

*A report commissioned by the Virginia State Senate in 2009 found that the average cost of an audiologist was $46.

Hearing Aids | Embrace vs Audiologist Price Comparison

 
So... Should I Buy Hearing Aids Online?

Buying hearing aids online is not for everyone. But if you’re like most people, buying online is likely to save you money, while providing flexibility to seek follow up care with the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser of your choice.

2020-07-25
Traveling With Your Hearing Aid: Tips for a Carefree Vacation

Traveling With Your Hearing Aid: Tips for a Carefree Vacation

It's finally here. Your well-earned summer vacation! Before leaving, best make sure you've got everything packed up and good to go. As somebody who uses a hearing aid, you've got to pay particular attention to a few additional things.


Before You Depart

First, you'll need to make sure you have all the accessories you need for your trip, per the checklist below.


Checklist for a vacation with hearing aids:

   * Spare batteries or a rechargeable battery unit with an adapter. You don't want your hearing aid dying and leaving you without one of your senses on the trip. 
    Spare filters.
   * Case for safe transportation. 
   * Dry box and drying capsules to guard against moisture. 
   * A cleansing kit to keep your hearing aid clean. Should include spray, cloth, tablets, and an air puffer.
   * Hearing protection plugs for sleeping, swimming, and flying, as you won't always be able to have your hearing aid in. 

   *  (Optional) Remote control and spare batteries. 

   * (Optional) A smartphone that's compatible with your hearing aid. 

   * (Optional) Light and vibration alarm to avoid sleeping in on the day you leave.

   * Hearing aid check with a professional audiologist to make sure your hearing aid is in working order before your trip.



Flying With Hearing Aids
It all starts with airport security. 

Your next challenge is the journey itself, starting with airport security. The good news is that there are no problems associated with hearing aids during airport security checks, and you can even keep them in when going through a body scanner. That said, we recommend turning down the volume as a precaution and informing the security staff about your hearing aid.

Once you're past the gates and on the plane, you're faced with your next challenge. There's a noise level of approximately 85 dB in the cabin during flight, as loud as a lawnmower or busy street. Additionally, pilot and crew announcements are often unclear, which can easily become stressful.
The good news is that you can use your hearing aids as normal during the flight. You may still choose to for comfort's sake, to preserve battery life, or in the event that you want to rest during your trip. The drawback, of course, is that you may be unable to hear instructions from airline staff.  

The biggest issue you'll have to deal with when flying involves pressure equalization. If your ears do not automatically adjust during takeoff and landing, you run the risk of earache, and in extreme cases, barotrauma, which can cause ringing in the ears and dizziness.

Consider yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or something called the Valsalva maneuver, which involves pinching your nose and blowing air into it with as much force as you can muster.

Typical Summer Vacation Risks for the Ears
There are a lot of things that can potentially damage your ears (and by association, your hearing aid) while you're on vacation.

Moisture can cause inflammation in your ears, particularly when combined with wind and dust. It can also, as you might expect, cause damage to your hearing aid. When drying ears, always do so thoroughly with a tissue and your finger, and shake out any excess by gently tilting your head and tapping on your temple or jumping. you can also use a hairdryer but avoid cotton buds.
Swimming at the beach represents one of the biggest risks of damaging your hearing aid. Sand and dust can clog them up, and the moisture, sun, and heat can make matters even worse. Before swimming, always remove your hearing aids and put them in their storage box. 

Sun and heat. Don't leave your hearing aid in the sun. Severe heat can be as damaging to your electronics as moisture. 

Diving places extreme stress on your hearing, and doing so improperly risks not only an earache but serious trauma. In particular, do not dive if you have a cold, do not use cotton buds to clean your ears, and when diving down, concentrate on pressure equalization. Avoid using nasal sprays before diving, and rinse your ears with lukewarm fresh water after diving.

What to Do If Your Hearing Aid Gets Wet or Damaged

If your device gets damp or wet, whether from a rain shower on a bike ride a spontaneous swim in the sea, or simple forgetfulness in the shower, don't panic.  There's a good chance that, if you're quick enough, it will still work after it's dried off. But you need to act immediately.
 

   * Turn off your hearing aid immediately. 
   * Remove any batteries and dry thoroughly with a cloth.
   *  In the event that the hearing aid came into contact with saltwater or wastewater, rinse it with clean water.
   * Shake all of the water out of the hearing aid. Leave the battery compartment open when you do this. 
   * Dry the hearing aid for a couple of hours on a piece of paper in a warm, dry place. Keep the battery compartment open, and do not leave it in the sun. 

   * If available, a special hearing aid dehumidifier would be an ideal alternative.



Enjoy Yourself!
Your summer vacation should be a time of rest and relaxation. If you're constantly on-edge about your hearing aid, it can't be. Fortunately, by bringing the right accessories and ensuring you understand the basics of caring for your device, you can focus on simply enjoying yourself, and on having a carefree vacation with your hearing aid. 

2020-07-24
Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting


There are lots of things that can go wrong with your hearing aid, especially if you’ve been using it for a long time. It’s important to know what to do about these issues so you can troubleshoot them and get back to using your hearing aids as intended. No one wants to have problems with their hearing aids, especially as so many people rely on them each day of their lives.


