Hearing Loss Blog

Can Better Hearing Help Delay Dementia?

Posted May 4th 2012

This week starts the first days of Better Hearing & Speech Month throughout the country. As a part of this annual recognition of hearing care we want to share some important insights into the impact that untreated hearing loss can have. While hearing loss may be a hidden impairment for many, the effects it has over time on one's quality of life and overall health can be highly evident.

The direct effects of untreated hearing loss can results in fatigue, frustration, irritability, loneliness, social withdrawal and more due to the amount of energy it takes some to maintain everyday conversations and listening. If any of these effects take place with someone suffering from hearing loss, it can have an adverse impact on their health as well. Many recent studies out of John Hopkins University have illustrated correlation between prolonged untreated hearing loss and increases in the risks of some diseases such as dementia and diabetes amongst others.

We at Hearing Healthcare Centers agree with these findings and the benefits that better hearing can have for an individual's overall health and well-being. For those interested in learning more about the effects of hearing loss or to get started on taking care of your hearing health with a free hearing evaluation, simply submit your information on our Contact Us page and we will be in touch within one business day.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

Hearing Aid Technology Has Come a Long Way

Posted April 20th 2012

As today's hearing aid sizes get smaller and the technology gets more powerful, it is amazing to consider how much hearing aids have progressed over the last many decades. A fun website to visit to see these technology advances that have occurred is www.hearingaidmuseum.com. This site is filled with information and pictures of old hearing device relics that, at their time, provided the best assistance for the hard of hearing. We are fortunate that today we have many easy to use and reliable options available. Below are a few favorite old hearing aids which illustrate the early origins of hearing aids.

The Ear Trumpet was about as basic as it gets. Designed with an appearance alike a trumpet, the user would simply put the small end of the apparatus into their ear and aim the horn at the targeted sound. It is no wonder that having a hearing aid used to be an embarrassing experience.

Another favorite was the Hearing Aid Walking Stick, which essentially was a walking cane with a small ear horn at the top handle. As shown on the left, it did disguise the hearing aid portion well but only until the user would hold the cane to the side of his head to help hear. This seemingly would pose a danger to anyone passing by the user.

In the middle of the century hearing aids began to incorporate electricity to boost amplification with carbon and vacuum tube hearing aids. These hearing aids were usually carried by the user or worn on the body. The Radovox vacuum tube hearing aid shown on the right displays the size of many of these early electric hearing aids that users would carry with them.

Hearing technology then progressed to much smaller sizes for body worn hearing aids. One popular style in the late 1950's was the eyeglass hearing aids, which attempted to hide the hearing aid in the eyeglass design. This was an early style of ear level transistor hearing aids.

The biggest advancement came at the end of the century as hearing aids switched from analog to digital technology, enhancing the programming and power capabilities to meet individual preferences. These digital hearing aids also took significant leaps into bettering the technology for custom fitting and behind-the-ear hearing aid styles and have set the stage for the rapid advancements we have seen in hearing aids over the last several years.

Today's hearing aids provide those in need of hearing assistance with a cosmetically appealing device that is easy to use that utilizes highly innovative technology to provide a better hearing experience. We are lucky to be the benefactors of these advancements from those early hearing aids. If you are interested in learning more about today's best hearing aid options for yourself or a loved one, don't hesitate to simply visit the Contact Us page of our website to request more information and we will be in touch to answer all of your questions or schedule a free appointment.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

You're Wearing a Hearing Aid?

Posted April 6th 2012

Introducing Invisible-In-Canal Hearing Aid Options

As a hearing professional, I always find that I am noticing people wearing aids in public situations, such as at sporting events or the airport. Mostly, because it’s my profession, but also because hearing aids of the past have been so big and noticeable, and I put great emphasis on the word PAST.

With today’s latest hearing aids, many new options are available that are invisible* to the eye when worn. The exact level of invisibility depends on the size of your ear canal, but, for many, these invisible-in-canal size hearing aids will help those with hearing losses receive the benefits of wearing a hearing aid without having it known to others, even their closest colleagues or friends. The most significant of these new invisible-in-canal products is called Invisibel, made by Audibel.

