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
High-Tech Solutions for Hearing Loss

High-Tech Solutions for Hearing Loss

Do you have hearing loss? Maybe. Imagine if you could hear and remember better with less effort and stress on your brain. Wouldn’t life be easier if you had solutions to help you recall what people say? Good news! The latest hearing aids do just that.


How prevalent is hearing loss?
The answer is that many people have hearing loss and could benefit from using hearing aids. It could be you or a loved one.

Did you know?
One in three adults age 65 and above experience some form of hearing loss.1
Older adults who use hearing aids show reduced depression symptoms and improved quality of life.1
60% of our military personnel return home from overseas with hearing impairment2, often as a result of noise exposure.
One in five teenagers has some level of hearing loss.2
Only 3 in 10 adults who had a physical exam in the last year say it included a hearing screening.3

Are you one of the nearly 50 million Americans4 with some degree of hearing loss? (If you aren’t sure, then it might be time for a hearing assessment.*


Innovative solutions and advanced devices
Today’s hearing aids include very advanced, digital hearing devices with innovative options. Their minuscule size, coupled with hair-toned color options, provides true discreetness. There are exciting new features that will change the way you think about and use hearing aids, including features that:
Automatically adjust to different soundscapes
Enable you to listen to multiple speakers, even in noisy environments
Connect directly to the internet, your smartphone or television via Bluetooth® and wireless capabilities

Most noteworthy, some models offer a convenient, new rechargeable+ unit that saves hundreds of dollars on disposable batteries annually.


Do I have hearing loss?
The first step is to identify your needs.* This involves:
Hearing assessment*, complete with baseline and familiar voice tests
Otoscopy exam of your ear canal (hearing loss may be from earwax)
Live demonstration* of the latest digital hearing aid technology

In addition, you can learn about the products through a demonstration.


Could your solution lie with high-tech hearing aids?
Our professional team is happy to discuss your needs and solutions that make sense for your lifestyle, habits and budget. Most of all, we want you to feel comfortable with solutions for your hearing loss. 

2021-01-12
Understanding the Price of Hearing Aids

Understanding the Price of Hearing Aids

Why do hearing aids cost so much? According to the American Academy of Audiology, hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States (behind heart disease and arthritis).1 Every day, hearing aids help people enjoy a better quality of life by giving them an optimal sense of hearing. Yet it comes with a price – one that is a primary concern of many prospective hearing device wearers. These life-changing devices can be expensive, but don’t let ‘sticker shock’ dissuade you from hearing well.

Just as current wearers of hearing devices learned, many facets affect the price. You will encounter a plethora of options on the market across a wide range of prices – from cheap over-the-counter sound augmenters to the more expensive professionally fit and personally programmed high-tech minicomputers. The choice is yours and we are here to help you make a well-informed decision.

These are not your grandma’s hearing aids
Today’s hearing devices bear little resemblance to their predecessors. Packed with technological features that were even unimaginable only a decade ago, today’s devices offer better sound quality with many advanced functions that bring vibrant hearing to their wearers. The exact features will change with the make and model of your device and will also impact pricing.

The most up-to-date devices deliver a better listening experience that heightens the wearer’s quality of life every day. Many devices can automatically filter the sounds around you, allowing your brain to focus on what you need to hear. Some models connect with your cell phone or TV, emitting sound directly into your ears. Others will work with everyday electronics, like the lights in your home.

These features come with a price. Many years of research cultivated the current technology, design and production. To ensure optimal outcomes, health care professionals personalize each device for the individual person. The advantages of having your hearing properly assessed, receiving a device fitted personally for you, and the benefits of follow-up care all factor into the final cost of the device. Personalization has its benefits. Not only will you enjoy improved hearing, but you have a choice of advanced features. For instance, if you have a smartphone, you might want to spring for a hearing devices that will sync to it. If your version of a “smartphone” is your beloved landline, this feature (and its added cost) may not be of service to you.

Design innovations: now you see me… now you don’t
Many people refuse to even seek out a hearing assessment because they are concerned about the opinion of others. If even admitting to a hearing loss is a struggle, can you imagine what it would be like if you were told you needed a hearing device? Well, fear not as new technological advancements have made some models practically invisible to the naked eye. Whether you prefer hearing aids that would be completely hidden in your ear canal, or ones that would sit discreetly behind them, new designs have changed the stigma of these devices. Many models can even match your skin tone. But don’t let their size fool you as these smaller models deliver some of the clearest sound to your brain’s temporal lobe that is available today.

Take it from the experts… you are in good hands
From the countless engineers who built the varied stages of prototypes, or the designers who took those advancements and made these minicomputers stylish, producing hearing aids takes more than just time. It took a team of professionals that had one goal in mind: giving the world the gift of hearing well. And while you may never know many who have had some impact on your own device, the hearing care professional at your local clinic is an ideal representation of all their work. Each and every one of these people are part of the team that innovated this ancient electronic device to the 21st Century!

Offsetting the price of hearing aids

We have some good news

Hearing aids are tax-deductible! This is not a universal regulation, so check with your accountant to make sure you qualify.

You may hearing aid insurance coverage.

You can finance your hearing aids. Many healthcare providers (including us) accept CareCredit.

Use your FSA. You may use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your hearing aids.

Some local and national agencies offer hearing aid banks and other sources of help.


 

The gift of hearing has many rewards
Hearing loss may be costing you money! Many studies have shown that those with untreated hearing loss earn less than those who hear optimally.
Hearing well means a better quality of life. Whether you need to hear well to be successful at work, or to enjoy leisure activities like dining out, going to the movies or traveling. Not hearing well means you are wasting money if you aren’t getting the most out of these activities.
Communicating with loved ones = priceless. Digital hearing aids cost $1200-$3600. Flying to see your family across the country = $450. Hearing your granddaughter’s solo performance = priceless.


Hearing aids are an investment in your wellness

Never forget the reason you are even considering purchasing a hearing device: living a full and worthwhile life! Hearing well is crucial to having the best quality of life. 





2021-01-12
What Your Hearing Care Provider Can Do For You

What Your Hearing Care Provider Can Do For You

What prevents individuals from achieving better hearing? There are several answers. For many people, hearing loss seems to just sneak up slowly over time. Many do not even realize they have an issue until it becomes significant. And because it isn’t noticed, it isn’t mentioned at an annual physical, and even more time goes by without seeking help. In fact, on average, it takes a person 7-10 years1 to seek help for hearing loss. By the time a person realizes the full impact of hearing loss, they may just want a quick fix to a complicated problem.

Regrettably, many people with hearing loss are lured into the supposedly “cheaper and easier” methods of correcting it, either through the purchase of hearing aids online, choosing a personal sound amplifier, or by visiting big box stores that are much more concerned with profits than patient care. In spite of the allure of these seemingly simple fixes, the fact is that a professional hearing care provider is your best resource to address your hearing healthcare.



What the big boxes and online hearing aid retailers aren’t telling you
Maybe you’ve heard that you can buy hearing aids similar to those from hearing care professionals from the big box stores for little money. These stores are only successful because they can sell a large volume of low-priced goods, often very cheaply, to gain larger revenue. They focus on efficiency, which is a polite way of saying “get as many people in and out the door as rapidly as possible.” Admittedly, this profit-centric model works well for many purchases, because you probably don’t need professional, personalized care to help choose your t-shirts or soap. Customer service simply doesn’t factor in to these types of purchases. But purchasing hearing aids is more complicated; you need a professional to guide you. Your ears deserve individual attention from trained professionals.


Looks can be deceiving
Beware of hearing aids from online retailers. They are probably not the same quality of product, even if they come from the same manufacturer. Models may differ slightly, making them eligible for discounted pricing, without the features that hearing care professionals can offer.


Hearing care experts use a customer-centric business model
Our hearing care providers are completely different. We are not obsessed with short-term profits because we focus on customer care. Have we identified your individual needs and found a solution that suits you? Are you willing to return to us for your future care? Would you refer us to your friends and neighbors? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we have been successful in our approach to care.

We thrive on providing quality care, which benefits both the person with hearing loss as well as our team.

In contrast, what will happen if the big box stores can’t deliver quality care and happy customers? They will push more advertising to increase their flow of new customers, offering the same “quick and cheap fix” that lured the original customers.


Because individuals experience hearing differently, it’s important to choose your hearing care provider wisely
Hearing is complex; like our fingerprints, everyone’s hearing is unique. So the frequencies your friend may hear well could be the same ones that you can’t hear. In other words, you can’t just take the surrounding sound, make it all louder, pump it into your ears and expect good results. But this is in essence what personal sound amplifiers and over-the-counter hearing aid models do.

The truth is, the sounds your hearing aids amplify — AND the sounds they don’t — must complement the way you, and only you, hear. Hearing care professionals accomplish this through:
Assessing* your hearing to learn the EXACT nature of your hearing loss
Understanding the variety of hearing aids and their individual capabilities (as well as what they cannot do)
Identifying what works for your needs
Fitting and programming your hearing aids to boost the sounds you have difficulty hearing, while identifying and repressing the sounds you don’t want to hear (such as low-frequency background noise)
Providing follow-up care, especially in the first few weeks when the device is new and may need further adjustments
For the hearing care provider, acquiring this knowledge requires a lot of instruction and patient care experience. This is how we can conduct the appropriate assessment* to help patients pick the right hearing aid, professionally program the hearing aids and provide the coaching and aftercare necessary for optimal hearing. We don’t cut corners in providing comprehensive hearing care. That is why the results are well worth your time and effort.


Make the right choice for you
Who do you trust with your hearing? Someone who views you only as a transaction, consumer or a means to reaching sales targets? Or do you trust an experienced hearing professional who cares about the same thing you do — attaining the best hearing possible? We think the decision is easy: relationships are the lifeblood of successful hearing care.


Still have questions?

We welcome you to call (866) 657-6952 to make an appointment today. Hearing starts with a conversation. Our friendly team is there for you throughout the process of identifying your needs, finding the right hearing aid (if that’s right for you), fitting, adjusting and following up with you. Your hearing satisfaction is our goal – and we measure our success through your wellness.




2021-01-11
No Big Deal: Ending the Stigma of Hearing Loss

No Big Deal: Ending the Stigma of Hearing Loss

It’s no big deal! Really. After all, it’s 2018. So isn’t it time that we end the stigma related to wearing hearing aids and hearing loss? Since inclusion has become pervasive in today’s society, why not let go of any negative images of hearing loss? Here at HearingLife we know that people of any age can have hearing loss and that wearing hearing aids is a smart solution to a challenge. Let’s all let go of any negative associations to hearing loss.

Not just “old people” have hearing loss
Some people equate wearing hearing aids with old age, but it simply isn’t true. Plenty of young people have hearing loss and use hearing aids or implants. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that 2-3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with some hearing loss1. Schools across the country, from pre-school through high school, make accommodations to “mainstream” students with hearing loss, and several colleges offer programs specifically for students with hearing loss.

Why is there a stigma? Self-perception, ageism and vanity
Even though many younger people have it, hearing loss continues to be thought of as something only old people experience. It isn’t. Nor is it anything to be embarrassed about. Yet, recent research shows that stigma remains an issue. In 2010, The Gerontologist conducted research focused on stigma and hearing loss, and how these may impact an individual’s decision to wear hearing aids. The researchers found that perceived stigma did make a difference in whether people with hearing loss accepted hearing aids and how well they adapted to them.2 People in the study expressed concerns about being seen as old, or worried that people may stare at them if they were wearing hearing aids. But this isn’t new. The study noted that the concept of stigma dates back to the ancient Greeks, and that people labeled stigma to alterations in self-perception, ageism and vanity.

Society has changed rapidly over the last decade
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans have improved their view of people with disabilities3, especially since 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act became law. People’s viewpoints have changed. But assistive technologies, such as hearing aids, play an integral role in helping people with challenges integrate fully into society. Getting to know people with hearing loss, seeing how well they manage with hearing aids at home, work and in the community, helps break down any residual stigma.

Hearing loss is an invisible disability
You can’t see if someone has hearing loss, so sometimes it’s hard to tell if they struggle to hear you. A hearing aid may be the only clue. Hearing aid manufactures understand that aesthetics count. Sometimes hearing aids are so well-hidden that they’re even invisible. Others have a sleek design, available in many colors, including a variety of skin-tones. Some people choose to flaunt the latest in hearing aids designs and pick bolder colors, like blues or pinks. And why not? We think that hearing aids are nothing to hide!

