A "Hearing Evaluation" for Newborns

The other day a friend of mine mentioned that her daughter (newborn) had a hearing test in the hospital before she was discharged and she asked me how that is possible. It occurred to me that some people think newborns are still tested with the startle reflex test (this test was performed by moving up behind a sleeping baby, making a very loud noise and seeing if they startle).


The startle reflex test was never a very reliable means to assess an infant's hearing and it certainly did not rule out hearing loss of all types and degrees. Thankfully technology and research has brought about a new way to evaluated newborn hearing status.


One of the most common ways to test an infant in the hospital nursery is with otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing. Otoacoustic emissions are like little "echos" that are reflected back from sound stimulating the cochlea (the cochlea is the hearing organ). These "echos" are a by product of a healthy cochlear amplifier. In other words... a healthy ear will send back an echo that can be measured without the patient having to do anything except remain still and quiet for a minute or two.


There are limitations to this test as it will not rule out mild hearing loss and in some cases infants will pass this evaluation in the nursery. Mild hearing loss can be a significant barrier to a child's development of language, speech and reading skills. If your child passed the nursery newborn hearing screening but later shows signs of struggling with learning to talk or later still when in school have their hearing re-evaluated.


Additionally it is possible to fail this test and still have normal hearing. OAEs are very small echos and are impacted by other problems such as fluid in the ear or noisy breathing. When an infant fails a screening in the newborn nursery it is important to follow up as instructed and remember that routine screenings are helpful at identifying children with hearing loss at a young age but will sometimes be incorrect.


When an infant fails an OAE screening in the nursery there is another test that is often performed called auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. This is an excellent way to evaluated hearing sensitivity and can be used routinely or when OAEs fail. However, the test is more complex and requires a soundly sleeping baby. Electrodes are attached to the head and sounds are played while brainwaves are analyzed. Assuming that this test can be completed without the baby waking up it will give a better picture of the hearing status. Since many babies are discharged within 48 hours it is not always possible to perform a complete ABR and a referral for more testing will be given if your child is identified for follow up. Again, it is important to follow up as instructed. Hearing loss effects 1 in 10 people and in young children is can impact development on many levels.

Hearing screenings for newborns are now provided in hospitals around the country routinely. When I was born that was not the case. My hearing loss was not discovered until I was 4 years old. I struggled as a young child in learning to read, I needed speech therapy and I sometime feel that I never caught up with my peers on a social level so I am very thankful for the newborn screenings that will help identify children with hearing loss sooner and give them more complete exposure to the hearing world when it matters most.


Here are some great resources on the web:


Boys Town National Research Hospital
http://www.babyhearing.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/

[these sites will lead you to even more resources - happy web surfing]

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Testimonials about Hearing Aids

When my patients are excited about their experience with hearing aids I ask them if they are willing to share this with others. Almost always they say "yes" and I believe it is because they have been profoundly changed by their hearing aids and their journey towards better hearing.

Taking the journey towards better hearing comes with its ups and downs. Some people find the journey to be trying, most find it to be challenging but worthwhile and a few find it to be easy. Ease of adaptation is affected by many factors such as personality, lifestyle, other health issues and more.

Learning to hear again and retraining your listening skills does not happen overnight. New users have to find the courage to be patient during this experience and to work closely with and audiologist especially when they are going through tough times.

I teach this to my patients (and anyone else who will listen) so that realistic expectations can be formed and good working relationships can be maintained. I suspect that many of the folks who bought hearing aids and didn't wear them are suffering from unrealistic expectation disappointment and an unhealthy working relationship with their audiologist.

Whenever I receive permission from a patient to share their testimonials I know it will be helpful to others and therefore today's blog is spotlighting some of the testimonials on my web page.

"On the first day (of wearing the new hearing aids) riding home with my brother and sister-in-law we noticed that my husband could hear us. We all went to lunch and my husband could hear what we were saying and he even joined in the conversation. When we got home we had the windows down and he heard the kids talking on the street, which he had never heard before."

"It took a few weeks for my brain to adjust, but now I love them! I can't believe how much I was missing and how much more relaxed I feel not straining to hear every word someone says."

"Mom could hear our conversation in the car talking normally and she can now hear all of us at the table when we eat out and follow everyone’s conversation. The TV is no longer turned up as high. Makes you wonder how much she was missing before of the sounds around her."

