Should I search the web for hearing aids?

Admittedly I am "in love" with the Internet (as are many in my generation) and it is easy for me to reach for the computer every time I want to research something new or look for the best prices on a product that I want to purchase. It always seems like a good idea but when it comes right down to making good choices for new purchases I nearly always seek out an expert instead of relying on the Internet. Some of the best purchases I have made for myself and my family have been with the help of a professional who took the time to get to know me and help me sort through options/features that would be appropriate for me. Doing business this way also gave me some peace of mind that I had a place to go if I needed follow up or had to return something or just had more questions. With the exception of minor purchases I like to buy my purchases locally even if that means I will pay a little more.



I shudder at the number of ways that people can come to be proud owners of hearing technology on the Internet. There is a slew of sites including auction houses and warehouse sellers with the intent to sell hearing aids through the internet. Online hearing aids sales typically focus on the sale of the devices and downplay the importance of quality service. When the cost of professional care and service are removed the price of hearing devices can be less expensive but at what cost to the buyer?



Hearing aids are considered medical devices per the FDA and should be sold as such. There is a widespread problem with inappropriate Internet sales of hearing devices and the FDA has posted warnings on their website. Though the FDA does not completely oppose online sales, they have had to shut down many organizations over the years for illegal activity regarding the sell of medical devices online. It is very difficult for the government to monitor online sales ultimately leaving the responsibility of consumer protection in the hands of the consumer. www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingmedicaldevicesanddiagnostictestsonline/default.htm

[please visit the links at the bottom of this post for more consumer education articles]

With this in mind, it is so important that consumers know what to look for when shopping for hearing aids. I recommend shopping locally so that you can easily see your audiologist for follow ups. New hearing aid users have an experience in the first few months that is called the adaptation period (aka acclimatization period). During this time the brain is becoming accustomed to the new sounds and auditory input being received from the hearing aids. Fine tuning, counseling and aural rehabilitation is necessary for 99.9% of patients during the first few months. This is a very important time for professional help and those who purchase hearing aids without these services are less likely to be successful.

In addition to the adaptation period following a new hearing aid purchase hearing aids will also need to be maintained by a professional to insure that they are working properly and to help prevent problems with equipment failure from moisture, ear wax or other damage. We see patients at least 2x/year for maintenance checks and we will also see them when the warranty is about to expire to ensure the hearing aids are checked one last time under warranty. The warranty can be extended in many cases and this is a nice option that may not be found with online services. Though the patient is scheduled at least 2x/year we also encourage them to come in whenever there is a problem. That means unlimited services during the warranty period. This is another area not provided by online purchases.

Hearing aids are very customized devices. Initial programming and fitting includes a number of processes to ensure that the devices were made properly, set properly and features are verified and working as they should. It is also a good time to customize some of the features to meet the patient's needs. For example, patients may want a special phone switch or music setting. I also have had some patients that need a special program setting for use in conference meetings or for listening to the television. The devices are so flexible and have so many choices that many patients are not even aware of all the things their hearing aids are capable of doing.


I routinely spend nearly 2 hours on new hearing aid fittings going over use of the devices and all the features, verifying proper fit and sound settings and instructing the patient on how to care for the devices so they last their expected life expectancy. I then see them back weekly or every other week while they are in their adaptation period to make sure that the devices are meeting their goals. Goals are very important and by setting goals with my patients I can better understand their needs and be sure best device is prescribed to reach their goals and expectations.

I have seen many disappointed and embittered consumers who feel that hearing aids are not worth the money they paid when they purchased online or through a mail order. Those who buy hearing aids online and service is not provided end up paying for professional service on top of the cost of the hearing devices in order to get them to function correctly and this becomes costly in the long run. So buyer beware: the cost of online hearing aids can be deceiving.


If you are considering hearing aids please take the time to contact a local audiologist and ask for a consultation Many will be more than happy to sit down and talk with you and discuss your goals and your concerns on pricing. I recommend searching for audiologists that have a doctorate degree and have been board certified by the American Board of Audiology. Check the links provided below.