Why break the stigma?
Hearing loss advocate, Shari Eberts, recently wrote in Psychology Today that the time has come to end the stigma of hearing loss. She lists multiple avenues you can follow to break the stigma of hearing loss. She encourages the public to do the following:

“Get your hearing tested as part of your annual medical screening and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”
“If you have hearing loss, treat it.”
“If you have hearing aids, wear them.”
“Speak up about your hearing loss”4

We agree that all of these things can help the public understand hearing loss and improve their own well-being.

Want more information on ending stigmas, accepting hearing loss and finding the best options for you?
Whether you are a “newbie” to hearing loss or have been facing hearing loss for decades, we can help you choose the best solution for your individual needs. We understand that first-time wearers may go through a process to get used to hearing aids, and our experienced team know how to help acclimate you to wearing your new devices. Want to learn more? Make a no-obligation appointment. Should you need hearing aids, we will help you find the right design for your ears. 
2021-01-11
Hearing Aids Are Tax Deductible

Hearing Aids Are Tax Deductible

As the filing deadline looms large, you may be gathering those final details, including receipts for your deductions. Did you purchase hearing aids last year? If so, you’re in luck! Hearing aids are tax deductible if you itemize your medical deductions on your federal income taxes. In fact, the savings includes hearing-related costs for you, your spouse and your dependents. As with most things related to taxes, there are some caveats. We’ve gathered some of the most relevant information for you. And if you’ve already filed, keep this in mind as you plan medical spending for 2018, so you’re ready next year.


To deduct or not to deduct – that is the first question
Not sure if you can deduct your hearing aids? To start, you must decide if you will itemize your medical expenses or not. If you don’t itemize your deductions, then you can’t take advantage of this savings. However, if you have significant medical expenses, it might be worth it for you or your family to do so this year. For the next two years, if you spend more than 7.5% of your income on medical expenses1, you can deduct medical costs from your insurance. (Previously, the threshold had been 10%.) Some years, itemizing may make more sense than others. If you have invested in hearing aids and had other significant medical expenses, such as a hospital stay or surgery where you paid a portion of the cost, this may be the right year to deduct these expenses.


What can you deduct?
According to TurboTax2, the following hearing-related expenses can be deducted:
Hearing aids, batteries, maintenance costs and repairs
Equipment to link your phone, including phones with special ringers, captioned phones and teleprinters. If you had to pay for repairs, this is covered, too.
Televisions and related accessories that amplify sound, provide closed captions and their repair costs
A guide dog, including veterinary, grooming and food expenses
Wiring your home with special smoke detectors, doorbells and burglar alarms



Keep this in mind when considering hearing aids as a tax deduction
For many of us, doing your taxes can be confusing. If you are doing your own, here are a few tips:
When itemizing your taxes, use Form 1040 Schedule A – Itemized Deductions.3
The IRS offers an Interactive Tax Assistant online tool to help you figure out what expenses are deductible.
Remember to keep all of your receipts!

Of course, we are not tax experts, and highly advise you to bring specific financial questions to your tax advisor or an accountant.

Need more information on medical expenses and taxes?
You may wonder what counts as a medical expense. Another great source for information is the IRS’s information page on medical and dental expenses.3 If you have a person in your household, such as a parent or child, who purchased hearing aids last year, you can only deduct these costs if you claim this person as a dependent on your taxes – even if you paid for the hearing aids.

2021-01-08
Making Better Choices During Better Hearing and Speech Month

Making Better Choices During Better Hearing and Speech Month

It’s no secret, but your hearing health matters! Especially in May, which is Better Hearing and Speech Month. It means the difference between hearing the most important parts of the conversation, such as medical information, dates, prices or can’t-miss work-related details and missing vital information. At other times it may mean not hearing every story your grandkids want to tell you about their busy days. Maybe it’s something someone wants to whisper for your ears only. Whatever your circumstances, you deserve to hear well!


May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Every May the hearing care community gets the word out that it’s important to focus on hearing wellness. This year professionals such as the team at HearingLife advocate for individuals to get their annual hearing assessment – if only to check against future testing – and to learn about hearing wellness.


Five things you can do to improve your hearing wellness
As part of your overall wellness, it’s important to focus on your hearing. That means much more than just getting your ears checked. It means investing in yourself in other ways. Here are some general dos and don’ts to consider this May:

1. Use hearing protection – it’s key to preventing hearing loss. Avoid loud noise and if you will be around places with excessive volume, wear earplugs or other protective gear. Especially if your plans include concerts or explosives, such as fireworks. If you are not sure how loud something is, you can download a decibel app on your cellphone.

2. Eat well and go bananas! Just as carrots are famous for helping vision, did you know that potassium is linked to auditory wellness? Other good things to eat include foods high in folic acid, such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus – and organ-meats, like liver.

3. Don’t use Q-tips in your ears. If you grew up hearing “don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ears,” continue to heed that advice. The inner ear canal is sensitive.

4. Be active. Exercise helps hearing. There’s a positive link between cardiovascular health and hearing acuity in recent studies.

5. Know how well you hear! Make sure you have an annual hearing assessment. If you discover you have hearing loss, you aren’t alone. Some 48 million Americans1 have hearing loss. Even more have tinnitus (ringing in the ears).


Don’t be afraid to address hearing loss

Untreated hearing loss is linked with higher instances of dementia and depression, and it is linked to lower household income, if untreated.1 That’s why it’s important to use hearing aids, if warranted. Hearing well makes communication easier, allows individuals to communicate with confidence and can help protect mental acuity.




2021-01-08
Hearing Aid Accessories to Help You Get Out and Live

Hearing Aid Accessories to Help You Get Out and Live

Today's hearing aid wearers tend to be more active than in decades past. Manufacturers have noticed, and developers have taken these changes into account in designing newer devices. Now, whether you want to go mountain biking, horseback riding or just out for a jog, hearing aids don’t stop you.

However, it’s important to keep your hearing aids safe. No one wants to lose or damage these important investments in your hearing. Hearing aid experts understand that you can get the most out of physical activities if you can hear well, especially with your hearing aids. That's why there are new ways to use hearing aids in varied settings.

Retention cords keep hearing aids safe
If you enjoy biking, running or skiing, hearing aid safety lines can attach to your hearing aids and then clip to your collar. These keep your hearing aids securely attached to you – so even if they fall out of place, you won’t lose your hearing aids or risk damaging them.

> See our hearing aid accessories

Plug into public places via a loop system 
teleloop

Have you seen this sign before? It’s an ear sometimes with a ‘T’ next to it. You may find them in public places like movie theaters, lecture halls, museums, art galleries and even some churches. It indicates that there is a teleloop system installed in the location and if your hearing aid has the right capability, you can link to it to hear announcements or performances. A teleloop system transmits sound directly to your hearing aids. This means that the sound of the film or public speaker will be picked up via a microphone in the building and then played directly into your ears. Many modern hearing aids include loop system-capabilities. Ask your hearing care expert to find out if your hearing aids can have this feature.

> Find your nearest hearing care expert
Make calls on the go
Many modern hearing aids use Bluetooth® technology to connect to smartphones, allowing you to make calls and hear the other person’s voice streamed directly in your hearing aids. Effectively, this turns your hearing aids in a hands-free headset. This works for video calls too, so when you use services like Skype or FaceTime, you can catch every intonation of your loved one and see them at the same time.

Some hearing aids are known as Made for iPhone hearing aids, which connect directly to an iPhone without an intermediate streaming device. For these, you simply speak into the phone’s speaker and the sound is automatically piped into your hearing aids.

opn-connectclip

For other types of smartphones, you may need a streamer, which typically hangs around your neck. This contains a microphone that captures your voice. Modern streaming/hands-free devices are more discreet, and clip on to your clothing.

> See the ConnectClip streaming accessory

Remote-controlled hearing aids? A discreet solution to raise the volume
Some hearing aids give you the option to adjust them while you are wearing them, often with a small button or volume wheel on a remote control. This gives you the chance to change the program immediately, such as when you move to a noisier environment. A remote control allows you to make these adjustments discreetly, using a small control that’s about the same size as a car key.

There's an app for that!
If you have a smartphone, there are various ways to control your hearing aid via an app. Some apps help you not only with sounds you expect, like voices or music, but beep when your batteries run low, if your doorbell rings, when you get a text message or someone posts on your Facebook page. In fact, the options seem almost limitless. 

Capture speech with a remote microphone
While hearing aids vastly improve most situations, occasionally they need a little extra help. Sometimes - especially in a large space, or you’re talking to someone in a very noisy environment - you may benefit from a remote microphone.

These are easy to use. You simply clip this device to the clothing of whomever you need to hear clearly, and their speech is transmitted directly to your hearing aids.
2021-01-07
Alzheimer's Disease Linked to Hearing Loss

Alzheimer's Disease Linked to Hearing Loss

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. During this time, we focus on how dementia is linked to hearing loss, and look at how we can improve brain wellness through hearing health. How does Alzheimer's factor into this? Well, dementia is a general term used for memory loss and declining cognitive function, and Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.1

Dementia is linked to hearing loss.
Currently, there are an estimated 5.7 million people in the United States who are living with Alzheimer's disease, with the vast majority (two in three) being women. Additionally, African-American seniors are twice as likely to have dementia as older Caucasians.2 As with hearing loss, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia develop over time.

According to a study done at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Frank Lin and his colleagues discovered that "mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate loss tripled risk, and people with a severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia."3 In addition, recent research out of the United Kingdom found that people with moderate to poor hearing were more likely to have dementia than those who hear well.4

Does treating hearing loss help support brain health?
It certainly does. When you're unable to hear well, your brain will dedicate cognitive resources to help make sense of sound at the expense of other cognitive processes, like a properly functioning memory. This is what Dr. Lin refers to as "cognitive load." For instance, when you walk, your ears are constantly picking up subtle cues that assist with balance. A loss of hearing mutes these important signals due to the overload of cognitive tasks. It makes your brain work harder just to process sound. "This subconscious multitasking may interfere with some of the mental processing needed to walk safely.”3

All of this multitasking and compensating for hearing loss has been shown to actually restructure the brain. A study done at the University of Illinois revealed that hearing loss rather than tinnitus had the greatest influence on the brain's gray and white matter alterations.5

Social isolation and hearing loss

In addition to cognitive load, social isolation is another side effect of hearing loss that is a known contributor to dementia. Maintaining healthy and positive relationships with friends, colleagues and loved ones can be very difficult when communication is obstructed due to a loss of hearing. Rather than trying to improve communication, many people tend to completely remove themselves from these conversations and engaging activities because they feel that their hearing problems will make them appear helpless or incompetent. The reality is that making these social connections and staying engaged is what keeps your brain healthy. 

More research is needed regarding Alzheimer's disease and hearing loss
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month couldn't be a better time to be proactive about your hearing health. Make an appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment* today.
2021-01-07
Top Tips for Getting Started with Hearing Aids

Top Tips for Getting Started with Hearing Aids

New hearing aids? Here are useful tips for a successful transition to hearing well
Congratulations on taking a big step towards better hearing by purchasing new hearing aids! As you get used to wearing your new devices every day, we have compiled some important and useful tips to help you get acclimated to your new hearing aids. 

Your ears take time to adjust to hearing aids
Patience is a virtue when you get new hearing aids. Hearing loss often happens gradually, over many years, so you may not notice a decline in your hearing. When you first get hearing aids, it may be a bit of a shock to the system, as hearing aids switch sound back on all at once.

As this can be quite a change, it usually takes time to get used to new hearing aids. Sounds you haven’t heard for a long time are suddenly available again. Even mundane sounds like your own footsteps and your own voice may sound different than you remember. At first, they may seem too loud. This is because we hear with our brains, so our brains must re-learn how to process and make sense of all the new sound information that is coming in.

This takes a little time, so prepare yourself and remember – hearing will feel normal again soon.

Remember that no one can hear everything
Sometimes, first-time hearing aid wearers think that their new devices are not doing enough. This can be because over the years they have forgotten how it actually is to hear normally. Then, when they get hearing aids, they can be disappointed that they can’t hear everything that is happening at the other end of a crowded dinner table, or juggle multiple conversations happening simultaneously. Keep in mind that the brain helps you filter what's most important. Remember that most people with normal hearing can’t "hear everything" (or at least process it), either. 

So while you get used to your new hearing capabilities, try not to turn the volume up too much. Also, in the initial period, try to refrain from adjusting programs until your brain has had a chance to test out the soundscape and get used to filtering the information. Just try to get a very general feel for your hearing aids at first. 