The Invisibel is custom made to fit exactly to the contours of your ear canal, so comfortable that many report forgetting they have it in. While the size has become smaller, the technology continues to get more advanced and powerful. The Invisibel is a digital and fully programmable hearing aid that is designed to virtually eliminate feedback and reduce background noise in noisy environments. Not only may you not feel like you are wearing a hearing aid, but you won’t have to remember to change settings or programs when switching from quiet to noisy environments. Candidacy for this product does depend on your degree of hearing loss as significant losses may need a more powerful solution. Though, many hearing aid options are available in slightly bigger sizes that are still hard to notice when worn in the ear and equally effortless to use.

For myself, it looks like my days of being able to spot hearing aid wearers in public may be coming to an end, which is fantastic. If you or a loved feel that they could benefit from wearing a hearing aid but don’t want to have to feel like you are wearing a hearing aid, the invisible-in-canal solutions may be right for you. Simply visit the Contact Us page of our website to request more information and we will be in touch to answer all of your questions or schedule a free appointment.

*Individual results may vary. Invisibility may vary based on your ear's anatomy.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

Buying New Hearing Aids - Top 10 List for Buyers

Posted March 23rd 2012

Buying a hearing aid is an important decision on many levels as it is an investment in both money and time. However, the benefits one can gain from improved hearing will outweigh those investments on a daily basis. Therefore it is important to take the right approach in shopping for a hearing aid to ensure you or a loved one get the optimal solution for improving hearing capabilities. At Hearing Healthcare Centers we offer this top 10 list of tips for anyone planning to buy new hearing aids, as well as our always complimentary appointments to get started.

1. Research hearing aids types – Learn about hearing aids types and hearing technology to gain a basic understanding of the many choices available. On our website we provide important information about the advancements in today's technology for reference.

2. Undergo a hearing test and complete hearing evaluation – A comprehensive hearing test and evaluation is the first step toward identifying hearing loss and finding the right hearing aid for a specific hearing problem. At Hearing Healthcare Centers we will work with you to provide recommendations for appropriate hearing aid solutions, if necessary, based upon your hearing evaluation and lifestyle needs.

3. Honestly identify hearing needs – Some hearing aids are well suited for noisy situations; others are not. Some hearing aids types are perfect for an active lifestyle, while others are better suited for quiet activities such as watching television or listening to music. Features, controls - even color - may be important factors to consider when choosing the right hearing aid for your needs.

4. Understand hearing aid costs – Hearing aids may be a larger purchase and as such, the buyer should receive a written contract which includes the cost of the hearing aids, as well as any services provided by the hearing professional. These services may include fitting, training and follow up appointments. Insurance coverage and financing may also be available to help make certain hearing aids more affordable.

5. Get a comfortable fit – Custom earmolds ensure the best fit when purchasing new hearing aids. New hearing aids require a period of adjustment, and any level of discomfort could make the transition difficult.

6. Follow up – Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time as the brain learns to hear again in a new way. Follow up appointments are imperative to get the most out of new hearing aids.

7. Ask about the return policy – Most hearing professionals will offer a trial period for new hearing aids. Some may charge a fee if the hearing aids are returned; others may offer the opportunity to try a different hearing aid style.

8. Understand the warranty – As with any major purchase, hearing aids come with a warranty to cover repairs or replacement over a certain period of time. We remain committed to making sure you are taken care of throughout the life of your hearing aid and even have extended warranty plans available.

9. Consider using hearing aids with other assistive listening devices – Today's hearing aids are designed to work seamlessly with phones and audio equipment. Imagine having the sound from your radio or TV come through your hearing aid so others in the room can hear at comfortable levels. New wireless hearing aids may be the ultimate in convenience for the hard of hearing. We can answer questions about the compatibility of hearing aids with assistive listening devices.

10. Help a friend - with the prevalence of untreated hearing loss it is likely you know or may encounter someone who could benefit from better hearing as well. At Hearing Healthcare Centers we are committed to helping all in our community that suffer with hearing loss and appreciate any referral you can share with those in need.

We hope this list provides a helpful guideline for making the right hearing aid purchase. We are committed to making sure every patient that needs a hearing aid gets the optimal solution for both their hearing loss and lifestyle needs. If you have any questions or are looking to start the process with a hearing test simply submit your request on our Contact Us page. We will be in touch within one business day.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

Get AMP'ed for Better Hearing

Posted March 9th 2012

Not everyone is ready for a hearing aid, we understand that. On average, a person will wait 5 to 7 years before making a hearing aid purchase, after initially recognizing hearing loss symptoms. Many get by with various mechanisms such as, lip reading or standing on a certain side to favor a better hearing ear, before getting the benefit of a hearing aid. Factors such as cost, maintenance and the stigma of wearing aid hearing aid commonly perpetuate this delay in purchasing.