Helpful Links

American Board of Audiology - Highest standards in certification for audiologists
http://www.americanboardofaudiology.org/

Academy of Doctors of Audiology - represents doctors in the field of audiology
http://www.audiologist.org/

American Academy of Audiology - represents all audiologists
http://www.audiology.org/

American Speech & Hearing Association -represents all audiologist and speech language pathologists.

http://www.asha.org/

Links regarding consumer education on hearing aid purchases

FDA US Food and Drug Administration
Buying Medical Devices and Diagnostic Tests Online
http://www.fda.gov/

Consumer Reports - Consumer advocates
Hearing Aid Checklist (search on their site)
Consumer reports investigated purchasing hearing aids (search on their site)
http://www.consumerreports.org/

Hearing Loss Association of America - Consumer advocates
Developed a Hearing Aid Consumer Checklist (available in PDF on their website)
http://www.hearingloss.org/

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Hearing Enhancement
Expectations: A Consumer Checklist, by Mark Ross, Ph.D.
http://www.hearingresearch.org/
See Sections: "Dr. Ross Says" "Considering A Hearing Aid" & "Expectations, A Consumer Checklist"




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

Hearing Protection and the World Cup (Vuvuzela Horns)

If you are following the World Cup I'm sure you've heard or heard about the Vuvezela Horns that are used by some of the fans. Although I'm sure it is fun for the fans using them, it is unfortunately a danger to hearing health for everyone around. Sound level measurements have shown that the noise level of the Vuvezela Horns during an event can reach as high as 120-125 dB. This is louder than a chainsaw! Some research is already underway to find hearing protection for the workers (journalists for instance) who are exposed to the noise over a long period of time, day after day. Here's a link that you can refer to for more information about this research.

Posted on www.audiologyonline.com http://tinyurl.com/2cf6jt9

Taken from http://www.hear-the-world.com Vuvuzela-proof Hearing Protection; Customised hearing systems created to tune out drone of vuvuzela.

And a bit more blogging here...

Hearing protection, as I've observed through the years, is under utilized over all. I put a basket of earplugs out in my waiting room from time to time for my patients to pick up. Most are unsure what to do with them thus leading me to believe that many people have never used hearing protection. I have seen the damage of noise over time as I used to do industrial testing for companies that needed to meet OSHA's standards for hearing conservation. Those who did not use their protection showed marked decrease in hearing over time (testing was annually).
Those that did use their earplugs showed slower progression and in many cases no progression of hearing loss over time. It's exciting to see that this disorder (noise induced hearing loss) CAN be prevented but frustrating to see that many people are not thinking about their hearing until permanent damage is done.

Hearing protection is a good idea for all loud noises whether it is running the lawn mower or other lawn equipment, using a shop vac or other loud household appliances or home improvement tools, attending a concert, using a firearm or working in an noisy industry just to name a few.

Finally if you tried hearing protection and didn't like it, there's a good chance that you had the wrong type of protection for the job. An audiologist can help you determine what type of protection you need for your line of work/hobby. If you are around noise regularly please get your hearing tested regularly. Baselines are important so do not wait until you have a hearing problem to get your first hearing evaluation.

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/

Earth Day 2010 and Hearing Aid Batteries

I am often asked about recycling batteries for hearing aids and the answer comes with caution because many hearing aid batteries still have trace amounts of mercury and pose problems for recycling centers. However this year some major battery manufacturers switched to mercury free zinc air batteries making it possible to recycle them. Please check your battery packaging for the "mercury free" markings to be sure they are safe. If you save batteries to recycle them, be careful to keep them dry so that they do not leak. Also store your recycling collections separate from your hearing aids and other batteries to prevent damage from battery corrosion and leakage should that occur. Remember also that batteries are toxic, please keep them away from small children and animals and store in a separate room from where you eat and keep food.

Below is information I found from an email that was circulated originally by Cochlear America http://www.cochlearamericas.com/ [the information has been paraphased]

In support of Earth Day 2010 please consider recycling your non-rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Most non-rechargeable zinc-air batteries do not contain hazardous materials that will harm the environment after use, and are safe to dispose of in normal waste. However, it is important to know that certain recycling centers do have the capability to recycle these non-rechargeable batteries.

To determine if you are able to recycle non-rechargeable zinc-air batteries at your local recycling center, you may follow the steps below.