Tip 1: Use your hearing aids as much as possible – As you get used to your new hearing aids, it can be tiring at first. As your brain adjusts, it demands more mental energy. Some people get tired after a few hours each day, and feel like taking them off. This is okay for the first few days or initial period of adjustment. However, it’s important to push yourself to wear them a bit longer each day. It's helpful to try to wear them for as long as possible each day. We also advise that you wear them in quiet environments, even though you might feel they’re less useful. But even using them alone at home, your brain will get used to listening for quiet background noises that it isn't used to hearing.

Protect your hearing aids when you are not wearing them – Your new devices are tough, but they are not indestructible. So when you do take them off to shower or go to bed, store them out of the reach of children and pets. Not only can your hearing aids become damaged, but hearing aid batteries can be dangerous if swallowed. Contact your doctor or vet if a battery or hearing aid is accidentally swallowed.

Your hearing aids don't like water – Damp places like bathrooms, and dust and dirt, are not ideal for hearing devices. We suggest you use a hard case to keep them safe when you are away from home, such as at the beach or swimming pool. In especially humid climates, you may want to invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier. Ask your hearing care provider for more information on what is the right option for your model.

With hearing aids, you can reset your hearing to normal – It's time to readjust your hearing to the world. If you had the volume turned up high on your TV, ask someone with normal hearing to set your TV volume to a normal level, and then keep it there. That will help you gauge what the volume level sounds like to others while you get used to your new hearing aids. In the interim, you might try watching the TV with subtitles on, to help retrain your brain to connect sound and language. You can also get used to your devices by closing your eyes and trying to hear where sounds are coming from.

Make a follow-up appointment for adjustments – Although your patient care coordinator (PCC) may have already booked this appointment for you before leaving our office, if you haven't done so, make sure you stop back for a follow-up appointment after a few weeks. That way, we can work with you to confirm whether your hearing aids need adjusting or if you have any questions on how to use them. If you have issues in the interim, please call to make an appointment sooner. We can usually make adjustments to the sound so your hearing aids are minutely tailored to you. A few tweaks may make all the difference.

Features may be tricky – Ask for help! Having issues pairing your hearing aids to your phone or other electronics? Perhaps you need help using an app that connects your hearing aids to other devices? Your hearing care professional can help you so that you can take advantage of your hearing aids' technical features.

Make notes on any issues with your hearing – We get it. Sometimes you have a problem on Monday, but it isn't bothering you on Wednesday, but perhaps we can help you address it anyway. If you aren't scheduled to see your hearing care provider for a few weeks, we encourage you to jot down notes on any issues or questions. It can also be a great help to bring a relative or friend along, since they will bring their own perspective, and may have noticed things that you have not. We can also educate them on how to adjust your hearing aids, change the batteries or help you keep them clean.

Daily maintenance makes a big difference – Remember, use a clean cloth to wipe excess wax or other debris off your hearing aids each night. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, make sure you perform this task before you recharge them.
 

Remember that you aren't alone! Your hearing care professionals are here for you. 
Getting you off to a successful start is crucial to getting the most out of your investment. Your hearing care professionals are happy to help you throughout the life of your hearing aids. We understand this may mean that you need to contact us often in the beginning, but we are always happy to help. 

2021-01-06
Why bring someone to a hearing test?

Why bring someone to a hearing test?

Recently, I made an appointment for my father’s hearing assessment with a local audiologist. The woman who confirmed the appointment reminded me that he needed to bring someone to the hearing test. It may seem like an unusual request, but bringing someone to a hearing test can help ensure a higher-quality outcome. It’s best to bring the person who speaks with him most to take part in the familiar voice test. So, last Thursday I joined my dad at the audiologist’s office and I’m so glad I went.

Helping Dad hear better means helping myself
Before I even called, Dad was already a bit reluctant to address his hearing loss. He had a lot of denial about how much he was missing. At 93 years old, he had survived a lifetime without hearing aids, but as his daughter I was tired of constantly having to repeat things, and explain what doctors, friends and even my kids say. Finally, I insisted that he get a free hearing assessment* and eventually he agreed to see what the audiologist had to say.

A hearing assessment starts with a conversation with the audiologist
As expected at a hearing assessment, it began with the audiologist asking routine questions about Dad’s health. He asked about how well Dad hears in various situations. It seemed the audiologist was not only trying to learn what his needs may be, but also how well Dad could follow along a discussion in a quiet space. 

In the booth
After our talk, the audiologist invited Dad to sit in a booth and listen to tones at different frequencies and volumes. Dad was asked to indicate when he heard something. From my vantage point (outside the booth), I could see the audiologist press buttons, which my Dad didn’t hear. As soon as it was finished, the audiologist explained what the audiogram indicated. As with many older seniors, Dad had below-normal hearing across all frequencies, but he had the most difficulty with higher-pitched sounds. Dad was a bit disappointed to see the results, but I don’t think he was surprised.

The audiologist explained the audiogram key to explain the results. The audiogram showed the conclusions of both the air conduction and bone conduction hearing tests. 

My part in a familiar voice hearing test
A familiar voice is the main reason to bring someone to a hearing test. It provides a chance for a hearing care provider to see how well an individual understands words spoken by someone close to them. This was when the family member or close friend takes a more active role in the appointment. The audiologist asked me to step into the hallway, about eight feet from where my Dad was sitting. 

Can you hear me now?
As I stood a short distance away, the audiologist asked me to read a list of high-frequency words and have my Dad repeat them.
I said, “pail.”
Dad said, “nail.”
I said, “face.” 
Dad said, “late.”

And so on. It was quite fun to see what I had suspected. His score wasn’t great. Without a hearing aid, Dad only heard three out of ten words correctly. When he heard the outcome, Dad was even more disappointed than with the audiogram. He couldn’t deny it. He couldn’t hear me speaking to him only a few steps away. The audiologist, my Dad and I all witnessed it. 

Getting a different result: a familiar voice hearing test with hearing aids
I have to admit I was feeling a bit vindicated. I’ve been complaining that my father can’t hear me for years. The audiologist popped fresh batteries in a pair of behind-the-ear hearing aids and had him try them on. They were light and comfortable, and a slightly beige color that matched my dad’s coloring. The audiologist asked me to go back into the hallway and repeat the test. 

I said, “cup.”
Dad said, “cup.”
I said, “peach.” 
Dad said, “peach.”
I said, “pew.”
Dad said, “few.”

This time, Dad heard 7 out of 10 words. It was a vast improvement. He was very pleased. 

Another familiar voice hearing test…
With my dad still wearing the hearing aids, the audiologist asked me to walk down the hallway, about 15 or 20 feet away. The audiologist turned off the hearing aids. He asked me to speak in a normal volume and talk about what we were planning to have for dinner. Dad didn’t notice that I’d said anything at all. Once he turned the hearing aids back on, I repeated that I was planning go to the grocery store, and then we would have chicken for dinner. This time Dad heard and repeated every word.  

Why bring someone to a hearing test? Because hearing loved ones matters
My dad lives with me. He is accustomed to the cadence of my voice. Without even thinking about it, he knows that my vowels sound a certain way. Across the United States, we have a variety of regional accents. Even people who grow up in the same town may use different intonations. With familiar voice testing, it is easier for the individual to understand speech in a familiar voice test. 

Next steps: getting a hearing aid and getting used to it
Even experiencing firsthand how well hearing aids improved his ability to understand a conversation and hear people speaking from afar, my 93 year old is very set in his ways. So, I gave a gentle push. We discussed the hearing aid costs and the benefits to hearing well. 

Improving a senior’s quality of life
For 93 years old, Dad is in incredible shape. He has many activities where hearing well would improve his quality of life. He enjoys playing piano, eating in restaurants, watching Perry Mason and NOVA on TV, and, of course, spending time with family. All of these things would be easier if he could hear better. It wasn’t until I mentioned that he should be able to hear the announcer during soccer matches that he finally agreed that hearing aids would improve his quality of life.

I can’t wait until his new hearing aids arrive. After years of watching him miss a lot of the conversation at family dinners, I’m pleased he’s finally taking the opportunity to hear better. At 93, it might be an big adjustment for him, but after a few weeks he may wonder how he survived decades without hearing aids. Hopefully his experience will help motivate other older seniors. Hearing loss is an issue for more than just hearing. Hearing loss and dementia are linked, as are hearing loss and stroke and other health ailments. 

Could your dad or mom hear better? 
It might be time to book their appointment. Then you can enjoy it when they are asked to bring someone to their free hearing assessment.* If you aren't ready to come in person, you may gain some insights with a complimentary, online hearing test. 



Remember: The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the patient(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals.





2021-01-05
How to save on hearing aids in 2021

How to save on hearing aids in 2021

As you pack away the holiday decorations and look ahead to a new year, you may be thinking about how you will improve your health this year. Maybe your new year’s resolution was that you want to address your ever-increasing (albeit, slowly) hearing loss. Perhaps you recognized some of the signs of hearing loss at recent gathers. Did you find it difficult to hear or understand individuals with a lot of background noise? Or did you feel frustrated when loved ones seemed to be mumbling? If price is a concern (as it is for many people), we have some good news – there are many options for keeping hearing aids affordable.

Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to save on hearing aids
If you have an employer-sponsored FSA account, you’ll be pleased to know that hearing aids are an acceptable charge to cover for yourself, your spouse or any dependents. This means you’ll pay for hearing aids and related charges with pre-tax dollars. This special benefit can mean significant savings on health-related expenses, including hearing aids.

Yes, your Health Savings Accounts (HSA) works for hearing aids
Do you have high-deductible plan or other insurance plan that includes a Health Savings Account for medical expenses? Like an FSA, your HSA can be used for hearing aids and expenses related to hearing healthcare.

Medicare, Medicaid and hearing aids 
Many people ask HearingLife if Medicare covers hearing aids. Although regular Medicare does not cover hearing aids, many Medicare Advantage Plans do cover hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans vary widely, so if you are in the process of choosing a plan, make sure it includes hearing aids and related expenses. Medicare Advantage Programs have an enrollment period going on between January 1 and February 14 (annually) when you can change your current plan if you qualify for Medicare.

Can my health insurance help me save on hearing aids?
If you are considering purchasing hearing aids from HearingLife, our insurance team is happy to check your coverage. Check our information on hearing aid insurance or call our insurance professionals at 888-379-7214.

Save on hearing aids by getting a tax deduction
Good news – hearing aids are tax deductible. Of course there are some caveats – but in general you can deduct hearing aids, batteries, maintenance costs and repairs. You can also deduct related equipment, such as accessories that amplify sounds.

Financing is available via CareCredit®
HearingLife is pleased to partner with CareCredit to make hearing healthcare accessible. Although financing for hearing aids with CareCredit is subject to approval, once you have CareCredit you can also use it for many types of healthcare costs, such as dentists. CareCredit has more than 200,000 healthcare providers and health-related retailers in their network.

Saving on hearing aids with special offers
HearingLife understands that costs are a concern. That’s why we offer various special offers to help keep hearing aids affordable. We offer a broad variety of hearing devices. And, while in general, the highest priced hearing aids provide top-tier quality and the latest features and functions, we are pleased to offer options in prices that meet most budgets. We offer complimentary hearing assessments and other services to help make services access to as many people as possible.

Taking care of your investment: keeping your hearing aids healthy
If you already have devices, one way to save costs is to maintain your hearing aids. Clean them daily with a soft cloth and bring them anytime you have a concern. If you are unsure how to properly clean them, or if the domes or other parts seem to be ready for replacement, stop in during our walk-in hours. You can also make an appointment with our hearing care providers for a maintenance refresher.

Choosing a device that meets your budget helps you save on hearing aids
When you meet with our hearing care provider, if you are on a tight budget, speak up! We have options that don’t break the bank. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, and your lifestyle choices (which can impact which hearing aid features would be right for your needs), we can give you multiple options to consider. We understand that hearing wellness should be accessible to everyone, and while the better the technology, the more you may need to pay, ultimately our goal is to help you hear better. Make a no-obligation appointment for a complimentary hearing assessment* today to get started.

2021-01-04
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.)




2020-12-31
Santa’s little helper is hearing aids

Santa’s little helper is hearing aids

Do you remember sitting on Santa’s lap, whispering your Christmas wish in his ear when you were a child? You were probably confident he heard every word. You might have even expected to find your greatest wish wrapped in shiny paper under the tree on Christmas morning. But what if Santa only pretended to hear you? (Maybe that’s why you got a bat when you asked for a hat!)

With today’s technology, Santa is sure to hear every child’s wish. So receiving a gift probably depends more on whether a child is on the naughty or nice list, rather than if Santa heard properly.