To help those out there not ready to make a hearing aid get the help they need, a new product is available that helps satisfies many of those concerns mentioned above. This product is called AMP, and is really "the hearing aid for those who aren’t ready to wear a hearing aid". What makes AMP a great option as a 'starter hearing aid' is that is inexpensive, invisible* when worn and simple to use. AMP's small size design makes it comfortable to wear and easy to remove. Also, the price is easy on the pocketbook. At $750 per aid, those in need but not ready to make a major purchase can get amplification assistance and avoid worsening struggles with hearing loss in their lives.

While we always say that hearing is priceless, we understand that hearing aids can be a considerable investment. Even though the AMP is not our best performing hearing aid, we do recommend it for those looking for hearing assistance as opposed to none at all. If this pertains to you or a loved one, please let us know by submitting your information on our Contact Us page and we will be glad to share more information. We are confident that this product will provide an affordable, simple to use answer for those who have been delaying a solution for their hearing loss and not ready for a hearing aid.

*Individual results may vary. Invisibility may vary based on your ear's anatomy.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

Tips for Traveling with a Hearing Loss

Posted February 24th 2012

Travel, while exciting, can also be an exhausting task given today's rigorous security procedures. Add in struggles with a hearing loss to the process and it can become even more daunting of a challenge. To help in this process, the Transportation and Security Administration has recently provided some helpful tips on their website, read article here, for traveling with a hearing loss.

Their suggestions refer to the security screening process and offer some helpful insights. Firstly, they confirm that hearing aids can and should be worn when walking through the metal detector. While hearing aids will not set off an alarm, they will not be affected by the metal detector or x-ray screening, should you choose to pass those through in a checked bag or carry-on tote. Also, TSA security officers have been trained to help accommodate travelers with disabilities to make sure to be clear in your needs if you would like them to talk slow for lip reading purposes or need to communicate with sign language. Lastly, those who use a dog companion for hearing or seeing purposes can go through security checkpoints with their animal but need to follow service animal special guidelines in doing so.

We want to also provide some tips for taking your aids with you on a vacation to ensure no damage occurs in adverse conditions. Our first suggestion is a simple enough one but may be overlooked by many to their own dismay. When packing your hearing aids in a suitcase, make sure to do so by putting them in their case, which will protect them from damage. Also, we would recommend bringing a small dri-aid kit if you are traveling to a climate with considerable humidity for an extended period of time. This can help prevent moisture damage to the hearing aid as a result of the climate elements. Lastly, bring extra batteries, especially if you are traveling abroad, to make sure you are never left without the ability to take in the sounds of your destination with your hearing aids. If you are in need of any of these supplies or have further questions, simply visit our Contact Us page and submit your information. We will be in touch with a solution within one business day.

Happy Travels,

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

Put an End to Volume Wars

Posted February 10th 2012

Imagine no longer having to strain to hear the television or radio. Imagine not having to upset your friends or spouse by keeping the television at a high volume just to be able to hear a show due to hearing loss difficulties. With today's hearing aid technology, these aspirations have now become a reality. At Hearing Healthcare Centers we are excited to introduce Audibel's new wireless hearing aids, Range.

The new Range hearing aids offer many innovative features focused on wireless capabilities to enhance the experience of wearing hearing aids. Firstly, the hearing aids provide a superior listening experience through many intuitive features that makes using a hearing aid hassle-free. The Range hearing aids are especially designed to enhance hearing in noisy environments by reducing background noises and preserving speech audibility. Also, these new hearing aids prevent any whistling or buzzing from feedback and work well with telephone use. Lastly, as displayed below, the hearing aids can be easily paired with a media device to receive streaming audio input from TVs or music players directly into your hearing aids.



