Posted by jonathan on March 17, 2011 under Prevention | 
Experts agree that over time continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA will cause hearing loss.
To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness
level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before
hearing loss will occur. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association,
the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time
is one minute and 29 seconds. If someone must be around noise, it is recommended that they
limit the exposure and/or wear hearing protection.
Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, noise levels may vary depending on the particular item.
Keep in mind that 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140 dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.
Points of Reference
0 dBA the softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
10 normal breathing
20 whispering at 5 feet
30 soft whisper
50 rainfall
60 normal conversation
110 shouting in ear
Posted by jonathan on March 8, 2011 under Hearing Aids |
Ten steps to help your patients enjoy the benefits of their hearing instrument
Adjusting to new hearing instruments optimally and with enjoyment is very possible for most people with impaired hearing.
Patients who suffer from hearing loss will have to learn, in a sense, how to hear again. Having to ‘re-learn’ an innate ability that they have taken for granted for most of their lives isn’t always easy. These patients will be rediscovering sounds they have not experienced in a long time. Learning to recognize these sounds will require practice and patience.
The following Ten Step learning program will help you understand the situations patients encounter while they ‘re-learn’ how to hear and how to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.
STEP 1
Begin with easy hearing situations
Patients should wear their new hearing aids in familiar surroundings, such as their home, conversing with one or two people at a time.
STEP 2
Slowly increase the wearing time
Patients should gradually increase the amount of time they wear their hearing aid until they are using them all day.
STEP 3
Learn to control the volume
As patients gain more “wearing experience”, they will be able to adjust the volume when increased amplification is needed.
STEP 4
Adapting to hearing aids
During this transition, patients should:
¨ Let hearing happen gradually
¨ Take breaks if tired or nervous
¨ Be happy with each day’s progress
¨ Learn to be an effective listener
¨ Adjust to the sound of their own voice
STEP 5
Living with noise
Many patients lose the ability to concentrate on certain sounds to suppress interfering background noise. Patients will have to practice this.
STEP 6
Active participation with group conversations
Patients should not try to listen to the whole group, but focus on a single speaker at a time.
STEP 7
Visiting public buildings
It is helpful to sit where the acoustic conditions are best. However, numerous public buildings have assistive listening devices for anyone wearing hearing aids.
STEP 8
Listening to the radio and television
It is very difficult to understand electronically reproduced speech. Focusing on the general meaning the speaker is trying to convey will aid in deciphering what is being said.
STEP 9
Using the telephone
There are a number of options available, including special telephones and cell phones that are compatible with hearing aids. Patients should consult a hearing professional.
STEP 10
Two ears are better than one
With the use of two hearing aids, patients will enjoy more natural hearing.
The HearUSA Difference
At HearUSA, our licensed hearing professionals strive to ensure that our patients become well adjusted to their new hearing aids. Our professionals recognize and believe in the benefits that hearing aids can provide patients, and will go the extra mile to guarantee customer satisfaction.
Vicki Hamill, Au.D.,MBA, CCC-A
Posted by jonathan on March 1, 2011 under Hearing Loss |
Experts agree that over time continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA will cause hearing loss.
To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association, the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds. If someone must be around noise, it is recommended that they limit the exposure and/or wear hearing protection.
Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, noise levels may vary depending on the particular item.
Keep in mind that 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140 dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure.
Points of Reference
0 dBA the softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing
10 normal breathing
20 whispering at 5 feet
30 soft whisper
50 rainfall
60 normal conversation
110 shouting in ear
Jeff Singer
Audiologist