Why Santa needs hearing aids
Just as Santa needs to remember to bring his glasses to read millions of letters every day, it's important that Santa has the best hearing aids for his lifestyle. In his line of work, hearing well is an integral part of his job.

What are the right hearing aids for Santa’s lifestyle?
Santa’s lifestyle is rather busy. To put it mildly, he travels a lot for work. Not only on Christmas Eve, but throughout the year, his responsibilities mean he must rely a keen sense of hearing. After decades of exposure to noisy toy-making machines, Santa likely has sensorineural hearing loss. Luckily there are great hearing aids to treat it. Santa’s lifestyle could really use the latest technology. So HearingLife offers the best hearing aid for his lifestyle.

Santa’s favorite hearing aid features
Today’s hearing aids are light and subtle with a variety of features, and high tech solutions for hearing loss including:

Outstanding sound quality. It’s important for Santa to hear little children. The smallest kids’ high pitched and softer volume voices can be hard to understand, even with excellent hearing, as they are just learning to talk. Top-tier quality receivers help Santa hear every child’s wish.

No feedback = better hugs. With his older hearing devices, Santa couldn’t fully enjoy a child’s hug because sometimes his hearing aids would have annoying feedback peeping. Now he doesn’t worry when a kid (or grateful adult) hugs him.

Rechargeable hearing aids. Santa is always on the go, and wants to wake up each morning without worrying about having to change batteries during the day.

Bluetooth™ hearing aids. Santa needs to be connected! With Bluetooth™ hearing aids, he can connect his hearing aids to the holiday carols on his cellphone, his tablet and even his smart home.

Telecoil. Some shops use telecoil for their intercoms. That way he hears important announcements or special sales.

IFTTT. By linking his hearing aids to the “If this, then that” web-based service, Santa can get a notification every time a child emails a wishlist.

Santa’s iPhone. Santa got an iPhone recently and his OPN S hearing aids pair seamlessly with it. Mrs. Clause especially likes that he can’t use the excuse, “Sorry, I didn’t hear your call” anymore. His GPS app can stream directions directly into his hearing aids.

Those are just a few of the features that Santa enjoys with his newest hearing aids.There are plenty of high tech accessories for hearing aids on the market today.

Santa’s 3 best hearing aid tips
Santa’s been wearing hearing aids for quite a long time. Here are his tips:

Keep your side burns short near your ears. This will make hearing aids more comfortable.

Don’t let your hearing aids get wet. Whether it’s rain or snow, hearing aids don’t like moisture. Here are tips from audiologists if your devices get wet.

Avoid covering your hearing aids with your hat. That way your devices can capture the sound and give you a letter listening experience.

Mrs. Clause’s favorite reasons for hearing aids.
If you ask Mrs. Clause, she would say that Santa’s hearing aids make him more confident, because he can hear the people around him and stay ahead at work. She also likes that the two of them argue less over silly misunderstandings because he couldn't hear her correctly. As a caregiver of someone with hearing loss, Mrs. Clause also knows how Santa's hearing aids work in the case that he ever needs help. 

After Christmas – Santa enjoys a peaceful movie
On December 26th, after a very long nap, you’ll find Santa resting in his easy chair, streaming sound from his favorite movies straight into his hearing aids.

Happy Holidays from HearingLife!

2020-12-25
2020 Lancet report finds hearing aids can protect against cognitive decline

2020 Lancet report finds hearing aids can protect against cognitive decline

You may have heard that studies have shown there is an important link between hearing loss and dementia. Now, new research highlights that wearing hearing aids can protect you from cognitive decline.

The Lancet Commission published a new study on hearing loss and dementia on July 30, 2020, which shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia. 

According to the report, dementia risk varies based on level of hearing loss:1

Mild hearing loss doubles the dementia risk.

Moderate hearing loss triples the risk.

Severe hearing impairment increases dementia risk of up to 5 times that of those who do not have hearing impairment.


The recent Lancet study presents that “hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitive stimulation.” In addition, the Commission encourages the “use of hearing aids for hearing loss.” By being proactive and treating hearing loss as soon as possible, the risk for cognitive decline and dementia can be reduced.1,2,3,4

12 lifestyle factors for preventing dementia
In addition to hearing loss, there are 11 other lifestyle factors which can be adjusted in order to delay or prevent 40% of dementia cases.

The 12 lifestyle factors are:1

infographic_risk-factors_mobile2

Hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor
In the case of hearing loss, if all hearing loss was optimally treated, nearly one in 10 cases of dementia could be eliminated.

Another study notes that “hearing impairment is associated with a 30-40% rate of cognitive decline.”3 By treating hearing loss with hearing aids, your brain stays mentally stimulated, meaning that you protect your brain from the risk of cognitive decline. Hearing aids are a gateway to communication and can help facilitate a healthy and active lifestyle through all stages of life – and especially in the mid to later stages of life where the risk for dementia increases.1

Dementia and hearing loss are global issues
Globally, there are around 466 million people with hearing loss (in the US, 48 million people have hearing loss7) and about 50 million people with dementia. Given that the two conditions are linked, treating hearing loss worldwide could be one way to lower the risk of dementia for people worldwide.5,6

Signs of hearing loss in yourself and others
As hearing loss often develops gradually, you may not notice it right away. However, if you know the signs of hearing loss, you may be able to begin treatment earlier. If you notice that your loved one keeps insisting that you turn down the television, or you feel like people are mumbling around you, you may be at risk.

How can you treat your hearing loss?
Hearing loss is most commonly treated with hearing aids. Today, modern hearing aids provide a wide range of user benefits so that you can hear the sounds around you in the most natural way possible. 

Digital hearing aids can provide you with a 360-degree listening environment. They may allow you to focus on the most important sounds around you while balancing the whole soundscape so that you can filter out unnecessary background noise. Technology has advanced and people with hearing loss can now enjoy Bluetooth® hearing aids and rechargeable hearing aids. 

Taking action today could improve your long-term health
The groundbreaking research provided by the Lancet study shows that you can dramatically lower your dementia risk by making some lifestyle changes. If you think that you might have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked so that you can treat any level of hearing loss.

It can be difficult to make lifestyle changes, but remember that long-term health benefits are beneficial for both you and the people around you. The long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term adjustment period. In fact, HearingLife has compiled a list of 52 benefits of better hearing for you to consider. 





2020-12-23
Hearing aids and masks

Hearing aids and masks

Face masks have been a staple for many healthcare workers for a long time. With the onset of Covid-19, the CDC is recommending (and many states require) that everyone wears a mask in public to help prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing masks takes some getting used to, especially if you wear both hearing aids and a mask. HearingLife's audiologists Dr. Dannreuther and Dr. Soiles have suggestions to make it easier to wear both hearing aids and masks.

Audiologist Jacquie Dannreuther shares best practices on Facebook Live
Recently, Dr. Dannreuther advised hearing aid wearers how to prevent getting hearing aids and masks tangled. She also answered questions from viewers. Watch the complete video here:



Key takeaways
Dr. Dannreuther, who is an audiologist at HearingLife's office in Pensacola, Florida, has advice for hearing aid wearers when wearing a mask:

Instead of pulling a mask's elastic or string forward when removing a mask, pull it up so it is less likely to catch on the hearing aid.

When you take off a mask, always ensure that your hearing aid is still on or in the ear.

Don't panic if you lose a hearing aid. Contact your hearing care provider. Your hearing aid may have a warranty, which can be checked by serial number.


Chief Audiologist has ideas shares her tips
HearingLife’s Chief Audiologist, Dr. Leslie Soiles has some advice for people who wear both hearing aids and a mask, as well as what to do if you experience other issues with your hearing aids.

If you wear behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids and glasses, you may have experienced a similar issue. With more than one item on the ear, it’s easy for them to bump into each other. The same goes for masks. That’s why some hearing aid wearers have advised that instead of using your ears to secure a mask, you connect the mask to a headband, giving more space for your BTE hearing aids. Also, if you have longer hair, you may find it helpful to secure your hair in a ponytail so it doesn't get caught in a mask or on hearing aids.

Hearing aids and masks can be a challenge
If you wear hearing aids, wearing a mask can be more than a cosmetic challenge.

Have you lost a hearing aid? You are not alone. If you wear BTE hearing aids, when removing a mask, sometimes a mask's earloop can catch on a hearing aid and loosen or pull out the device. It can happen so quickly that it’s unnoticeable, and like an earring, can be easy to lose. Dr. Soiles explains, “We’ve seen an uptick in people contacting HearingLife regarding lost hearing aids. Many of the people who contacted HearingLife regarding this had a hearing aid fall off when removing masks. Fortunately, we have options to help. Depending on your hearing aid’s model, you may be able to locate it through an app or possibly replace it through your warranty.”

How to find a lost hearing aid
Oticon® hearing aids that are paired with the Oticon ON App for iPhone® or with an Android®, can use the “find my hearing aids” feature to locate lost devices. Follow these steps:

Turn on the Oticon ON App on your smartphone.

Tap “Find my hearing aids”. A map will show the last known location of the paired hearing aids, when the app was on. A proximity bar indicates how close you are to each connected hearing aid.

If your phone is out of range with the hearing aids or the connection is lost, you can see the date and time of the last connection.

Keep in mind that the green marker on the map indicates that there is a connection between your hearing aid and phone. The red marker indicates that the connection is lost.

For the best results, it is recommended to keep the app turned on (either actively used or running in the background) at all times.

2020-12-23
Streaming Zoom with hearing aids

Streaming Zoom with hearing aids

Are you connecting more and more to your family and friends using Zoom or other video conferencing apps or software? Perhaps you didn’t know that if you wear hearing aids, you can improve communication by streaming the sound to your hearing aids. We can explain how.

Connecting Oticon Opn® hearing aids with video conferencing using Apple® products


If you are using an iPhone® or iPad®, it is relatively straightforward. Once you have paired your Oticon hearing aids to your iPhone or iPad, the sound will stream automatically from Zoom or any other video conference software.

This video shows how to connect your hearing aids to use a Skype call (the concept is the same for Zoom):


Streaming sound from video conference software with Android™ cell phones


In order to connect your Oticon hearing aids with Zoom on an Android, you need to start with connecting to ConnectClip. Once connected, the sound will stream automatically. In fact, ConnectClip can connect people in many ways.

Streaming video-conference sound from other products


Finally, if you wear Opn hearing aids and are connecting to Zoom or other video-conferencing programs and not using an iPhone, iPad or Android cell phone, you will need to use a BT800 Dongle and the ConnectClip.

Using self-help guides to get the most out of ConnectClip


Hearing aids can work with a variety of apps and accessories so you can link them to a broad array of devices. To learn more on how to connect your hearing aids to apps, accessories like ConnectClip, and even your smartphone, check out HearingLife's self-help guides and videos.

Can your hearing aids use a little extra help?


For more information on how accessories can make a difference to your hearing health, contact HearingLife today. We'll invite you for a no-obligation demonstration. You can also get help by phone. Call (888) 878-3334 to get started.






2020-12-22
How to Wear Hearing Aids with a Face Mask

How to Wear Hearing Aids with a Face Mask

Wearing a mask for protection against COVID-19 is an important step to prevent coronavirus. It can become a bit of a hassle, but it’s necessary to remain safe during the pandemic. For people with hearing aids, wearing a face mask can be more complicated, especially for larger behind-the-ear hearing aids.

The problem is the elastic bands on a face mask can catch on your hearing aids, causing the mask to pull hearing aids out when you remove it.

You may wind up having your hearing aids get lost, destroyed, or accidentally left behind in parking lots.

Here’s how to wear a face mask with less worry if you have hearing aids.

Use Care When Putting on and Taking off Your Face Mask


When you put on your mask, make sure it doesn’t catch on your hearing aids.

Check your hearing aids occasionally to ensure they are still in place with your mask.

When exiting an establishment, don’t immediately take your mask off. Wear it on the way to your car, and don’t remove it until you are inside.

Even if your hearing aids do get caught on the bands of the face mask and fall out, you are more likely to find them if they are still in your car.

Using Different Kinds of Face Masks
Consider getting a mask that is secured with something other than elastic bands. For instance, cloth ties shouldn't interfere with the ears since they attach behind your head.

Other options are available, according to the Association of American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Try a special mask that relies on an alligator clip that attaches hearing aids to clothing and protects your devices from falling out.

Along with the issue of losing your hearing aids, consider that you may need to be able to read the lips of people you talk to in order to understand them better. Ask your friends and family if they would be willing to purchase a clear mask that would allow you to read their lips when they speak.