We’re going to look at some of the most common problems associated with using hearing aids and we’ll then look at the various ways in which these problems can be put right and fixed. We’ll then look at what you should do if these fixes aren’t working. Sometimes, your hearing aids are telling you that a professional repair job is required.

Ways to troubleshoot your hearing aid
Hearing aids are incredibly advanced and delicate pieces of technology. Because of their small size, they can be prone to technical or physical issues. There are several different ways you can troubleshoot these issues at home, but it’s important to note that intricate or damage repairs should be handled by your audiologist.
  1. Sound feedback: Feedback is when your hearing aid produces sounds that it simply isn’t meant to. Sound feedback can be very frustrating and difficult to contend with and it can come in the form of a whistling sound most often. Positioning is the first thing to check because feedback is most common when the tip of the hearing aid is not securely positioned where it should be. You might also need to change the volume control to fix the problem.
  2. Failure to turn on: The first thing to try if your hearing aid won’t turn on is the battery. Change it and see if that fixes the problem; you’ll be surprised how often it’s a simple thing like that. If changing the battery does nothing, you should check the switch is set to on and clean it out to remove excess wax that might be causing problems for you. You should also check for any cracks or damage in the tubing and wires of the hearing aid.
  3. Weak sound: Sometimes, the sound coming out of the hearing aid can be weak and that’s obviously not right at all. It might be the case that your brain is simply getting used to the sound so you get the impression that it’s weaker when it’s actually not. If that’s the case, simply increasing the volume should work for you. Replacing the battery can also often fix problems relating to weak sound output. Again, looking at the tubing is advisable too.


Signs it’s time to get it repaired
Even with the best care and maintenance routine, hearing aids can experience issues as they age or due to physical damage. If you struggle with any of the hearing aid problems below, schedule a visit to have them assessed by your audiologist.

  1. It won’t work at all: If the hearing aid simply won’t work at all, it’s probably time to get it replaced. If you’ve tried everything and nothing is working and the device won’t even turn on no matter what you do, your only remaining option will be to send it for repair. But if the device is old, the repairs might not even be worth it and you might prefer to simply replace the hearing aid with a new one instead. That’s something that you’ll have to decide for yourself.
  2. Low volume problems: If the volume is too low and it won’t increase even when you turn it up, this is again a problem that needs to be repaired by a professional. If you’re sure that the battery is not the source of the problem, it must be something else inside the hearing aid that’s causing the issue. Unless you know how to repair hearing aids to a professional standard, that’s something that you shouldn’t try to fix by yourself because it won’t work out well.
  3. Variable sound quality: Variable sound quality can be frustrating and if you’ve tried the ideas above and nothing is changing it, you should let an expert look at it. They’ll be able to see where the problem lies and fix it. It’s probably a technical fault inside the device, so, again, you’ll need an expert to assess it.
2020-07-23
How to Test, Buy, and Change Hearing Aid Batteries

How to Test, Buy, and Change Hearing Aid Batteries

If you are suffering from minor, moderate or severe hearing loss, then you will likely be recommended hearing aids by an audiologist. Hearing aids can substantially improve your quality of life. However, this will only be the case when they function as they should. That means you need to make sure that you are taking the right steps to keep them working. One of the crucial elements here is batteries. You need to make sure that you are testing, changing and buying your batteries the right way.

How to test hearing aid batteries
Are you worried that your batteries aren’t working and may need replacing? There are a few signs that this is the case. For instance, you might find that hearing aids do not turn on at all. If you are sure they are switched on, then this is a clear sign that your batteries aren’t working.

You might also find that low batteries mean that there are various technical issues with the operations of the device. This could include problems with features like Bluetooth, or you might hear a buzzing. You could also find that the sound from the hearing aids is just far too faint.

If you are using rechargeable batteries, then you can put them in the charging device. This will demonstrate how much power they have left and whether they need charging. This can also show you if there is an issue with the batteries holding a charge.

If you are not sure whether an issue is due to the batteries or the hearing aids themselves, then it’s worth considering trying another set of batteries in the device. If the hearing aids then function normally, you will know it’s the batteries at fault.

Replacing your batteries
Replacing or changing your batteries can be a little fidgety. Your audiologist should show you how to do this when you first receive the hearing aids. They will walk you through the essential functions and workings of the device. This will be part of it.

If you are struggling to remove the batteries, then it might be worth thinking about making an appointment with your audiologist. They can ensure that you don’t accidentally damage your hearing aids. Be aware that it’s important that you get the right hearing aid batteries. The wrong option here can lead to you potentially damaging the device. Usually, the batteries will be within a compartment and can be removed by clicking it open with your fingernail. However, there are also batteries that are built-in. These should not be removed and instead can be charged with the hearing aids themselves.

You should also think about when it’s time to change your hearing aid batteries. You should always do this when you notice a significant level of negative change to the functions of the device. Remember, your hearing aids should always provide the best level of support possible.

Buying hearing aid batteries
You have a wide range of options when buying hearing aid batteries. You can purchase batteries from an online store, directly from your audiologist or from a retail shop. You can buy in bulk or opt to choose smaller packets. This really depends on the amount you want to spend at any given time. It’s also worth noting that there are lots of different brands available to consider too. Be aware that not all hearing aid battery brands are equal. Some will last significantly longer than others. But these will cost more.