To recycle your used batteries:
1. Return the used batteries to one of the following locations where the batteries will be recycled free of charge.
• Best Buy
• The Home Depot
• Radio Shack
• Batteries Plus

2. Call 1 800 8BATTERY or visit:www.rbrc.org/consumer/index.phpto locate the Battery Recycling Center nearest you.

Caution: Never store used batteries in locations that are potential fire danger areas. Zinc-air batteries are combustible.


Other useful links:
Habitat for Humanity battery recycling program - http://tinyurl.com/26p776r

Hearing Review Article - Mercury free article
http://tinyurl.com/24bdtab

Journal of American Pediatrics - Hazards of battery ingestion http://tinyurl.com/28rh7lu


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/

Hearing Loss: A Personal Perspective

As a hard of hearing audiologist, I frequently know what patients are going through in the process of accepting and adapting to hearing aids. I also know that despite the challenges of hearing with hearing aids there are wonderful rewards for those that push through and learn to use their hearing devices to treat hearing loss.

I received my first hearing aids as a young girl and over time my hearing loss became a part of me. I am thankful for my hearing aids because they sustain my independence and provide
safety. They allow me to connect with others and reduce social isolation. Without my hearing aids I cannot hear the television, the sounds of nature or talk on the phone. Nearly every aspect of my life is better because I have chosen to treat my hearing loss. I know that hearing aids are a big adjustment and support is very important. That is why I focus on counseling and spend more time up front with patients to address their concerns, expectations and the demands of their lifestyle before making recommendations.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back. Consider improving your life. See an audiologist and begin the path to better hearing for life.

— Dr. Yoder

Diabetes & Hearing Loss

Risk of Hearing Loss Higher in Patients with Diabetes.

Many people do not think about diabetes and hearing loss being related. But they are related and diabetes can lead to hearing loss in many cases. Patients with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss as patients without diabetes. I am already a big supporter of regular hearing tests (yearly for children and every 5-10 years for adults) but those with risk factors should have their hearing tested even more often even annually. Diabetes is one of those risk factors.

~Dr. Yoder, Audiologist

March 23rd is American Diabetes Association Alert Day (Grey Ribbon for Diabetes Awareness)

This alert is a reminder to educate yourself about diabetes and to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the simple Diabetes Risk Test online. http://www.diabetes.org/

Helpful Links:

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American Diabetes Association

http://www.diabetes.org/

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US Dept of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Online Article http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jun2008/niddk-16.htm

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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/

Physical Therapy for the Ears

The above video clip is a good explanation for a auditory training program call LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement). This program is intended to improve listening skills by doing auditory training for 20 sessions. It can be done on your home PC or DVD player. Please take a moment to watch the video.

On a personal note: This program has challenged me. I have been doing the sessions myself as I am severely hard of hearing and could use the help. I like that it is challenging because I understand that change cannot occur without pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and forcing new neural pathways to form or strengthen. Listening is a skill that has to be sharpened and I am actively working to improve on this skill as I know that hearing aids alone cannot do this for me.

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/

Hearing Aid Tax Credit Update

Exciting News: HR1646 has hit 115 co sponsors which tops the previous record of 112 set at the end of both the 109th and 110th Congress.

What would H.R. 1646, the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act, do?
Provide a tax credit of up to $500 per hearing aid, available once every 5 years, towards the purchase of a hearing aid, available to: 1) individuals age 55 and over, or 2) those purchasing a hearing aid for a dependent. The bill includes a $200,000/year income eligibility cap.

Why is this special tax treatment needed for hearing aids?
While 95% of individuals with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, only about 25% of the 34 million Americans with hearing loss (8.4 million people) used them in 2008 according to the most recent ˜MarkeTrak ™ report, the largest national consumer survey on hearing loss. Hearing aids are not covered under Medicare, or under the vast majority of state mandated benefits. In fact, 61% of hearing aid purchases involve no third party payment according to the most recent MarkeTrak report. This places the entire burden of the purchase on the consumer. 33% of individuals with hearing loss have incomes of less than $30,000 per year according to the Better Hearing Institute, and household incomes of individuals with untreated hearing loss are usually much lower than their non hearing impaired counterparts. 68% of those with hearing loss cite financial constraints as a core reason they do not use hearing aids. The average cost for a hearing aid in 2008 was $1,675 including fitting, evaluation and post fitting treatment, according to Marketrak. Nearly 80% of individuals with hearing loss required two devices in 2008, increasing average out of pocket expenses to $3,350.