Embrace Alternative Shopping

If you are not comfortable wearing face masks with your hearing aids, look for modes of living during social distancing where you don’t have to wear a face mask.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore the importance of wearing masks.


Many people are continuing to stay at home even as counties and states reopen. If you use mobile shopping apps for delivery or are buying online from stores that let you pick up curbside, you shouldn’t have to worry about wearing masks as often as you would if you shopped inside brick-and-mortar stores.

Instead of grabbing takeout, order delivery. You can also use the drive-thru option at some pharmacies, banks, and restaurants to avoid the issue of having to wear a face mask.

In Closing


Use caution when putting on and taking off your face mask so it doesn’t catch on your hearing aids. Consider using different kinds of masks.

If nothing else works, seek out alternative options for shopping, dining, and socializing, so you don’t need to rely on a mask as much as you would if you were in public.




2020-12-17
How Do I Change My Hearing Aid Battery?

How Do I Change My Hearing Aid Battery?

Unless you have rechargeable hearing aid batteries, you’ll have to change even the best hearing aid batteries from time to time.

The average hearing aid user wears their device for 8.6 hours per day, and most batteries last between 80 to 220 hours, depending on the hearing aid brand, how often you use streaming services, and your maintenance routine. While 220 hours may seem like an extremely long time, you’ll probably be changing the batteries every week or every other week.

However, make sure you change your hearing aid batteries before they die. Dead batteries tend to swell, which can easily damage a hearing aid.

Activate The Battery

After taking the battery out of the packaging, you’ll see a sticker label with a “+” sign on one end of the battery. Pull it off so that the battery is exposed to oxygen. Most hearing aids use what is known as a zinc-air battery. Zinc-air batteries require oxygen to function, so let it sit outside of its packaging for a few minutes before placing it into the hearing aid. Note that once you take the seal off the battery and expose it to air, the battery’s lifespan is ticking.


Remove The Old Battery

Your hearing aid should have a very small tab in the back. Push it open so that the old battery is exposed. Turn the hearing aid upside down, and the old battery should fall out. If not, there is a small hole above the battery drawer. You can use a needle-thin object to push the old battery out.

Insert The New Battery
Once you’ve removed the old battery, insert the new battery with the “+” sign facing upwards.

The door should close with ease. If it’s stuck, double-check that the battery is facing the correct direction. Never force the door shut. It should make some noise to indicate that the new battery is ready to go.

How Can I Make My Hearing Aids Last Longer?
While you will have to change your hearing aid batteries eventually, there are some tricks you can use to make them last longer.
Before you go to sleep, open the battery door to reduce moisture build-up and turn the hearing aid off.
Never store hearing aid batteries in your pockets or wallet where they could be exposed to keys, coins, or other metals. The metals can cause the zinc-air batteries to short circuit and die.
Like any batteries, avoid storing them in extreme cold or heat.
Dropping the batteries can also damage them, so be sure to always change them on a soft surface like a towel or rug.

Conclusion
Hearing aid batteries are becoming increasingly advanced, and new research shows that even zinc-air batteries may become rechargeable soon. In addition, the zinc-air batteries are more environmentally friendly than traditional batteries as they do not use organic electrolytes. 

In the meantime, always keep a few extra batteries on hand. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be changing your batteries in a matter of seconds.

This document has been edited with the instant web content composer. The online instant HTML converter make a great resource that will help you a lot in your work. Save this link or add it to your bookmarks.




2020-12-16
How to Protect Your Hearing Aids From The Cold

How to Protect Your Hearing Aids From The Cold

While hearing aid technology has improved significantly over the past few decades, they are still electronics and should be treated with the same caution as a cell phone. Therefore, it's important to take extra precautions during the winter months to ensure your hearing aids last their full lifespan. Here are some tips to prevent hearing aid damage and allow you to enjoy your favorite winter activities.

Use Protective Equipment
Hearing aids are often damaged during the winter months due to condensation caused by temperature changes. For example, if you were walking outside and the temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit, condensation will form on your hearing aids if you step into a room that is 55 degrees warmer. This is the same reason why your glasses fog up when you enter a warm room after spending time in the cold.

To prevent condensation and eliminate moisture damage, you can purchase an ear cover. Most ear covers are made of spandex material and slip on over your hearing aid.

You can also wear a headband to absorb any moisture as you may sweat when transitioning from a very cold to a warm location.

Wear Appropriate Protection
Another problem that most people worry about is losing their hearing aids or damaging them during winter sports. For example, if you're skiing, you lose your hearing aids if you fall on the slope. Unfortunately, not only will the snow damage the hearing aids, but you could lose them altogether.

Because skiing and other winter sports are dangerous without proper hearing, there are a few solutions to this issue.

First, you can purchase an ear cover with a cord. These ear covers have a long string with a clip that attaches to your coat to prevent it from both moisture and getting lost.

If you want to use a helmet, there are also special helmets available explicitly designed to protect your hearing aids (as well as your head).

Rechargeable Batteries
Zinc-air batteries are becoming increasingly popular among hearing aid users. While they are easy to use, they die quickly in the cold, and if you spend a lot of time outside during the winter, you'll purchase many of them. Therefore, consider purchasing lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable and don't need to be replaced.
Store Them Properly
Storage is another huge component of hearing aid care. To prevent moisture from damaging your hearing aids, consider purchasing a dry box to store them in at night.

Dry boxes clean and dry your hearing aids overnight to reduce prolonged condensation and increase the lifespan of your hearing aids. Many of them also contain UV rays to clean the debris from your hearing aids and further support your hearing aid's lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Wearing hearing aids should be freeing rather than restrictive. You should still go out and enjoy your favorite winter activities without worrying about the impact it could have on your hearing aid's lifespan. Therefore, follow these tips and don't be afraid to enjoy this winter.






2020-12-15
Whistling Hearing Aids: Causes and Solutions

Whistling Hearing Aids: Causes and Solutions

Does your hearing aid give off an annoying whistling sound? In this article, it is important to understand what causes this and how Connect Hearing can help you solve this common problem.

Overview

Is your hearing aid creating an annoying whistling sound? You aren't alone in that. Unnecessary feedback is one of the most common hearing aid problems you'll encounter, an issue that can very easily interfere with the hearing aid's performance.

We'll go over some of the most common causes, and walk you through potential solutions:
 * IIll-Fitting Earpieces
 * Blocked Sound Tubes
 * Improper Settings
 * Blocked/Dirty Ear Canal
 * Day-to-Day Interference
 * Faulty Hearing Aid

 * Man with whistling problems in his hearing aid

Ill-Fitting Earpieces
If a hearing aid is incorrectly shaped or not properly-adjusted to your ear canal, there's a small gap between the device and the walls of your ear. Air and sound waves can escape through this gap, causing amplified sound coming out of the earmold to be picked up and amplified repeatedly by the internal microphone. This causes the microphone to start whistling.

This feedback will generally increase in intensity until satiation. To solve this problem, first check and see if your earpiece fits properly. If it doesn't, contact your hearing care provider or bring your hearing aids to Connect Hearing and we'll check for faulty earmolds.


Blocked Sound Tubes
If a hearing aid's sound tube is blocked, it can no longer transmit sound correctly. A thorough cleaning may resolve this issue. If it doesn't, you'll need to contact an audiologist, as your hearing aid's sound tube may need to be replaced entirely.


Improper Settings

Occasionally, the problem isn't with your hearing aid's hardware at all. An improperly-configured hearing aid can create a level of feedback similar to a faulty or damaged one. Depending on what kind of hearing aid you use, you may be able to adjust its settings yourself, but we'd still recommend enlisting the help of an audiologist where the configuration is concerned. 


Blocked/Dirty Ear Canal


How clean are your ears?
Take out your hearing aid, and check for any signs of excessive earwax buildup. If you see signs of it, take some hydrogen peroxide in an eyedropper, and apply a few drops into each ear. Wait a few minutes, then rinse your ears out.

Do not use cotton swabs, as this can compact the earwax and make the issue significantly worse. 


Day-to-Day Interference

Whistling may not always be a sign there's something wrong with your hearing aid. Certain types of scarves and hats can cause feedback and interfere with your hearing aid's functionality. Certain actions like hugging someone else can also cause brief periods of feedback.

Faulty Hearing Aid
Last but certainly not least, there's a small chance your hearing aid might simply be in some way faulty. Your best bet is to contact a professional audiologist to have the problem looked at. Connect Hearing can help with that, regardless of where you purchased them.

Our professional staff can suggest potential solutions to get your hearing aids working properly again - book an appointment today.




2020-12-14
Experts Weigh in on the Future of Hearing Aids

Experts Weigh in on the Future of Hearing Aids

At Connect Hearing, we’re always looking to provide you with valuable information from highly-trained experts. We are excited to introduce our new expert series, Sound Advice. We’ll be talking with experts about a variety of hearing health topics, giving you access to important information straight from our qualified practitioners.


From advanced Bluetooth connectivity to speech enhancement and feedback suppression, the hearing aids of today look very different from several years ago.  And even now, they continue to evolve.

We spoke to several hearing experts for their thoughts on the matter.

Jody Pogue, Audiologist
A professional audiologist based out of Austin, Texas, Dr. Jody Pogue is a board-certified Doctor of Audiology. She has been with Connect Hearing since 2014. Dr. Pogue also teaches undergraduate and doctoral audiology courses at the University of North Texas.

For the past several years, Dr. Pogue has passionately provided hearing healthcare with a focus on hearing aids and tinnitus management. She has served on missions to Haiti and other underserved populations.

John Cummins, Hearing Instrument Specialist
Focused, compassionate, and with an excellent eye for detail, John Cummins left a career in information technology to transition into audiology. He has worked as a hearing instrument specialist at Connect Hearing for more than five years. He is also a registered member of the Maryland State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, and Speech-Language Pathologists.

Rachel Allen, Hearing Instrument Specialist

Rachel has practiced as a Hearing Care Provider for more than 9 years. Since 2014 she has worked for Connect Hearing in the Austin, TX area. She's passionate about helping people with their hearing, and takes great pride in the many people she's been able to care for. 



What's changed the most about hearing aids in the past several years?


Judy Pogue
Rigorous research and development efforts have helped hearing aids evolve from large, unwieldy accessories to sleek, nearly invisible designs with a multitude of features. These transformations have made differences in the lives of millions. Thirty years ago, people wouldn't wear hearing aids because every time someone would come close, their hearing aids would start squealing.

It was embarrassing, and they couldn't hear anything anyway. Detailed engineering efforts have paved the way for instruments that fit the needs of the many while providing the flexibility to accommodate each user's unique patterns of hearing loss.

Digital hearing aids changed everything. All of a sudden, instead of making everything louder, we were able to fit those people who had those high-frequency hearing losses.

John Cummins
Competition has improved market offerings, and technology has vastly-improved in both receiver-in-canal (RIC) and custom hearing aids. Since the input of practitioners is essential in finding the right devices, consumers probably won't be in a rush to navigate the purchase and adjustment process without the help of licensed professionals. However, the increased awareness of hearing aids, thanks to attention from major retailers and the new hearing aid bill, will help relieve stigma around the devices.

This will both make them more accessible and also open the door to even better offerings.

Rachel Allen
Customization is becoming ubiquitous for hearing aids. Most companies allow the user to make changes based on their environment so they can fine-tune the sound to their preference. Most hearing aid companies allow the user to make changes based on their environment so they can fine-tune the sounds to their preference.

I believe this convenience will likely morph into even more connectivity in hearing aids through advanced cell phone apps that allow users to manually tweak their programs with a few taps on their screen. 



What exciting new developments are on the horizon for hearing aids?


John Cummins
Bluetooth connectivity and reduction in hearing aid size coupled with longer battery life will help connect those with hearing loss to more devices. 

Jody Pogue
Hearing aid users have a lot to look forward to, especially with continually-evolving Bluetooth features. With Bluetooth, we had the ability to connect hearing aids via a streamer to other Bluetooth devices like cell phones and televisions. Modern hearing aids are now direct-to-Bluetooth, and that's a big change.
 

I anticipate we'll also see more universality, such as hearing aids that connect directly to any device via plug-and-play. New hearing aids like the Phonak Audéo B Direct, they are truly hands-free. To answer the phone, all a user needs to do is press a button on the hearing aid and say ‘hello’.


Rachel Allen
Realistically, the sky's the limit. We know that whatever direction the research goes, it will inevitably make improvements that help those with hearing loss better connect to the people around them.



What will hearing technology look like in five years?