You can also decide whether you want to opt for hearing aid batteries that you can recharge or ones that you simply toss when you are finished with them. Again, the rechargeable batteries are typically going to be significantly more expensive.

You might find that some brands provide test packets. This means that you can get small samples of the batteries and try the ones that are best for your hearing aids. This ensures that you get the best possible experience using your device and that you don’t have to worry about issues with quality.

Remember, if you are having any issues choosing the right hearing aid batteries that you need, then you can speak to your audiologist. They will always be able to set you on the right path and ensure that you get great advice here.



2020-07-23
Researchers Find Evidence That Hearing May Continue at End of Life

Researchers Find Evidence That Hearing May Continue at End of Life

Hearing is widely thought to be the last sense to go in the dying process. Now University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers have evidence that some people may still be able to hear while in an unresponsive state at the end of their life, according to a press release on the UBC website.

This research, published recently in Scientific Reports, is reportedly the first to investigate hearing in humans when they are close to death.

Using electroencephalography (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain, the researchers analyzed data collected from healthy control participants, from hospice patients when they were conscious, and from the same hospice patients when they became unresponsive. The patients were receiving palliative care at St John Hospice in Vancouver.

“In the last hours before an expected natural death, many people enter a period of unresponsiveness,” says study lead author Elizabeth Blundon, who was a PhD student in the department of psychology at the time of the study. “Our data shows that a dying brain can respond to sound, even in an unconscious state, up to the last hours of life.”

This new insight into the dying brain’s response to sound can help family and friends bring comfort to a person in their final moments.

The researchers monitored the brain’s response to those tones using EEG and found that some dying patients responded similarly to the young, healthy controls—even when they were hours away from death.

“We were able to identify specific cognitive processes from the neuro-typical participants as well as the hospice patients,” says Lawrence Ward, a professor in the department of psychology at UBC. “We had to look very carefully at the individual control participants’ data, to see if each one of them showed a particular type of brain response before we felt confident that the unresponsive patient’s brain reacted similarly.”

This study was adapted from a European study that explored brain responses to sound in individual healthy participants, and in minimally conscious and unresponsive brain-injured patients. The UBC researchers applied a similar paradigm to actively dying unresponsive patients.

Blundon and Ward collaborated with Dr Romayne Gallagher, a palliative care physician at St John Hospice who has since retired. The research required patients to give their consent in advance. Thirteen families participated and brain recordings were obtained from five patients when they were unresponsive.

In Gallagher’s 30 years of treating dying patients, she has witnessed positive reactions in people when loved ones spoke to them in their final moments. Gallagher and her colleagues often wondered if hearing was the last sense to go. She contacted Ward to see if this theory could be proven.

“This research gives credence to the fact that hospice nurses and physicians noticed that the sounds of loved ones helped comfort people when they were dying,” says Gallagher. “And to me, it adds significant meaning to the last days and hours of life and shows that being present, in person or by phone, is meaningful. It is a comfort to be able to say goodbye and express love.”

Blundon says what while the evidence of brain activity supports the idea that a dying person might be hearing, they can’t confirm whether people are aware of what they’re hearing.

“Their brains responded to the auditory stimuli, but we can’t possibly know if they’re remembering, identifying voices, or understanding language,” says Blundon. “There are all these other questions that have yet to be answered. This first glimpse supports the idea that we have to keep talking to people when they are dying because something is happening in their brain.”

Original Paper: Blundon EG, Gallagher RE, Ward LM. Electrophysiological evidence of preserved hearing at the end of life. Scientific Reports. 2020;10(10336).

Source: UBC, Scientific Reports
2020-07-22
Hearing Brains Are Deaf to Disappearance of Sounds

Hearing Brains Are Deaf to Disappearance of Sounds

Human brains are better at hearing new and approaching sounds than detecting when a sound disappears, according to a study funded by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation funding research for human and animal health.

The findings could explain why parents often fail to notice the sudden quiet from the playroom that usually accompanies the onset of mischief.

Hearing plays an important part as an early warning system to rapidly direct our attention to new events. We often rely on sounds to alert us to things that are happening around us before we see them; for example, somebody walking into the room while our back is turned to the door. However, little is known about how our brains make sense of the sounds happening around us and what makes us hear certain events while completely missing others.

Researchers at the United Kingdom’s University College London (UCL) Ear Institute wanted to understand what makes certain sounds easily detectable while others go unnoticed. They created artificial "soundscapes," comprising different ongoing sounds, and asked listeners to detect the onset or disappearance of different sound-objects within the melee.

Overall, the team found that listeners are remarkably tuned to detecting new sounds around them but are much less able to detect when a sound disappears. In busy sound environments, the participants missed more than half of the changes occurring around them, and the changes that were detected involved much longer reaction times. The effects were observed even in relatively simple soundscapes and didn’t seem to be affected by volume.

Dr Maria Chait, who led the research at the UCL Ear Institute, said: "On the one hand, we might expect to be more sensitive to the appearance of new events. In terms of survival, it is clearly much more important to detect the arrival of a predator than one that has just disappeared.