At Hearing Healthcare Centers we want to ensure all who can benefit from hearing loss solutions that we provide the latest advancements in new hearing aid technology. We offer an array of hearing aid technology, sizes and styles so there is a hearing aid option right for every patient's budgetary and lifestyle needs. If are interested to receive more information on the new Range from Audibel or would like to make an appointment to have an in-office demonstration, simply submit your contact information on our Contact Us page today.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

5 Steps to Better Hearing

Posted January 27th 2012

Having a hearing loss is not something that anyone gets excited about. However, with the right attitude and approach, it can actually be a very manageable condition to care for. In my years of caring for those with hearing loss, I have seen time and time again people make remarkable improvements by simply dedicating themselves to getting the most out of wearing a hearing aid. With hopes of similar outcomes in the future I am sharing 5 simple steps to better hearing for you or a loved one to use.

1.	Admit that your hearing is not what it may used to be. Understanding your hearing has changed is difficult at first, but the sooner one begins to seek a solution the more likely they are to maintain critical speech comprehension abilities and avoid unnecessary struggles.

2.

Keep an open mind and positive attitude while seeking help. Like we have all been told from a young age, attitude is everything. The same applies to having success in treating your hearing loss. Since everyone's hearing loss is unique, there are a lot of options available to consider. We strive to present those solutions that are best for you.

3.	Learn about your hearing problem. Get educated on what may have caused your hearing loss and what the best solutions are for treatment and extended care. At Hearing Healthcare Centers we will make sure every patient is aware of the factors and given the resources needed to be successful.

4.

Set realistic expectations for hearing aids. As was mentioned in step 1, expectations for restoring perfect hearing are not realistic. Today’s hearing aid technology has produced tremendous hearing benefits for wearers. Your focus should be on improving your hearing abilities with hearing aids at a slow, gradual pace as you adapt to wearing a hearing aid.

5.

Patience, practice and time are critical to success. As with anything good, it comes from hard work and practice. Improved hearing in various situations is no different. At first, regaining comprehension abilities for sounds that have not been heard in years may be difficult. However, the reward will be yours to eventually hear simple sounds that may have been lost, even perhaps the songs of birds on a nice day.

At Hearing Healthcare Centers we are aware that an investment of money and time into hearing aids is not always preferred. Yet, we are confident that with the right attitude, the benefits of better hearing will justify those investments on a daily basis for you. We aim to make the process of gaining satisfaction with improved hearing as simple as possible. To start your hearing journey or help a loved one get the care they need, simply visit our Contact Us page and submit your information. We will get in touch within one business day with more information.

Hearing Healthcare Centers

 

A New Year for New Ears

Posted January 13th 2012

With ever New Year’s celebration we make a firm pact with ourselves to make the coming year one of better habits as it relates to diet and health. With our many resolutions how often have you considered to recapture the sounds that you may be missing due to hearing loss. Whether it is the birds chirping outside of your window or family conversation in a restaurant, there may be no resolution more impactful than getting your hearing tested this new year!

The best part is that we at Hearing Healthcare Centers make completing this New Year’s resolution a very simple task to do by offering free hearing evaluations and consultations. Whether for yourself or a love one, we can identify any sounds that are being missed due to hearing loss and provide reasonable solutions for treatment.

Do be like the millions of other Americans who put off getting the simple treatment they deserve for their hearing loss. There is a big world of sounds out there and we want to make sure you are a part of it everyday! To get started with making a first positive step in the new year simply call us or submit your information on our Contact Us page.

Hears to a great New Year!

 

Welcome to your hearing care blog!

Posted November 7th 2011

Since this post will be the first of many to come we wanted to start by laying out the goal for this new section of our website. With all of the confusion and conflicting messages that exist today around the impacts of hearing loss, what hearing aids can and cannot do and the process for purchasing a hearing aid, we at Hearing Healthcare Centers want to provide insights to help clear up these topics. By doing so, we hope that we can help more individuals suffering from hearing loss difficulties feel comfortable in getting the care that they need.

Not only will our upcoming blog posts be educational and aim to dispel any myths that exist with treating hearing loss and hearing aids, but they will be fun and light-hearted. We understand that addressing a hearing loss can be a nerving concept at first and we want to help ease any anxieties that may occur by making the process enjoyable and hassle-free. You may even see some posts that bring awareness to some struggles with hearing loss that you or a loved one may be having. Hopefully, with this increased awareness, everyone will take the first step and have their hearing tested to see if they can better improve quality of life through better hearing.

We encourage all commentary, feedback and questions that can either be shared in the comments section for each blog or by submitting your information on our Contact Us page. We will reply to any inquiries in a timely and any dialogue that can help those in need seek the treatment they deserve at Hearing Healthcare Centers.