Rachel Allen
The future of more hearing aid-friendly technology integrations isn't far off. Big names like Bose®, Samsung®, and Apple® are going to begin to integrate into the market with smart hearables. These are easily connected to things like Alexa, Siri, or Google. This technology has an endless amount of uses from directions to reminders. 

Think Google’s smart glasses, but for your ears. They may even be able to monitor your health stats to alert patients or their doctors about things like falls or blood sugar.

John Cummins
Artificial intelligence will be integrated into hearing testing and fittings. This will improve the overall product offerings and reduce costs as more of the global population accepts and purchases them. Users will also be able to seamlessly connect with the most cutting-edge fitness products.

The integration of wearables—like Fitbit® and Dash by Bragi®—into hearing aids will happen in the next five years as consumer electronics giants and hearing aid manufacturers find a convergence of needs for readier adaption, voice recognition technology improvements, and faster response times to the varying listening environments of the industrial world.


Jody Pogue
I want hearing aids to be as plug-and-play as possible. I want my patients to be able to put them in their ear, forget about them, and live their lives. My hope is that hearing aid technology transforms in such a way that it becomes almost completely unnoticeable, even to the people using it. 

A bright road ahead
From on-demand everything to social media to self-driving cars, tectonic technological shifts are transforming the way we live our everyday lives—and hearing care is no different. With all these projected developments, there's certainly a lot to be excited about. Rigorous research and development efforts have helped hearing aids evolve from large, unwieldy accessories to sleek, nearly invisible designs with a multitude of features

And these changes are just the beginning.




2020-12-10
Pro Tips for Getting Used to Hearing Aids

Pro Tips for Getting Used to Hearing Aids

There are a lot of benefits to wearing hearing aids. Just like a new item of clothing, getting used to your new hearing aids takes time. The process of familiarizing oneself with their hearing aids is different for everyone. However, the rewards are more than worth it.

In this segment of Sound Advice, our panel of hearing care professionals have some helpful information about exactly what you can expect the first few weeks after purchasing hearing aids. Plus, learn about some useful features that you might not be aware of!

What’s one unexpected thing that new hearing aid users often don’t know?
Be patient, it takes time to adjust to the new sounds your brain is hearing.

“We don’t just fit hearing aids and miraculously you are hearing again like you were when you were a teenager. We start at a comfortable setting based on your hearing test, usually 70%-80% of your end target goal, then gradually increase that percentage as you get accustomed to all the different sounds.”
-Kimberly G. Clark, HIS

There is an acclimation period.

“Even though it is discussed at consultation and delivery, some folks have a tendency to “Give Up” thinking they will never understand how to use them or how the Hearing Aids could ever possibly help. It takes time to acclimate to them, that’s why we give patients 45 days and several visits to “Dial” them in.”
-George Chamberlin, HIS


Properly fitted hearing aids are good for your brain!

“I always tell new hearing aid users that hearing aids stimulate their auditory pathways.  Therefore, it is beneficial to wear them during all waking hours.”
-Eric Mayer, HIS

How can users make the most of their hearing aids?


Users should wear them everyday.

Wear them everyday to keep the brain active, clean them every morning, wear them as much as possible in all listening environments. Also, make sure you see your specialist for routine check-ups.”
 

-George Chamberlin, HIS


Make sure your hearing aids are routinely cleaned and checked.
“Since all hearing aids require a certain level of maintenance, hearing aid users can learn from their HCP how to keep them clean. I have found that wax can work itself into hearing aid earmolds or receivers, and even microphone covers. If the hearing user is aware that their ears produce a lot of wax, it is wise to have regularly scheduled visits to their doctor’s office for ear wax removal. Hearing aid users should always send their hearing aids out for repair just prior to the warranty expiration date as well.”  

-Eric Mayer, HIS


Getting full-time use of hearing aids is imperative.
“So many users feel that they only need to wear their hearing aids when they go out to social functions, meetings, church, etc.  When the user takes this approach, they never fully adjust to their hearing aids. People often struggle much more in noisy situations with part time use because their brain never fully recognizes what normal levels sound like.” 

-Kimberly G. Clark, HIS

What’s a feature about hearing aids many users commonly miss?


Hearing aids require regular maintenance to be in optimal working condition.

“Factors such as earwax, sweat, or dirt and dust can cause issues with how well the hearing aids are functioning.  Sometimes I don’t see people for 2-3 years after they purchase their hearing aids. At this point their hearing aids usually are not functioning to the best of their ability, and these same users are having difficulty hearing in multiple situations. Scheduling a clean and check appointment at 6 months is advised so the hearing aids can have a deeper cleaning other than the daily maintenance users should be doing.   It is also recommended to have yearly hearing evaluations to make sure that your hearing is not changing, and to make sure your current hearing aids are meeting your hearing needs.”
 -Kimberly G. Clark, HIS


Hearing aid accessories can bring added functions and benefits.

"There is an entire line of accessories to choose from such as a plug-and-play TV Connector.  Specific to newer Phonak hearing aid users, the more sophisticated Roger accessories bridge the gap in the most challenging noise environments.  Accessories can lead a client to a greater satisfaction with the hearing aids and improve his or her quality of life in sometimes unexpected ways."

-Eric Mayer, HIS


Hearing instruments are adding new functions everyday.

"Whether it be engaging the Public T-Coil, changing the Volume or changing programs for different listening environments. Blue-tooth interaction (cell phones, tablets, TV Connectors, Roger Devices.....). These convenient features can be easily missed."

-George Chamberlin, HIS


What are your favorite aspects about today’s hearing aids?

New functions are being developed for users day-to-day activities.
"With our Marvel technology, the patient has a more “Hands-On” approach, being able to talk on the phone hands free. MyPhonak App allows them to control everything within it including access to customizable programs, also Remote Sessions. The Clarity and Noise reduction stand out, and now direct connectivity to the Roger accessories is a win-win."
 -George Chamberlin, HIS


Today’s technology is the easiest that hearing aids have ever been to use.

“Being in the industry for 15 years, I have seen many changes over the years in hearing aids. There are rechargeable hearing aids, which means no more changing tiny batteries, or worry that your hearing aid will go out when you are in the middle of something important.  They can be completely automatic, adapting seamlessly to different environments to give the best possible hearing in that situation. They can even connect wirelessly to many devices, including cell phones and television, to stream that signal directly through the hearing aids. I am thrilled to be able to offer this technology to my clients, changing their quality of life for the better."

-Kimberly G. Clark, HIS


Today’s hearing aids are that there is something for everyone.

“The latest models offer rich, clear sound, and robust background noise reduction circuitry. Due to advances in the miniaturization of the internal components, many of the newest hearing aids fit today offer a direct Bluetooth connection to a user’s mobile phone without the need for an external streaming device. It’s all inside the hearing aid! I also fit small, durable hearing aids which offer a more discrete solution. I really like that fact that many models of hearing aids now offer the rechargeable option. It is not only convenient, but also offers a great choice for individuals who have dexterity issues and do not want the fuss of having to change the batteries on their hearing aids.”

-Eric Mayer, HIS


What’s one question you wish more clients would ask about their hearing aids?


How can I make sure I am hearing the best I can with my devices?

“Helping the client understand the role they play in their journey to better hearing is extremely important. I always let them know that the hearing aid is only as good as the information they give me. Sure, I have their hearing evaluation, but the more open and honest they are about the challenges they have with their hearing and the situations they are in most frequently, the better I can program and fine tune their instruments.  I can also make sure they are in the appropriate devices for their hearing needs and lifestyle.”
-Kimberly G. Clark, HIS

When do you think I should upgrade my hearing aids?

“While many providers in the hearing industry at large follow general guidelines, I have found that it is crucial to have an individualized approach.  Ideally, my clients should see me just prior to the expiration of their three-year hearing aid repair warranty.  I can then send their hearing aids to the manufacturer for in-warranty servicing.  At the same time, I can fit my clients with a set of new loaner hearing aids, which gives them a demonstration of the new products. Many of my clients like to upgrade their hearing aids every three or four years.  They also like to have a back-up set of hearing aids that are in good working condition. The upgrade question is a really good question for a client to ask his or her provider!"

-Eric Mayer, HIS





2020-12-08
How Hearing Aids Work

How Hearing Aids Work

Modern hearing aids use the latest digital technology. They can be customized according to the extent of hearing loss and personal needs. This is vital, since everyone perceives hearing loss in a different way. Modern hearing aids feature automatic programs for all environmental situations, speech amplification, disruptive background noise suppression and feedback suppression.



Overview
* How do modern hearing aids work? 
Why hearing aids do more than simply "make things louder"
Other technological aids

The history of the hearing aid



How do modern hearing aids work?


Modern hearing aids are now powerful computers, which, thanks to the latest technology, can be perfectly adapted to individual needs. As well as being extremely comfortable to wear, they also come in attractive designs.

They are usually made up of three main components: A microphone, a processor, and a loudspeaker. The microphone picks up sounds, or acoustic signals, from the environment and transmits them to the processor. The processor amplifies the sounds and converts them into electrical signals. The loudspeaker, or receiver, transmits the signals to the wearer's ear. The sound is released there and can once again be clearly perceived by the wearer.

To allow hearing aid wearers to enjoy problem-free hearing, hearing aids specifically amplify sounds that are important for communication and reduce disruptive sounds. This process is fully automatic in modern hearing aids.

Why hearing aids can do more than simply “make things louder”
Impaired hearing means more than simply hearing less well. It also means difficulties in understanding. Noises differ with respect to tone, with some being more shrill or some more buzzing. Certain sounds are typically perceived as unpleasant, or even painful. In such cases, „making things louder“ is not the right way to help people hear better again.
 
Determining the right volume
Technology for amplifying sound signals is vital. People with impaired hearing can only hear sounds above a certain volume, meaning these sounds must be louder than for those with good hearing. However, if everything were to be made louder, a noise such as a police siren would be absolutely unbearable. This is why hearing aid adjustment is used to determine the hearing aid wearer's discomfort threshold. This threshold represents the sound level beyond which sounds are perceived as unpleasant. For most people with normal hearing, this value is around 100 decibels (dB), although the values vary according to the individual.
 
Background noise and exact frequency ranges

In addition to general volume, a hearing aid must amplify the specific frequencies that the wearer can no longer hear very well. Digital hearing aids, which are now state-of-the-art technology, are able to compensate hearing loss in various frequency ranges in a precise and targeted way.

The real challenge – for both technology and humans – is to filter out background noise. During conversations in busy restaurants, for example, even people with normal hearing rely on some very complex processing mechanisms to single out a friend's voice. Modern hearing aid technologies feature special functions that significantly improve speech comprehension in such difficult situations.

In order to cope with difficult situations, modern devices also feature various hearing programs for different hearing contexts, such as restaurants or listening to music. Hearing aids also have several frequency channels, making it possible to adapt sound amplification individually to the wearer's needs. Background noise and unpleasant feedback whistling can also be suppressed.



Other technological aids
Many behind-the-ear models have a T-loop (telecoil) or induction loop. This is useful during telephone calls as it transfers the speech signals from the telephone directly to the ear. This significantly improves sound quality and speech comprehension. With a telecoil, induction systems, such as those installed in meeting rooms, theaters, or churches, can be used without any additional devices. This allows speech to be received directly via the hearing aid, while disruptive background noise is filtered out.

Hearing aids with Bluetooth are able to receive speech and music wirelessly from other Bluetooth-enabled audio sources (mobile phones or TV sets) over short distances. In some cases, a small, additional device (streamer) is required, which is positioned between the devices to transfer the signals.

Today, there are also apps that can be used to control the hearing aid via a smartphone. This means the hearing aid can be controlled wirelessly.

Alternatively, our expert audiologists are happy to show you the latest models and advise you on which is best suited to you.

If you are unsure whether or not you need a hearing aid, you might be interested in our free hearing test. If the test confirms that your hearing is impaired, we recommend you visit one of our clinics and speak with our audiology team.
The history of the hearing aid

Once used exclusively by royal eavesdroppers, hearing aid use has only become popular in the last 200 years. Few people are aware that the first hearing aid for which a patent was registered was worn by Queen Alexandra of England in 1901.

Higher-level everyday technology

This was just one of the many important steps in the hearing aid success story. For many people they have become an everyday item, such as glasses or smartphone apps. Life without these technical devices would be almost inconceivable. And just like smartphones, the latest generations of hearing aids are becoming smaller and increasingly powerful. The latest BTE and ITE hearing aids are able to improve hearing and provide natural sound thanks to their state-of-the-art technology and small size. Hearing aid development may appear to have been rapid, but in fact it goes right back to the 17th century.


