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/

At risk for noise induced hearing loss? Take the test!

10 questions to determine your risk of hearing loss.

Do you listen to a personal music player with earbuds that sit in your ear?

Does your workplace tell you to wear hearing protection?

Do you use firearms frequently?

Do you attend participate in live NASCAR events?

Do you attend Live Concerts?

Do you ride motorboats, motorcycles or other motorized vehicle not enclosed?

Do you drive a car with a modified exhaust?

Do you use lawn equipment or power tools for 4 hours/day at least 5 days/week?

Do you ever have any ringing in your ears that lasts longer than 2 days?

Do you smoke?

If you answered yes to 3 or more you could be at risk for noise induced hearing loss. If you think your hearing may not be what it used to be a basic hearing screening will provide a simple pass or fail for determining if a more comprehensive exam is warrented. A failed hearing screening means it's time to see an Audiologist for a comprehensive exam to determine the degree and type of hearing loss. Also, if you ever feel that your hearing has changed significantly in a short amout of time it is important to valuated right away.

Most people wait an average of seven years to seek testing for hearing loss AFTER they notice difficulty hearing. Preventing hearing loss is a simple way to save years of aggrivation after the damage has been done. Simple disposable foam plugs are effective and cheap for everday uses. Personalized custom earmolds are also available for when comfort and sound quality are concerns.

Here are some great links:

Links for Custom Earplugs
Westone www.westone.com
Microsonic www.earmolds.com

Links for Hearing Loss Prevention
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/
Better Hearing Institute http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss_prevention/

Public Video on Hearing Loss Prevention by Better Hearing Institute
link at http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss_prevention/

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/