"But this reasoning doesn’t apply to other situations. Imagine walking in a forest with your friend behind you and suddenly having the sound of their footsteps disappear. Our results demonstrate that there are a large number of potentially urgent events to which we are fundamentally not sensitive. We refer to this phenomenon as ‘disappearance blindness.’"

The study also explored how resilient listeners are to scene interruptions. In busy scenes, such as those we often face in the world around us, important scene changes frequently coincide in time with other events. The study showed that even brief interruptions, such as a short "beep" occurring at the same time as the change, are sufficient to make listeners fail to notice larger scene changes. It is thought this occurs because the interruption briefly captures our attention and prevents the information about the change from reaching our consciousness.

"Understanding what makes certain events pop out and grab attention while others pass by unnoticed is not only important for understanding how we perceive the world but also has important practical applications, for example, to aid the design of devices intended to help professionals such as air traffic controllers and pilots, who operate in environments where the detection of change is critical," added Dr Chait.

The study was published today in the journal PLOS ONE. (Cervantes Constantino F, et al. "Detection of appearing and disappearing objects in complex acoustic scenes.") 
2020-07-17
Intervention Improves Follow-up for Newborns with Hearing Loss

Intervention Improves Follow-up for Newborns with Hearing Loss

Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center have found that for newborns who fail initial hearing screenings at birth hospitals, targeted intervention helps improve follow-up rates by more than 70%.

Previous studies have shown that the earlier an infant is correctly identified with hearing loss, and the earlier they are treated for hearing loss, the better the outcome for speech, language and reading.


“It is important newborns are treated for hearing loss within the first 6 months of life because this is a critical time for speech and language development,” said Lisa Hunter, PhD, FAAA, the scientific director of research in the Division of Audiology at Cincinnati Children’s. Hunter is also a faculty member with the Communication Sciences Research Center at Cincinnati Children’s.

According to Hunter and colleagues, there is an issue called “loss to follow-up,” which refers to infants who reach 6 months without completing re-screening or diagnostic assessment. Low income mothers are especially at risk for loss to follow-up because of multiple barriers including transportation, lack of childcare, work or school schedules, and insurance coverage, according to a recent study article published in the June 2016 edition of Pediatrics.

To improve hearing outcomes for babies, Cincinnati Children’s collaborated with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Over two years, there were 1,493 screening referrals at six birth hospitals in Greater Cincinnati recorded by the Ohio Department of Health. Of these, 260 WIC-eligible infants were referred to the study. The loss to follow-up rates for WIC eligible infants born at intervention birth hospitals were then compared with non-WIC infants.

Research coordinators from Cincinnati Children’s followed up to inquire about an on-site re-screen at the infant’s WIC appointment. After re-screening, parents were counseled regarding the results and the need for a diagnostic follow-up at an audiology facility if the infant did not pass.

According to Cincinnati Children’s, the WIC collaboration improved loss to follow up rates from 33.3% at baseline to 9.6% in years one and two (a reduction of 71%). The intervention also improved the age at hearing diagnosis from 68 days at baseline to 34.8 days across the two years of the study (a reduction of 48.8%). That is the age at which an infant is diagnosed with either normal hearing or a hearing loss.
2020-07-17
 Hearing Loss Has No Age Requirement

Hearing Loss Has No Age Requirement

Did you know that having your hearing tested at a young age can make a huge difference in your life? That might sound like a bold statement to you, but it’s true. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 3 million children under the age of 18 have some hearing loss, including four out of every 1,000 newborns.

With early detection of hearing loss, a medical professional can help you preserve your natural level of hearing. This initial action can stunt the loss and you won’t suffer later in life from any of the cognitive side effects possible with hearing loss.


“People my age don't get hearing loss”

Hearing loss is not a condition that only affects senior citizens. An estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years (approximately 5.2 million) and 17% of adults aged 20–69 years (approximately 26 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise alone.¹ Hearing loss has a sneaky way of slowly taking away a person’s freedom and confidence when left untreated. Don’t fall victim to this highly preventable condition. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected. This can result from a one-time exposure to a very loud sound, blast or impulse, or from listening to loud sounds over an extended period.¹ If you work in a high-noise profession you could already be experiencing hearing loss. Studies show that even teachers risk hearing loss because they work in high-volume environments.²

“Hearing loss won’t affect my life!”

Out of all aging people, those with hearing impairment tend to lose cognitive abilities (problem-solving, long-term memory, logic, reasoning and more), 40% faster than those without hearing loss.³ One reason is because with hearing loss, confidence in one’s abilities lessens, leaving stress and frustration in its wake. The more a person suffers from hearing loss, the less likely they are to want to join social situations. They hide their lack of hearing by shying away from any situation that may cause embarrassment. This can lead to depression and even dementia, especially in the elderly.

“So what can I do?”

Something as easy as a hearing assessment* can improve your chances of not suffering from a decrease in cognitive ability as you age. The earlier any hearing loss (even the most minute) is detected and treated, the better!

Great advances in technology have made treatment even easier! Long gone are the cumbersome devices that drew attention to your condition. The newest hearing aids are almost invisible, comfortable and have the most advanced technology with some truly amazing features. Hearing devices today remove the embarrassment of the past. You will now enjoy sharp, crisp sound with no background noise! Keep yourself ahead of the game and have your hearing assessed* by a hearing care professional today!