The first hearing aids were unwieldy, but effective.

In the 17th century, a rather cumbersome device was used. Funnel-shaped hearing trumpets amplified sounds by 20 to 30 dB, significantly improving hearing and quality of life.


The development of the telephone

It was the invention of the telephone in the 19th century that paved the way for the development of the electric hearing aid. At the time, telephone technology was still bulky and unwieldy.


The first portable hearing aid

In 1901, American engineer Miller R. Hutchinson registered a patent for the first portable hearing aid. The device, which was owned by Queen Alexandra of England, was significantly smaller, but still weighed a stately 12 kilograms.


The first BTE hearing aid

By the 1940s, hearing aids had already shrunk to the size of a cigarette packet. The introduction of the transistor in the 1950s marked a breakthrough. The foundations for behind-the-ear hearing aids had been laid.


The beginnings of digital hearing aids
By the 1980s, BTE and (later on) in-the-ear hearing aids were already of a very high technological standard. Then the digital revolution reached the field of hearing aid technology. Hearing aids have undergone constant development right up to the present day, achieving the most natural and clear sounds possible. Devices are becoming ever smaller and more discreet, and are now scarcely visible in the ear.

In modern hearing aids, digital technology is allowing even those with severe hearing loss to fully experience life through all their senses.
2020-12-07
What to do When Your Hearing Aids Get Wet

What to do When Your Hearing Aids Get Wet

Just like your cell phone or any other electronic device, hearing aids do not do well in water. While they are usually resistant to moisture like sweat and mist, being fully immersed in water can damage your hearing aid.


As the average price of just one hearing aid is roughly $2,300, you may be panicked that you’ve permanently ruined them when they get wet.  

The good news is that you might still be able to revive your hearing aids. Here are a few expert tips to dry them and how you can better store them to avoid further water damage.

How to Dry Your Hearing Aids
The first thing you need to do is turn the hearing aid off and remove the batteries. If you leave the batteries in, you risk them rusting and damaging the hearing aid further. If you jumped into the ocean, rinse the salt out before beginning to dry them as the salt can also corrode the hearing aid.

As you start the drying process, remove as much water as possible with a towel. Leave the battery door open and let them air dry.

Drying Them Manually
Many people try home remedies to speed up the air-drying process. Some of the most common remedies include putting them in a bag of uncooked rice or placing them inside a newspaper. You can also place them under a lamp as long as it’s roughly a foot away from the bulb.

Exposing your hearing aid to excessive heat can melt the interior, so never put it in an oven or microwave as it can melt them. Additionally, if you want to use a hairdryer, only do so in a cool setting.


Using a Hearing Aid Dryer
While home remedies may be somewhat effective, you ideally should have a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier. A hearing aid dryer is a small case you place your hearing aids in at night that absorbs moisture and prevents humidity damage.

Depending on the model and brand you choose, it usually takes between 45 minutes to eight hours to complete a drying and cleaning cycle and is extremely effective.

 
For the first few minutes of the cycle, the UV-C light cleanses the hearing aid to reduce residue build-up. After the cleaning phase, the next step is a gentle heating phase that dries the hearing aids for (usually) a few hours. This cycle is automatic and requires just the click of a button to start.

You can also insert a Dry-Brik, which will help whisk away additional moisture as the hearing aid dryer creates heat. This is ideal if you live in a particularly humid climate or have recently dunked your hearing aids in water.


Earwax Damage
If your hearing aids aren't working well and haven't been exposed to moisture, the problem may be earwax damage. Similar to moisture, earwax is another way your hearing aids can become damaged. 

To lengthen the lifespan of your hearing aids, invest in a UV container. The UV container will cause the wax to harden and flake off, reducing excess moisture exposure to the hearing aid.


Storage Best Practices
If none of these steps work, you can send your hearing aid out for repair rather than purchasing a new one altogether.

Even if you haven't damaged your hearing aids, using a hearing aid dryer every night will help increase your hearing aid's lifespan by automatically cleaning it and reducing moisture exposure.

Most hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, so purchasing a quality case is a small investment that will pay off ten-fold.






2020-12-07
Modern Hearing Aids – Virtually Invisible and Rechargeable

Modern Hearing Aids – Virtually Invisible and Rechargeable

Modern technology and advances in the field of hearing aids make it possible for you to live a life without limitations. In addition, modern hearing aids offer many other functions that make everyday life with a hearing aid easier and more convenient. Find out more below about the advantages of modern devices, and what the future of hearing aids holds in store.

Overview:


What can modern hearing aids do?
Rechargeable hearing aids
Digital networking
Titanium hearing aids
Invisible hearing aids

Wearables and hearables


How will the hearing aids of the future work?
Thought control

Control by viewing direction

What can modern hearing aids do?


Rechargeable hearing aids

Hearing aids make life easier in many ways. However, many people find it a nuisance to always have to change batteries and require spares on longer journeys. The latest generation of hearing aids work with rechargeable batteries, making such concerns a thing of the past. Once charged, these batteries allow you to enjoy up to 24 hours of uninterrupted hearing. Thanks to their innovative technology, lithium-ion batteries also last 40% longer than conventional ones.

And with a charger, you can charge your hearing aid just as easily as your mobile phone. In some models, the charging cradle can also be used to dry the hearing aid and as a protective hard case.
 
Short charging times and mobile chargers mean it’s never a problem if you forget to charge your hearing aid.

Another advantage of rechargeable batteries is that in the future, there will be no batteries to dispose o Used batteries represent a considerable amount of waste. Someone wearing a hearing aid in both ears for five years would use around 500 zinc–air batteries. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are therefore not only easier to use, but also significantly more environmentally friendly.


Digital networking

Digitization is now playing an important role in modern hearing aids. Modern hearing aids can be paired wirelessly via Bluetooth with smartphones or smart watches, for example. If a hearing aid is paired with a mobile phone, it is possible to make phone calls easily and directly via the hearing aid using Android, iOS or other operating systems.

In addition, the hearing aid can often be controlled by associated smartphone apps. With a smart remote control, the respective hearing program can be adapted wirelessly to the background noise, and the hearing aid volume adjusted separately for each ear. This means that in a busy restaurant, for example, the babble of background voices can be suppressed, thus allowing you to focus on the conversation you are having with your companion.
 

Background noise from the street, for example, can be muffled, and natural sounds such as birdsong can be amplified. Some apps and hearing aids are able to detect the acoustic environment and adjust automatically.

There are also apps featuring tips and instructions on using and caring for your hearing aid, as well as apps for those with tinnitus that offer a customized sound library to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus.

Some models can also be connected wirelessly to TV or audio devices. This turns the hearing aid into wireless headphones that conduct sound directly into the ear, allowing you to enjoy the sound at full strength.

Titanium hearing aids

There are hearing aids made from medical-grade titanium. This makes the hearing aids sturdy, light, and resilient. Such hearing aids win points not only for their minimal size, but also, thanks to the customized production process, for the fact that they sit perfectly in the ear canal. They are discreet, as well as water and dust resistant. A titanium hearing aid can also adapt automatically to ambient noise without the need for manual adjustment, thanks to its state-of-the-art technology.
 
Invisible hearing aids

Phonak Lyric is the first 100% invisible hearing aid. As the Lyric sits deep in the ear canal, it is entirely invisible from the outside. It can be worn for several months at a time and utilizes the anatomy of the ear to allow natural hearing. Thanks to the modern technology employed, you can wear the Lyric for all daily activities, including sport, and enjoy natural sound through an invisible hearing aid.


Hearables and wearables

Wearables – small, intelligent devices worn on the body – have been available on the market for some time now. They include smart watches and fitness arm bands. These wearables are now available for the ear too: Hearables. Hearables are smart headphones that provide a wireless connection to a smartphone, for example, or to sensors for medical monitoring and activity tracking. These wearables and hearables are primarily geared towards people with intact hearing, which is why hearables are not the same as hearing aids.

 
Hearables are chiefly designed to allow people who can hear well to filter out noise they don’t want to hear, while hearing aids are designed to provide a comprehensively better hearing experience for people with impaired hearing. Hearables are therefore interesting primarily as a lifestyle product that makes it possible to transfer music, phone calls, or other digital signals directly to the ear.
 

How will the hearing aids of the future work?


Despite great technical advances so far, hearing aids are still unable to completely replace human hearing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 466 million people worldwide are dependent on some form of technical assistance for hearing. Work is constantly being carried out in the field of research and development to provide these people with better hearing. There are various ideas about how hearing aids might work and be controlled in the future.


Thought control

In the not-too-distant future, it may be possible to control a hearing aid using your thoughts. Scientists are hoping to develop hearing aids that adapt dynamically to their wearer's intentions. If you’re standing between two groups of people in conversation, for example, and you only want to listen to one group, the hearing aid will recognize what you want to listen to and transmit only the conversation you want to follow.*


Control by viewing direction

It may be possible for the models of the future to follow the hearing aid wearer's conversational intentions by means of head or eye movements. You may one day be able to determine who you want to listen to simply by the direction you are looking in.**


Regenerating cells in the inner ear


Researchers at Harvard University and the University of South California have found a way to regenerate cells deep inside the inner ear, at least in animal trials. In a crucial breakthrough compared to earlier attempts, they have found a way to transfer medication that can restore destroyed the nerves and cells to the place it is required.
*Saarland University of Technology and Economics
** Hearing4All Research Center at the University of Oldenburg

The future sounds exciting, doesn’t it? It may be some time before the technologies we’ve described here make their way onto the market, but in the meantime we’ll keep you updated with all the latest news from the world of hearing aid technology. Meanwhile, you can find information here about the best hearing aids from leading manufacturers and get help in choosing a  suitable hearing aid. If you need a new hearing aid, simply come in for a one-to-one consultation with one of our experienced audiologists.





2020-12-04
Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

Do I Need a Hearing Aid?

Have you recently experienced difficulties in hearing or understanding? Or have you always had hearing problems? Next, find out here how to recognize the signs of hearing impairment, and when it makes sense to have a hearing aid. You can also find out whether you need a hearing aid for both ears.


Overview:
* Do I need a hearing aid?

Do I really need two hearing aids?



 Do I need a hearing aid?

Millions of people experience difficulties hearing or have hearing problems. It’s not just older people who have hearing difficulties. Young people, and even children, are increasingly affected. Hearing loss can take many different forms. The most common hearing problems include congenital deafness, age-related hearing loss, sudden / acute hearing loss, tinnitus, hearing problems caused by colds, sensorineural hearing loss, or acoustic trauma. 

Unless you are affected by congenital hearing loss or deafness, hearing loss typically comes on gradually and almost imperceptibly. Friends and family will often be aware of your hearing loss before you are, and will alert you to the problem. But how can you tell if you really do have hearing problems and would benefit from a hearing aid?



Below are a few pointers that might help you decide whether your hearing is impaired:

Do your friends or family tell you that you have your TV on very loud?
Do you have the impression that the people you’re talking to are speaking very quietly or mumbling?
Do you find it hard to follow conversations because words containing high-frequency consonants such as s, t, f, p, and k, or consonant combinations such as ch and sch are unclear? 
Do you struggle to focus on the person you’re talking to and find it hard to follow a conversation?
Do you feel you can no longer hear as well as you used to? 
Is it increasingly hard to hear important sounds such as alarms, phones, and doorbells?
Are high-pitched sounds, such as birdsong, harder to hear than before?

Are conversations and meetings at work becoming a challenge?



Any of these might indicate hearing loss. If you are unsure about whether or not you are affected by hearing loss, the best thing to do is to take a free online hearing test. If the test confirms that you have hearing problems or difficulties in hearing, we recommend undergoing a more detailed examination with one of our audiologists, or with an ear nose and throat doctor (ENT). The specialist will be able to determine the cause of your hearing difficulties, suggest appropriate treatment, and help you decide whether a hearing aid would improve your hearing.

If you do need a hearing aid, find out here about the various types of hearing aids available. One of our expert audiologists will be happy to help you choose the right model.

Do I really need two hearing aids?


What is binaural hearing?

Binaural hearing means hearing with both ears. It refers to the ability to determine the direction of a sound source. It is also known as directional or spatial hearing. An acoustic signal or sound reaches the left and right ears at different times. Depending on the direction it’s coming from, it reaches one ear a fraction of a second sooner and more loudly than the other.
This delay is sufficient for the brain:
It uses the timespan between the arrival of the sound wave in the two ears to calculate the direction of the sound. The direction a sound is coming from can only be reliably determined with two healthy ears. If you’re finding it difficult to work out where the sound of a ringing phone or crying child is coming from, it may be the first indication of hearing loss.