Excerpts from testimonials.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Radio Show "Can you hear me now?" Aired 3/3/09

I recently did a live radio interview with "Techno Granny" and you can listen to the recording by following the link below.

This show covered several areas of audiology and hearing loss issues but only scratches the surface of what is available out there. I hope you enjoy listening. I know I enjoyed recording it.

Episode InformationTechno Granny--updates 21st Century Tech
Hosted by: technogrannyTitle: Techno Granny; Can You Hear Me Now? All about Hearing Aids

03/02/2009 07:00 AM EST
Episode Notes: Dr. Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and Owner of HearWell Center Located in Forest Hills

Hearing Loss and Your Job

Are you like many people who want to sweep the hearing issue under the rug and believe that their hearing loss does not affect their job performance? Well listen up. Untreated hearing loss has a big influence on household income, unemployment and career aspiration. With unemployment sky rocketing in the US it is important to deal with issues that could be holding you back from reaching your full potential. Hearing loss can not only affect the ability to communicate effectively but it can also affect self esteem, self confidence and overall mental health. Untreated hearing loss has been proven to cause depression, anxiety and stress.

One study of household income by Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D. (2005) showed "for America’s 24 million hearing impaired who do not use hearing instruments, the impact of untreated hearing loss is quantified to be in excess of $100 billion annually." Those subjects in this study who wore hearing devices proved that the effects of hearing loss could be mitigated by at least 50% thereby proving that hearing loss does not have to dictate earning potential. This study is available online at the Better Hearing Institutes's website http://www.betterhearing.org/ or Click Here for the direct link.

A survey in the UK showed four times the unemployment rate for hard of hearing workers vs normal hearing workers. Those surveyed stated that communication and telephone usage were both problematic in finding or maintaining work. Most disturbing of all the facts is that the likelihood of unemployment among hard of hearing and deaf workers has doubled compared to surveys done four years earlier. This article is available online at http://www.hearit.org/ or Click here for the direct link.

Another survey worth looking at is "Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study." This was conducted by Clarity and the Ear Foundation (2006) and further supports the fact that hearing loss can affect communication with co-workers and on the phone at work (including cell phones). This survey can be viewed at http://www.clarityproducts.com/ or Click Here for a direct link.

This is just a small peek at the data that is available providing evidence that hearing loss can hinder career aspirations, earning potential and general satisfaction at work. Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns in the US and is said to be the number one disability in the world. But it is treatable and doesn't have to hold you back from who you want to be.

Call an audiologist today. [Visit http://www.audiologist.org/ for a list of Doctors of Audiology in your area] Have your ears checked and take part in a demo of the latest hearing devices. Take the first step to a better life by including better hearing for life in your list of life goals. And take the journey to open your world up to the bigger world of sounds, people and living.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Genes and Hearing Loss

I have been communicating to my patients that there are many reasons our hearing can degrade and often it is hard to determine exactly why hearing loss has occured. In most situations patients have a number of factors that can contribute to hearing loss including noise exposure, medications that are ototoxic (you won't find that information on the label), certain illnesses or diseases and genetic predisposition. Genetic predisposition means that your body is programmed (genetically) to do something at a a certain time. Lossing your hearing is one of those programmed responses.

I learned about this during my many years in college (8 years by the time I finished my doctorate) but today when I browsed the internet I learned even more about genetic predisposition to hearing loss. I want to share an exciting article with my readers. Please go to Las Angeles Times and read the article "Gene influencing age-related hearing loss" and learn about an amazing discovery that will help us understand genes and hearing loss even more.

Also, while surfing the internet... check out the best careers in 2009 (Audiology made the list).
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-audiologist.html

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Loops & Looping for the Hard of Hearing

What does “loop” mean to you? You are about to learn a new definition for the word “loop” as it applies to the world of hearing loss accommodation.

Loop – a wire that acts as a conductor of sound. Used to aid the hearing impaired listener by transmitting the sound signal from the speaker to the hearing aid through electromagnetic energy received by the t-coil in the hearing instrument and converted into sound.