2020-07-16
 Men’s hearing health matters

Men’s hearing health matters

June is Men’s Health Month and HearingLife want to make sure we are empowering men across the country to focus on their hearing.

Why does hearing health matter for men?

Being able to hear well ensures a better quality of life. Something as simple as hearing another person speak clearly is a most basic need, but there are countless ways that hearing is important (you can read 52 benefits of better hearing here). These benefits may include health, social and even financial aspects of your life.

Men are particularly prone to hearing loss and are five times as likely to experience hearing loss than women.¹ As men age, it's important that they pay close attention to any signs of hearing loss.

Do men and women hear differently?

As with many other aspects of health, men and women differ in how they hear – including at which frequencies they hear better (generally women hear higher frequencies better, men hear lower better). It isn’t just how men and women hear, women are more likely to address their hearing loss than men.¹
What men (and women) can do to promote better hearing

The majority of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, and is most often caused by:
  •     Aging.
  •     Exposure to loud noise.
  •     Trauma to the head or ears.
  •     Certain medications.

We can’t prevent aging, but we take action to help prevent hearing loss. Here are a few easy ideas that can make a difference:

  •     Pay attention to your hearing health — Monitor your hearing by scheduling annual hearing check ups with a professional. If you haven’t had your hearing checked since elementary school, here’s what to expect at an appointment with HearingLife.
  •     Treat hearing loss early — If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, it’s best to treat it right away. Hearing loss worsens over time. The sooner it is addressed, the less damaging it will be.
  •     Eat well and exercise — It’s probably no surprise that your auditory system is impacted by your cardiovascular system. In fact, scientists have shown that following a Mediterranean diet is correlated with better hearing. Exercise also helps your body function, including your hearing. And it doesn’t have to be strenuous; even yoga is linked to better hearing.

Hearing loss solutions that are fun for men

For men who like gadgets and staying up to date with the latest technology, there are some great high-tech solutions to hearing loss. Hearing aids are basically minicomputers for your ears. Most models are Bluetooth™ enabled so that they can connect to a variety of devices. There are plenty of hearing aid accessories that help you get out and live. And, the latest hearing aids are rechargeable.

Hearing aids can be linked through apps to your phones, TV, laptops, doorbell and even your car. Hearing aid technology was featured with other new technology for seniors at the 2020 CES (Consumer Electronics Show). A TV Adapter makes it easy to watch your favorite show and stream the sound wirelessly into your hearing aids.

Focusing on hearing health is important

As June is Men’s Health Month and the week leading up to Father's Day is National Men's Health Week, we’d be happy to help your favorite man focus on his hearing. We welcome you to start with a no-obligation appointment for a hearing assessment at HearingLife. 



2020-07-16
4 tips to make communicating with a hearing loss easier

4 tips to make communicating with a hearing loss easier

Guest contributor Shanna Groves writes this article, describing that communicating with hearing loss can be challenging, especially with children. But with a few adjustments, getting your message across becomes easier.

"As a hard of hearing (HOH) mother of three, I can become frustrated with not hearing my children’s voices well. And I am not alone. According to the Deafness Research Foundation, 17 per cent of American adults report some degree of hearing loss. Many are parents or grandparents."

Among them is Mary Butler of Tennessee, a hard-of-hearing mother of a nine-month-old child. Butler said she would think twice before watching other people’s children because of the challenges of understanding a child’s delicate voice.

"It is very difficult, if next to impossible, to discern what they are saying," Butler said. "I’ve met children who became very frustrated with me because they thought I wasn’t paying attention to them. Let’s just say I am happy to baby sit a newborn, but once they reach the age where they start talking, I’ll pass".

Among the communication difficulties noted by Deborah Wolter and Kathleen Quinn in their article Young Children in Families with a Parent with Hearing Loss (Hearing Loss, July/August 1999) are:

-- Lack of dialogue between kids and their HOH parents
-- HOH adults using older children as interpreters for younger kids
-- Failure to hear a child’s night crying and identify its cause
-- Tantrums, whining or frustration among children when unable to get the adult’s attention
-- Younger kids gesturing, pointing or leading the HOH adult instead of talking.

In a perfect world, all children would come with captioning devices attached to them so hard of hearing folks could understand their words. Until that day, these communication and technology strategies may help.

Make eye contact

Susan Baird of Ontario Canada has lived with hearing loss since age 13. Her son, who lives at home, also has hearing loss. Because her kids become frustrated with repeating things, she asks them to tap her shoulder and clearly say "Mom" first. She then makes eye contact, and they begin speaking.

"I tell them always to face me when talking, be close to me when talking and talk slowly to me," Baird said.

If it is an important conversation topic, Baird takes them to a quiet room to talk so that she and the kids can pay attention.

"Sometimes if they don’t do these things, I just don’t answer as I have only heard part of the story," she said.

Consider technology and hearing dogs

Hearing our children in another room of the house is challenging, if not impossible, for HOH adults. In addition to wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants, some parents and grandparents rely on hearing assistive technologies.

