How do I deal with a family member who is in denial of hearing loss
Posted by HearingAids on January 13, 2011 under Ask The Audiologist Q&A, Hearing Loss | 
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Ten Things to Know About Hearing Aids
Posted by HearUSA on January 12, 2011 under Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss | 4 Comments to Read
1. Modern technology brings us hearing aids that are smaller, smarter and more effective than ever
before – and a lot less noticeable than untreated hearing loss!
2. Hearing aid technology today has exceptional digital performance and is designed in many discrete and comfortable styles.
3. Advanced digital hearing aids provide fine tuning to match your degree of hearing loss and preferences.
4. Some hearing aids are equipped with several levels of programming, (memories or programs) which have different settings for diverse listening situations, such as telephone or restaurant.
5. Some hearing aids automatically store data regarding which setting you prefer in certain situations, and will automatically switch to the desired setting for each situation.
6. Hearing aids are available with and without manual volume controls and most people prefer the ability to adjust the sound level.
7. Hearing aids with built-in telephone coils reduce external sounds and allow you to hear more clearly when using a phone.
8. For improved sound clarity and understanding, Bluetooth functionality allows you to connect wirelessly with cell phones, televisions, iPods, iPads and other electronic devices.
9. Age old-complaints, such as whistling (feedback), echoes, and background noise are dramatically minimized and clarity is much improved with today’s advanced technology.
10.The most modern hearing aid is only as effective as the clinician who matches the technology features to your needs, and produces a meaningful and measurable benefit… your provider is at least as important as the product.
HEARING AIDS – EXPECTATIONS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM
When properly fitted, hearing aids can vastly improve the quality of life for 95% of people with hearing loss. Your provider is your partner in the process of what, for many, is the equivalent of learning to hear again. The key to success is to establish realistic goals and to work with your hearing care provider to achieve them.
LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT HEARING LOSS
Posted by HearingAids on January 10, 2011 under Hearing Loss | Be the First to Comment
• Hearing loss is called ‘the invisible handicap’ because there are no outward signs of difficulty or disorder and the loss is almost always gradual, usually over a period of years, and there is no pain.
• Among seniors, hearing loss is the most prevalent medical condition, following arthritis and hypertension.
• People with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss than those who do not have diabetes.
• Smokers and overweight individuals are also at increased risk for hearing loss.
• Inability to hear and understand instructions by physicians, pharmacists or caregivers can put personal health in jeop-
ardy.
• Men that regularly use aspirin, acetaminophen and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs experience more hearing loss.
• Also, men that take phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as men who do not.
• Depression, isolation and alienation can plague those who have hearing loss.
Hearing Loss is a Serious Issue
Posted by HearUSA on January 7, 2011 under Hearing Loss | Read the First Comment
“Loss of hearing is a medical condition that is associated with physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Depression, anxiety, emotional instability, phobias, withdrawal, isolation, lessened health status and lessened self-esteem have all been linked to uncorrected hearing loss.” (National Council on Aging: Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression, Anxiety, Isolation in Seniors)
Even mild untreated hearing loss can be disabling by limiting meaningful communication and social connectivity leading to fatigue, tension, stress, and impaired memory, the ability to learn new tasks, and even reduced job performance and earning power.
A major reason why millions of Americans living with untreated hearing loss should take action is safety. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to reduced alertness. Unheard and therefore unheeded traffic sounds, doorbells, telephones, alarms, and cries for help compromise the safety of those with hearing loss and everyone around them. The failure to hear smoke detectors and take quick action is the major reason adults 65 or older are more than twice as likely as any other age group to die in a home fire.
Why Seeking Help is So Important…
• Those living with untreated hearing loss may not be aware that failure to take corrective action could result in the brain actually “forgetting” how to hear and understand speech. This condition is called auditory deprivation and the longer the period before treatment, the more likely it is that the brain will forget how to process speech, even after treatment is implemented.
• Almost all (95 percent) of Americans with hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids.
• Nine out of ten hearing aid users report improvements in quality of life.
• Theuseofhearingaidsisassociatedwithreductionsinanger,frustration,paranoia,anxietyandoverallim- provements in quality of life and emotional stability.
• In November 2010, The Better Hearing Institute reported studies have shown that the use of hearing aids can help Alzheimer’s patients. Because there is a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive function, they, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Association, are encouraging hearing health professionals to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s, its early warning signs, and the related implications of unaddressed hearing loss.
• Treatment of hearing loss will improve interpersonal relationships and social activity. • Successful treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids is associated with greater earning power.
• Use of hearing aids will allow those with hearing loss to live more safely, securely, and independently.