Audiologists who are familiar with Loops and Looping know that Loops can make a significant impact on the hearing impaired individual’s ability to hear in certain circumstances. Sometimes a hearing aid is not enough to help a hearing impaired person hear. This can be especially true if the sound is far away. For example… hearing the minister in the front of the church; hearing a movie or live presentation on stage; or hearing the television from across the room. Although with hearing aids the sounds may be audible they may not always be clear. Distance and reverberation can affect the quality of the sound as it travels to the hearing aid. A loop will bring the sound directly to the ear with little or no interference. Loops are just one of many ways to transmit sounds. I like loops because they are so versatile, require very little extra equipment and can be used with any hearing aid that has a telecoil function built in, which is most all hearing aids manufacturered today. [Not sure if your hearing aid has a telecoil? Ask your audiologist. Sometimes telecoils can be added].


FAQ about Loops:

Where are loops found? Loops are in churches, lecture halls, theaters, homes and more.

Can you find a loop in the store? Loops are not sold in your average department store. They are a specialty device made for hearing impaired listeners. You can purchase loops at an audiologist’s office or clinics that help the hard of hearing. You may also be able to find a loop online. But I cannot emphasize enough the importance of professional guidance in the selection and use of hearing devices for the hard of hearing. Additionally, audiologist's offices may have loaner devices that you can try before you buy.

What does a loop look like? Loops are made in many different sizes. You can wear a small loop around your neck like a necklace. You can use a loop built into a mat for under your chair cushion. Or you could run a loop around the floor boards or under the carpet of an entire room.

What are they made of? Loops are made of wire or speaker cable. They are attached to an amp of some sort. To determine the best loop system for you I recommend consulting with an audiologist if for your personal use or a team of sound engineers and audiologists if for commerical use.

Can you make your own loops? Yes you can. I encourage you to do some research on line to find out more about making your own loops.

Are loops common? Unfortunately many public venues in the US are not looped. It is a common practice to loop theaters and churches in Europe. But this has not caught on in the United States. If you would like a venue looped I encourage you to talk to the venue. You can also contact advocates for people with hearing loss. And speak with your audiologist.

Check these advocacy sites:

ODHH – Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [check with your state]

--> in PA visit http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=128&q=246284

Alexander Graham Bell Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?linkid=1

Hearing Loss Association of America http://www.hearingloss.org/

And these websites for additional information

http://www.hearingloop.org/
http://www.loopamerica.com/

Do you know of any venues in your neighborhood that are looped? Please share comments at info@hearwellcenter.com.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Happy New Year!

My Wish for 2009... the best of times; the healthiest of days; the happiest of moments and Better Hearing for Life!

Happy for the Holidays

HearWell Center wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season!

What should you do with a hearing aid brush?

So, you have a hearing aid brush sitting in your kit that came with your hearing aid.

Do you know what to do with it?

Many people are not sure and just ignore that little brush. But that brush might be just the thing to keep a hearing aid working well and keep it from going back to the manufacturer.

Follow these simple steps to keep your hearing aid clean and working in top condition.

For In-the-ear styles

1. Hold your hearing aid so that the surface you are cleaning faces down.

2. Brush firmly but gently over all the switches and holes moving debris out and away from the hearing aid.

3. All the holes on the hearing aid need to be brushed. This includes the microphone holes (which are usually very small and close to the battery door) and the canal opening (which is where the speaker is housed) and the vent holes.

For Behind-the-ear styles

1. Hold your hearing aid so that the surface you are cleaning faces down.

2. Brush firmly but gently over all the switches and holes moving debris out and away from the hearing aid.

3. All the holes on the hearing aid need to be brushed. The microphones are sometimes covered by hoods, screens or under the earhook. When brushing the microphones be careful not to remove the hoods or screens. If your hood or screen comes off take it to the audiologist to have it replaced.

4. Remember to clean your earmold too. the openings at the end of the earmold allow the sound to come out. Keep these clear by brushing them out as well.

In some situations you'll need to use a pick to remove wax from the opening of a hearing aid or earmold. Picks are specially made for hearing aids and you should never use a needle or bobby pin to do this job.

If you do not have a brush or a pic ask your audiologist for one. Always keep this brush separate from other brushes. Use the brush only on your hearing aids and earmolds and never for cleaning other things.

Remember to work with clean hands. Dirty hands lead to dirty hearing aids which can lead to ear infections!

This is my favorite type of hearing aid brush. At one end is a brush and magnet and at the other end is a wax pick.

How to hold the hearing aid when cleaning.