To hear her baby’s middle-of-the-night cries, Butler initially opted for the AlertMaster wireless notification system, which flashed a connected lamp and shook her bed to alert her. One drawback was that her youngster had to wail loudly for several seconds for the monitor to be activated. She now uses a simple Fisher Price Lights and Sounds monitor that features illuminated red dots as the crying intensifies. As a back-up, Butler sleeps with her hearing aids on. While the hearing aids are uncomfortable to wear while sleeping, she insists that they are crucial in alerting her to her baby’s sobs.

Vibrating and strobe-flashing monitors can be programmed to alert a parent or grandparent of noise coming from a child’s room. A video monitor is another option, but only for daytime use as there is no guarantee of it waking up a HOH person in the middle of the night.

Personal Amplifiers can assist with hearing a child in a noisy car or restaurant. The HOH adult attaches a remote microphone ststem loop to hearing aids, and the child wears a microphone receiver. The child’s voice is transmitted directly to the adult’s aids via the system.

For the animal lover, a trained hearing-assistance dog may work just as well or better than assistive technology. Denise Portis of Maryland acquired a hearing dog as her kids got older. Canine helper Chloe alerts Portis to various sounds and provides balance support due to the Meniere’s Disease, which Portis has dealt with for five years. "When Chloe is with me, I don’t feel as deaf or as helpless,"Portis shared recently on her site, HearingElmo.com. "She makes me feel more ‘normal’ in providing things I cannot do for myself."


Have fun with communication

Portis began losing her hearing after the birth of a son. Her daughter was barely a year old. To teach such young children how to communicate with her, Portis devised age-appropriate games.

As toddlers, they played a variation of Peek-a-boo. Portis covered her eyes with her hands and remained quiet. Then she lowered her hands, made eye contact and spoke to them. "If they grew impatient and said something while I was ‘covered,’ I’d say, ‘Oh… What? Wait I can’t see you. I can’t hear you!’"Portis said. "They soon learned to mimic me and would be very quiet and serious when their chubby little baby hands covering their eyes. Then they’d ‘pop’ out and laugh and say, ‘I see you… I see you.’"

The "Guess What? Face"game became popular as the kids grew older. Portis would run over to them and in an excited voice say, “I’ve got my Guess What? Face on!” Then, kneeling at eye level and with her hands on their cheeks, she would tell them something.


Turn noises off

Sometimes a parent or grandparent with hearing loss needs a hearing rest. Whether it is a nap or a few minutes of quiet time, we should encourage children to accommodate us in our need for minimal noise.

Russell Barr’s hearing loss is selective. He can understand most men’s voices, but struggles to hear children. When his two-year-old granddaughter visits, the TV is off and other background noise is reduced. "This translates into more immediate and intimate time with her. And in overcompensating, I actually pay more attention to her," said Barr, of Kansas. "Who doesn’t like to be the center of the universe even for a couple of minutes?"

One part of the day can be declared "Take My Ears Out" time. Portis would let her kids know when she wasn't wearing her hearing aids or cochlear implant was taken out, and they would have to write her a note if they wanted to discuss something. "Now that we have our own computers," Portis said," they often IM me during the day even though they are only downstairs. I’ve even received text messages from my son who prefers not having to come find me!"


Educate your child

Often as our children grow, there is much we can teach them about hearing loss. Besides facing us when they talk, kids should be educated about good speech habits, such as enunciating words, speaking slowly, and standing no more than a few feet away when talking to an adult with hearing loss.


Eric Wright of Kansas has a newly diagnosed hearing loss. Both he and his family, which includes an eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old son, are learning the best communication strategies through trial and error. When Wright doesn’t catch what his daughter says, even though she is facing him, he asks her to speak clearly into his hearing aided ear. "I have lost those pitches that include small children’s voices," he said. "I also have a hard time when people are talking fast because they are excited. I have to ask people to slow down sometimes."

Other helpful tips for parents and grandparents with hearing loss

--  Encourage your children to speak clearly by teaching them proper word pronunciation. Emphasize each vowel and consonant sound, particularly the “softer” consonant sounds of “t,” “s” “f” and “v.”
-- Ask the child to turn off any toys or music before speaking, since both create background noise.
-- When your kids are in the backseat while you are driving a car, ask them to wait until you are at a stoplight to communicate with you, if at all possible.
-- Try not to respond to comments from children unless the car is stopped.
-- In other situations, respond to a child’s question or comment only if he or she is facing you. Eventually, the child will understand the importance of eye contact in communicating with a HOH person.

-- If you don’t understand what a child said, resist the urge to pretend you did. Instead say, "My ears didn’t hear you. Please tell me again."





2020-07-15
6 ways to help your partner manage their hearing loss

6 ways to help your partner manage their hearing loss

Hearing loss can bring its own challenges to a relationship, particularly if it’s left untreated. From the little jokes you used to share that aren’t as funny when you have to repeat them, to more important details of conversations being misheard, that all-important communication changes and can affect your sense of connection as a couple.

It’s normal to feel frustrated, isolated, or even selfish at times, but rest assured with the right attitude and a bit of effort from both of you, there’s no need for a hearing loss to put a strain on your relationship.