Two ears – two hearing aids

If hearing loss is confirmed in both ears, you will need two hearing aids. If hearing difficulties are related to age or caused by acoustic trauma, both ears tend to be affected in the same way. In this case, your ENT doctor will prescribe two hearing aids.
Since human hearing is binaural and relies on two independent sources – our ears – to function correctly, both ears must be fitted with hearing aids. If you wear only one hearing aid, the unaided ear may even unlearn how to hear, similar to an untrained muscle. Subsequent treatment with a hearing aid is certainly possible, although a considerable amount of training will be required.
Binaural hearing can literally save our lives on the roads, as it helps us determine which direction a car, tram, or bicycle bell is coming from. Bilateral hearing aids are also important when it comes to filtering conversations from disruptive background noise. This is why having two devices makes sense, even if one of your ears is less severely affected by hearing loss. In order to hear as well as possible, people need both their ears.

As a general principle, full hearing capacity should therefore be restored as soon as possible, so that the auditory response area in the brain continues to receive sufficient stimuli and remains active. If you are unsure whether or not you are affected by hearing loss, don’t wait too long before visiting your ENT doctor or audiologist. Start to enjoy life again with its full richness of sounds.




2020-12-04
Comparing Hearing Aids

Comparing Hearing Aids

Just as every individual is different, no two types of hearing loss are the same. This is why there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to hearing aids. Fortunately, with the assistance of an audiologist, you will be able to find a hearing aid that perfectly fits your needs and your particular type of hearing loss. Below, we explain the journey toward purchasing a hearing aid, and what you should bear in mind.



Overview
 * How is the diagnosis made?
 * Which hearing aid should I buy?
 * What is the best way of adjusting a hearing aid? 

 * Steps to good hearing


How is the diagnosis made?
Do you have the feeling that it’s becoming harder and harder to hear conversations or the TV at home? Or has anyone ever suggested you should get your hearing checked? These might be signs of a potential hearing difficulty.

To find out whether or not you might be affected by hearing loss, you can take a free online hearing test to obtain an initial assessment of your hearing. We recommend you then have a no-obligation hearing test with your audiologist. In general, you don’t even need to book an appointment, and you’ll soon have an accurate assessment of how well you are hearing.
If you are affected by hearing loss, our audiologists will advise you to visit a reliable ear nose and throat doctor (ENT), if necessary.

You will need a prescription from them in order to initiate the process of having your hearing aid paid for by your health insurance or social insurance company. The specialist will also do a hearing test and identify the medical reason for your hearing loss. The specialist will evaluate whether your hearing difficulty is of organic origin, and perform various tests such as a sound level test or an audiogram. If you do not have an ENT doctor, you can also contact our audiologists.

With a prescription from your ENT doctor, you can return to the audiologist to jointly decide on the best solution for your hearing needs. They will be happy to offer you personalized advice and can help you find the right model for your requirements.

Which hearing aid should I buy?
Which hearing aid will suit you best depends on a number of factors. Firstly, the nature and severity of your hearing loss, and secondly your personal lifestyle and the type of work you do: If you interact regularly with other people or need to make a lot of phone calls, you will need one kind of hearing aid, whereas if you are in the car a lot, have a very active social life, or spend most of your time at home, you will need different devices. These factors can be used to narrow down the number of possible models.

The individual’s level of ease with technology, the contribution being made by the health insurance company, and of course individual wearing comfort, all play a major role in the purchase of a hearing aid.
There are also major differences between behind-the-ear hearing aids and in-the-ear hearing aids. Of course, the price of the hearing aid depends on its design and functions. Most BTE hearing aids are cheaper than ITE devices. 

Lower-cost hearing aids and premium models differ primarily in terms of the additional functions they offer. Modern hearing aids can be paired directly with smartphones, TVs, and audio equipment, for example. The choice of power supply should also be taken into consideration. Some models are fitted with hearing aid batteries that need to be replaced, while others have rechargeable batteries.
It’s always a good idea to compare hearing aids. This will allow you to explore the models supplied by different manufacturers and the advantages they offer. With the help of one of our audiologists you can of course test and practice wearing the hearing aids.
The difference between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers

Are you thinking about choosing a hearing amplifier to correct your hearing loss?

Remember: A hearing amplifier cannot be compared directly with a hearing aid. Hearing amplifiers also feature a microphone and an amplifier, and in terms of structure and shape they are very similar to conventional hearing aids.

However, they only increase the volume of sound, thus they cannot be adapted to your individual hearing loss or personal preferences. Hearing amplifiers are not prescribed by doctors and are usually purchased without specialist advice. We therefore recommend a hearing aid for those affected by hearing loss.
 
What is the best way of adjusting a hearing aid?
To ensure speech comprehension in everyday situations, the perfect settings for the hearing aid must first be identified. Our experienced audiologists can help you with this. They will work with you to identify the ideal hearing aid for your needs, and adjust it to your hearing curve. The device will be adjusted to your individual needs in just a few appointments using a hearing aid test. The settings will be optimized until you are completely happy with them, and, most importantly, until you have become used to having your hearing back.

The brain literally has to get used to „hearing again“, and the process is not as quick as putting on glasses, for example. The fitting of your hearing aid and training to use the technology require a little patience. But it's certainly worth it. A functioning and perfectly adjusted hearing aid can bring back quality of life through good hearing. Our experienced audiologists will be happy to help you choose and adjust your hearing aid.

Steps to good hearing: 
Step 1: A solution that meets your needs
We carefully analyze the situations your hearing has to cope with on a daily basis and so create a precise, personal hearing profile. We then choose the right hearing aid for your needs and draw up a no-obligation quote. You will be informed in detail about all the costs you might incur.
Step 2: New hearing
Your new hearing aid will now be adjusted to your hearing needs. A test phase will follow, during which you should experience a variety of listening situations.
Step 3: Quality check
The quality of your hearing will now be checked once again. The audiologist will fine-tune your hearing aid to ensure the most enjoyable hearing experience possible. We are also happy to provide practical advice on dealing with your health insurance or social insurance company.

2020-12-03
What are Open-Fit Hearing Aids?

What are Open-Fit Hearing Aids?

A relatively new addition to the hearing aid market, open-fit hearing aids fit behind the ear, providing amplification via a small tube inserted into the ear canal. They come in two primary variants based on speaker location. The first is inside the ear, and the second is located inside the physical hearing aid itself.

Believe it or not, the concept on which open fit hearing aids are based isn't exactly a new one. One could actually consider them a refinement of behind-the-ear hearing aids. Per the Mayo Clinic, BTE hearing aids are typically the largest of their kind, hooking over the top of the ear and connected to an earmold inside the ear via a tube. 

Although capable of considerable sound amplification, they also tend to be susceptible to wind and background noise. Open-fit hearing aids improve on the design of BTE hearing aids by being considerably smaller and less visible. They also leave the ear canal almost completely open, as they require only a small receiver connected to the main unit via a thin wire.



This has a few primary benefits.
 
Because the ear canal is left open, low-frequency sounds come through with much greater clarity. 
Hearing aids that block the ear canal can cause the user to feel their own voice is somewhat distorted or muffled due to the blockage. Open-fit hearing aids do not have this drawback.
Given their small size, they tend to be less susceptible to blockages due to earwax. 
There is little to no telephone feedback when using an open-fit hearing aid.

They can potentially be a good fit for individuals who are somewhat sensitive about their hearing impairment, as they are less immediately noticeable. 

How Do Open Fit Hearing Aids Work?


An open-fit hearing aid functions in essentially the same way as any other assisted hearing device. The hearing aid picks up sounds through a receiver, located either on the main body of the hearing aid or within the ear. This sound is then fed through an amplifier, and then finally sent through a speaker. 

Coupled with recent advancements in digital feedback suppression, this allows open-fit hearing aids to function with a remarkable level of clarity. 

Is an Open Fit Hearing Aid Right for Me?


Typically, open-fit hearing aids work best for individuals with only mild to moderate hearing impairment. In cases of severe hearing loss, an open-fit hearing aid may be subject to feedback due to the high level of amplification required. Open-fit hearing aids are also an excellent choice for anyone suffering from excessive earwax buildup.

Older individuals may also find open-fit hearing aids to be problematic, even without severe hearing loss. Their small size means they require a fair amount of dexterity to manipulate and operate. This means that for anyone with any sort of mobility impairment, using an open-fit hearing aid can be an exercise in frustration.

Ultimately, the best advice we can offer is to talk to a professional audiologist. Work with them to determine your level of hearing impairment, and which device is best suited to your needs. Connect Hearing can help. 

Find a Connect Hearing Center near you, and we'll give you a hearing test and consultation free of charge. 




2020-12-03
6 ways to get used to hearing aids

6 ways to get used to hearing aids

Wearing hearing aids requires both a physical and mental adjustment. Support from family and friends is critical to becoming comfortable with them and we’ll give you some tips to help your loved one ease into them.

Wearing hearing aids requires both a physical and mental adjustment. Hearing loss in one or both ears can be difficult to accept, so patients may see hearing aids as a threat to their autonomy.

However, hearing aids are incredible tools that patients should embrace to live a fuller life. Support from family and friends is critical to becoming comfortable with them and we’ll give you some tips to help your loved one ease into them. 

While hearing aids shouldn’t be painful, they may create some physical discomfort at first. Your doctor should be able to adjust them, but even so, it’s certainly a new experience. In addition to how the hearing aid sits on their ear, it might also cause a slight headache. 

Louder sounds will be uncomfortable at first, just as someone unaccustomed to loud noises might be uncomfortable at a rock concert. However, follow-up conversations with a doctor and using this advice will help decrease the discomfort and make the transition smooth and anxiety-free. 
 
Be realistic about expectations.

The average time it takes for a person to adjust to hearing aids can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months . They should also not expect the tuning of sounds to be the same. Not only will people’s voices sound different but background noises like cars and the radio will also sound different.

Practice using them.
When you first start using hearing aids, you will likely become frustrated with the variety of new sounds. Rather than forcing yourself to both talk and interpret the new sounds, practice using them by listening to audiobooks or movies. Once you feel comfortable listening with them, you can practice reading books aloud and become acclimated with your own voice. Only after that should you try engaging in conversation with family members. 
2020-12-01
Increase the Life of your Hearing Aid

Increase the Life of your Hearing Aid

Modern hearing aids are robust, durable and designed to give many years of reliable service. Many also make use of digital technology and the wonders of miniaturization to deliver powerful amplification in a discrete package. But just like any device with intricate pieces, it requires the correct care in order to ensure trouble-free operation and maximize its longevity.
But caring for your hearing aid doesn’t have to be difficult; it’s merely a matter of treating the device right, some basic maintenance and knowing when to seek your audiologist’s help.

First off, wear your hearing aid! Leaving it in a drawer and wearing it only on special occasions can mean your ears struggle to make sense of the amplified sounds. This is because the brain can forget how to interpret noise and switch the hearing part of brain function off.

You wear your hearing aid daily, which is great news. But in the same way that it’s not great for your health to get soaking wet or to stand in the full sun for hours, your hearing device deserves a little consideration.

Rain
Remember those intricate electrical circuits and treat them with respect. Avoid getting your hearing aid wet, be that in a rainstorm or in a humid environment such as the shower. Take sensible precautions such as using an umbrella outdoors or pop a special “sleeve” over the body of the hearing aid, in the same way you wear a waterproof jacket to keep the rain out. (Your audiologist can show you style suitable for your device.)

Condensation
But moisture comes in other forms, such as perspiration. Especially if you wear your device whilst exercising, at the end of the day open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, dry them on a soft cloth and if possible put the device in a dehumidifier overnight. These are inexpensive, usually costing just a few dollars, and are a great way to get rid of condensation.

Chemicals
You might not think twice about spritzing yourself with scent, but you should. Products such as hairspray, deodorants, perfume, insect repellent and aftershave all contains chemicals or alcohols that have the potential to damage your hearing device. This doesn’t mean you have to stop using them, simply ensure that fitting your hearing aid is the last thing on the list and wash your hands before handling it.

Heat
Hearing devices can suffer when exposed to extremes of heat. Whilst it may seem obvious not to put your device in the oven or a microwave, not leaving it in a hot car may not be uppermost in your thoughts when you’re in a rush. Also, avoid putting your device near a heat source such as a radiator or heater, and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Knocks and Bumps

Last but not least, when cleaning your device it’s best to do so over a soft surface, such as a table top spread with a towel. That way it won’t come to harm if accidentally dropped.




2020-11-30