That small black hole on the left is the microphone; beside it is the battery door and to the far right is the volume control. Brush over all of these components but focus on the microphone. Your hearing aid might have two or more microphones so make sure you brush all of them.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Thankful for Hearing Well

Here at HearWell Center, we are thankful for many things but mostly we are thankful for being able to help others hear and better enjoy this holiday season. The holiday craze will soon be upon us. Those with hearing loss may find themselves struggling to hear or completely isolating themselves at family functions. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing difficulties during the holidays there in no need to be left out of the fun again this year. Need to schedule a appointment, but reluctant? Consultations are free! We cater to the hesitant patient. Successful treatment takes time and patience and we believe in providing both. Need to schedule an appointment and aren't sure what to do? We will walk you through it. Please call 412 271-3002 or visit our website to learn more about HearWell Center and the services we offer.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Free Report on Better Hearing for Life

Do you ever have a few questions about hearing issues? Like "how much does a hearing aid cost?" or "where should I go for a hearing evaluation?" or "what type of features should I look for in a hearing aid?"

At HearWell Center we strongly believe that the educated consumer is the most satisfied consumer and taking the time to research your options and the asking the tough questions is the biggest hurdle to jump in the journey towards better hearing. Once you jump that hurdle the rest of the journey is a breeze if you have a good navigator [aka audiologist].

We provide FREE REPORTS to those interested in Hearing Aids, Hearing Protection or Hearing Loss issues.

Just email us at info@hearwellcenter.com and send your full name, address [street, city, zip] and tell use which report you would like to receive. The report is FREE, no strings attached. You can even request an electronic copy. Just let us know. We will be happy to put the information in your hands so that you can better educate yourself and start the journey towards better hearing for life!


This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/

Of Hearing Loss & Legislation

There are two especially important pieces of pending legislation in congress now that are particularly relevant to both Audiology as a profession and all Americans with hearing loss. The proposed bills recognize the effect of hearing loss on our aging population and summarized their findings in the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2007. The following is pulled directly from the bill section 2.

“Congress finds the following:

(1) Approximately 30,000,000 Americans experience some degree of hearing loss and by 2030 that number is expected to increase to 78,000,000 Americans.

(2) Hearing impairment is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults, with approximately 33 percent of Americans aged 60 years and over, and 40 to 50 percent of those aged 75 years and older, experiencing hearing loss.

(3) Hearing loss is a major barrier to participating in society, both economically and socially.

(4) Hearing loss among senior citizens, if left untreated, can result in isolation and depression.

(5) The Department of Veterans Affairs allows veterans to directly access audiologists and has reported that this policy, adopted in 1992, provides high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective hearing care.

(6) The Office of Personnel Management allows Federal employees and Members of Congress to directly access audiologists through the Federal Employees Health benefits Program.

(7) Audiologists are licensed in each State and the District of Columbia and the scope of services furnished by audiologists is determined by each such jurisdiction involved.

(8) Consistency in Federal policy with respect to hearing health care services should be encouraged to the greatest extent possible.”

H.R.
1665 IH
Sec. 2 Findings

These findings have led to the proposal of two bills. The first is the “Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act” which would provide a tax credit for the out of pocket expense of hearing aids of up to $500 per qualifying hearing aid or $1000 tax credit for two hearing aids. This benefit would be available to individuals of age 55 and over and could be claimed every five years. As an Audiologist I am thrilled to see the government begin to recognize the importance of hearing aids as a vital part of senior healthcare. The second bill is the aforementioned Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2007. This bill recognizes the cost efficiency gained when patients are able to go directly to an Audiologist without the need to first get a referral from another doctor.

If these bills pass it will be a significant step forward in making it easier and more affordable than ever before to get quality hearing care to millions of Americans. Please consider taking action today. Just follow these links:

1. You can review these bills through their links from this page or go to http://thomas.loc.gov/home/c110query.html and search by the bill numbers S. 1410 and H.R. 1665.
2. To generate an automatic letter to print and send your congressman about these and other issues please see the American Academy of Audiology website and their “Take Action” page at http://capwiz.com/audiology/home/.
3. Also, you can visit the Better Hearing Institute’s “Hearing Aid Tax Credit” webpage at http://www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org/

As exciting as these bills are they still need to be passed to make a difference. If you or someone close to you is affected by hearing loss please take a moment to make a difference.

This blog posted by Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology and owner of HearWell Center. Please visit our website for more information http://www.hearwellcenter.com/