Suggest a hearing check
Because hearing loss can be a gradual process, it’s often a partner who first notices changes in their loved one’s hearing. It can be difficult to broach the subject, particularly if they feel their hearing is the same as it’s always been. Try sensitively suggesting a simple hearing check as a first port of call.
Talk to an audiologist

If your loved one’s open to the idea, go with them to appointments with their audiologist. This will give you an opportunity to discuss solutions to any situations that may be causing tension in your relationship, as well as to understand your partner’s hearing needs. This will not only help you support them, it will also bring you closer and foster a sense of togetherness in the journey.


Socialise

Social occasions can be difficult for people with a hearing loss, so much so that many may withdraw completely. Staying home isn’t the answer though, it can lead to resentment and feelings of isolation for both of you, which will impact on your relationship. Instead, help your partner enjoy themselves when you go out by being their hearing support. Sit near them and fill them in if they lose track of conversations or mishear anything.

Encourage your partner to use their hearing aids

If your partner uses hearing aids, you’ll notice how much easier it is to communicate when they’re wearing them. Some people find their partners don’t use their devices as much as they’d like, particularly around the home. If you feel things would be easier if your loved one used their hearing aids more, try having a gentle chat and explaining in practical terms how it benefits both of you.

Talk to your loved one

Communication is key in any relationship. Talk to your partner about situations that cause tension in your relationship and how you can each make things easier for the other. Sometimes it’s the small things which make a difference, like being able to watch TV together at volume you’re both comfortable with, and there are often very simple ways to overcome those difficulties.


Be in this together
Changes in hearing can bring challenges and frustrations to any relationship. Try to keep your patience and be sensitive to how your loved one will be affected by changes in their hearing. Try to see any difficulties associated with a hearing loss as challenges you tackle together, supporting each other. In this way, you may find that rather than pushing you apart, it can actually make your bond as a couple stronger.
2020-07-15
Having Both Hearing and Visual Impairments May Lead to Elevated Dementia Risk

Having Both Hearing and Visual Impairments May Lead to Elevated Dementia Risk

Older adults with both hearing and visual impairments—or dual sensory impairment—had a significantly higher risk for dementia in a recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, according to a press announcement on the Wiley website.

In the study of 2,051 older adults (22.8% with hearing or visual impairment and 5.1% with both impairments) who were followed over eight years, dual sensory impairment was associated with an 86% higher risk for dementia compared with having no sensory impairments. During follow-up, dementia developed in 14.3% in those with no sensory impairments, 16.9% in those with one sensory impairment, and 28.8% in those with dual sensory impairment.

Participants with dual sensory impairment were also twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia) than those without sensory impairments.

“Evaluation of vision and hearing in older adults may predict who will develop dementia and Alzheimer’s. This has important implications on identifying potential participants in prevention trials for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as whether treatments for vision and hearing loss can modify risk for dementia,” said lead author Phillip H. Hwang, of the University of Washington.

Original Paper: Hwang PH, Longstreth WTJ, Brenowitz WD, et al. Dual sensory impairment in older adults and risk of dementia from the GEM Study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring. 2020;12(1):e12054.

Source: Wiley, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring
2020-07-13
‘Common Inherited Genetic Variant’ Identified as Frequent Cause of Adult Deafness

‘Common Inherited Genetic Variant’ Identified as Frequent Cause of Adult Deafness

A common inherited genetic variant is a frequent cause of deafness in adults, meaning that many thousands of people are potentially at risk, reveals research published online in the Journal of Medical Genetics. The results of this study were published on the British Medical Journal (BMJ) website.

Deafness in adults is known to be inherited. But, unlike childhood deafness, the genetic causes largely remain a mystery, say the researchers, who suggest that their discovery makes it an ideal candidate for gene therapy.

Deafness is one of the most prevalent disabilities worldwide and has a major impact on quality of life. So far, 118 genes have been associated with the heritable form. Variants in these genes explain a large proportion of congenital and childhood deafness, but not adult deafness. 

This is despite the fact that between 30% and 70% of hearing loss in adults is thought to be inherited. 

The researchers had already discovered the chromosomal region involved in hearing loss in one family, but not the gene involved. To explore this further, they carried out gene sequencing of this family among whom hearing loss in one or both ears had occurred as well as 11 other families (200 people in all). Each family member had a general ear, nose, and throat check and their hearing was tested in both ears.

The genetic sequencing in the first family revealed a missing section of the RIPOR2 gene in 20 of the 23 family members with confirmed hearing loss. But this genetic variant was also found in three other family members aged 23, 40, and 51, who didn’t yet have any hearing loss. This prompted the researchers to carry out gene sequencing, and the same medical and hearing examinations, in a further 11 families affected by hearing loss.

The identical genetic variant was found in 39 of 40 family members with confirmed hearing loss as well as in two people aged 49 and 50 who weren’t affected by hearing loss. What’s more, the RIPOR2 genetic variant was found in a further 18 out of 22,952 randomly selected people for whom no information on hearing loss was available. Four family members with hearing loss didn’t have the RIPOR2 genetic variant. Their deafness might have been associated with heavy smoking or genetic abnormalities other than that in RIPOR2, suggest the researchers. 

While the particular manifestations of this genetically induced hearing loss varied, as did the age at which hearing problems began, its prevalence suggests that it is common (highly penetrant) and that many thousands of people might be at risk of deafness as a result, explain the researchers.

Based on their findings the researchers estimate that in The Netherlands alone, the RIPOR2 genetic variant is likely present “in more than 13,000 individuals who are therefore at risk of developing [hearing loss] or who have developed [hearing loss] already due to this variant.” And, they suggest that a further 30,000 people in northern Europe are likely to have this genetic variant and therefore be at risk of deafness.

“Because of the large number of subjects estimated to be at risk for [hearing loss] due to the c.1696_1707 del RIPOR2 variant, it is an attractive target for the development of a genetic therapy,” they conclude.

Original Paper: De Bruijn SE, Smits JJ, Liu C, et al. A RIPOR2 in-frame deletion is a frequent and highly penetrant cause of adult-onset hearing loss. Journal of Medical Genetics. 2020;0:1-9.

Source: BMJ, Journal of Medical Genetics
2020-07-13
 Can I use my hearing aids like wireless ear buds?

Can I use my hearing aids like wireless ear buds?

Yes, you can!  Now you can have hands-free, two-way conversations on your iPhone, Android smartphone, laptop or any other Bluetooth device – all without the need for a streamer or remote.  With the new Embrace X-Series, you will receive clear sound from audio and video calls in both ears, delivered with the clarity you expect from the best hearing aids. Your phone can be in your pocket, on the car-seat beside you or even 20’ away.

Not only does the Embrace Hearing X-Series offer handsfree two-way streaming to and from all Bluetooth devices (Apple and Android), but also, it is packed with the latest software and technology for the best hearing aid experience available today. All with a 45-day free trial, 100% money back, period and a three-year comprehensive warranty.  And there are both battery operated and rechargeable models.

Now you can hear your phone calls, Zoom meetings, or Skype and Facetime chats clearly and effortlessly – and stay connected with your family, friends and community.  Your hearing aids will be like wireless stereo headphones that you can use to enjoy podcasts, driving directions and music delivered with the sound clarity that matches your specific hearing challenges.

You can also control your hearing aids with a smartphone app which will allow you to change left and right volume together or separately, and switch programs.

Embrace Hearing aid prices are less than half of what you can expect to pay at a retail audiologist. We offer 24/7 expert customer support for the life of the hearing aids.  Our technology and software options are the best available.

Want to learn more about the Embrace Hearing X-series?  Give us a call and we would be happy to discuss the technology and the best options for your hearing needs and budget. Need a hearing test? We can help you find a local Audiologist or provide instructions for a free an online test.
2020-07-10
How to make watching television more enjoyable when you have hearing loss

How to make watching television more enjoyable when you have hearing loss

While baseball was first to earn the nickname “America’s pastime,” our love for entertainment and education has bumped the use of television well above baseball — and all other sports for that matter.


For several decades now, watching TV has become the choice leisure activity for many Americans. Research suggests that 95% of adults in the United States watch television daily, and according to the Nielsen Total Audience Report (Q4 report, 2019), adults age 18+ spend over 36 hours a week using their televisions. That number includes watching live TV, recorded shows, movies, and time spent using devices like DVD players, game consoles and smart TV apps.
Why TV is challenging for people with hearing loss

People with hearing loss, and sometimes even those wearing hearing aids, can find watching television challenging. This article will help you understand some of the factors that impact television sound quality and the tools that are available for enhancing the enjoyment of coveted TV time.

 

Hearing loss and the auditory system (your ears)
Individuals with hearing loss can face two challenges when it comes to being able to enjoy sound from a television: loudness and clarity. Properly fit hearing aids can help overcome hearing loss and ensure that sounds are audible. But things get more complicated when clarity or speech understanding is compromised. Individuals who struggle with both issues often report that the TV signal is loud enough but not clear enough.

 
Technology considerations (your television)
Sound quality in television is technically defined by how accurately audio is reproduced compared to the original arrangement. TV shows, movies, and video games are all mixed in the studio to have a distinct sound before we view them — which may or may not work well with our personal preferences for sound quality. Believe it or not, some programs are intended to be bass or treble-heavy!
In addition, the frequency response, inherent distortion of the television set and the audio format (analog, digital, compression, bitrate, etc...) can all play a role in the quality of sound provided by the TV.
Unfortunately, most televisions only come with the ability to deliver mediocre fidelity and the use of a dedicated speaker system or soundbar is often required for the best possible replication of the original signal.

 
Environment and visuals (your setting)

Distance from the television, reverberation and background noise can also impact sound quality in negative ways. In addition, whether we realize it or not, we all use lip reading to supplement speech understanding. Unfortunately, we’re not always guaranteed access to faces on the TV set when people are talking. For example, newscasters share details while the camera pans across a scene, cooking tips are explained while we’re shown a pot on a cooktop, and action movies are notorious for dialogue that occurs simultaneously with car chases or exploding buildings.


How you can hear your TV better

So, what can be done to help improve the sound quality experience with the television beyond using a soundbar, closed captioning or recording programs to rewatch them? Starkey is delighted to offer a variety of tools to help optimize and personalize your television listening experience.



2020-07-09