What is the extent of the problem with hearing loss in the U.S.?
Hearing loss is among the most prevalent birth defects in America, affecting 3 infants per 1,000 births. 1.2 million children under 18 have a hearing loss.
For adults, hearing loss usually occurs gradually, but increases dramatically with age. 10 million older Americans have age related hearing loss.
One of the goals of Healthy People 2010, an HHS led program, is to ˜increase the number of deaf or hard of hearing people who use adaptive devices, such as hearing aids. ™ H.R. 1646 is the most cost effective means to accomplish this goal.

What is the cost impact of untreated hearing loss?
Children who do not receive early intervention cost schools an additional $420,000 and are faced with overall lifetime costs of $1 million in special education, lost wages, and health complications, according to a 1995 study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. The Department of Education indicates that over 70,000 students, ages 6 21, received special education services in 2002 alone, due to their hearing loss.

For taxpayers, a 2005 survey by the Better Hearing Institute on Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss on Household Income extrapolated data on income levels from 43,000 heads of households. The study compared normal hearing people with those who had a hearing loss. The data shows that untreated hearing loss results in a loss of income per household of up to $12,000 per year. For the 24 million (at the time of the study) Americans with untreated hearing loss, this translates to $122 billion in unrealized income and a cost to society of $18 billion annually in unrealized federal income taxes (15% bracket).

For workers, noise induced hearing loss is the most common occupational disease and the second most self reported occupational injury.

For seniors, untreated hearing loss causes additional costs to Medicare and other health programs due to loss of independence, social isolation, depression, safety issues, and quality of life. The Senate Special Committee on Aging, in S. Rpt. 107 74, noted: ˜As the wave of seniors begins to experience age related disability, our current long term care system will not be able to support this demographic shift. ™ Hearing aids help enable seniors to retain their independence and avoid other long term care costs.

In 1999, the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) conducted the largest known study on the effects of untreated hearing loss among adults and their families. The study quantified both the negative results of untreated hearing loss and the positive impact of hearing instruments on an individual ™s quality of life. It found that impaired hearing results in distorted communication, isolation, withdrawal, reduced sensory input, depression, anger, and severely reduced overall psychological health.

Conversely, hearing aid usage results in:
Increased earnings power, of around 50% Enhanced emotional and mental stability and reduced anger, anxiety, depression and paranoia reduced social phobias and improved interpersonal relationships

Who supports this legislation?
In an unprecedented fashion, the hearing health community has rallied behind this bill; include major organizations of people with hearing loss, parents of children with hearing loss, hearing healthcare providers, educators, and manufacturers. Endorsing groups include Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language Hearing Association, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance, Deafness Research Foundation, Hearing Industries Association, Hearing Loss Association of America and the International Hearing Society. AARP supports companion bill S1019.

Source: Andy Bopp, Director of Government Relations, Hearing Industries Association

Personal Note: I have been contacting my legistlators and and I hope you will too. Go to the Better Hearing Institute Hearing Aid Tax Credit Site for more information about how you can make a difference.

Better Hearing Institute: http://www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org/

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/

Super Bowl Champion Sets Example for Parents and Protects His Child’s Hearing

Audiologists everywhere were thrilled to see Saints Quarterback Drew Brees protecting his child's hearing during the Super Bowl 2010.

Parents often believe when their child passes their newborn hearing screening at birth, that the child's hearing will be normal by the time he/she enters school. However, it's so important to understand that 25 times more children will have hearing loss when they enter grade school than had hearing loss at birth! Children are exposed to high noise levels more than ever before. Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and 100% preventable. Brees's leadership in hearing protection helped bring that message home.

Kudos for bringing the prevention of hearing loss in children to the world's attention. For more information on hearing loss, visit the American Academy of Audiology's consumer Web site: www.howsyourhearing.org

On a personal note:

I enjoy working on hearing prevention as much as I enjoy helping people with hearing loss issues. I encourage those who work in noise to find hearing protection that will work for them. That may be as basic as ear muffs or foam plugs or it could be advanced. I have sold custom earplugs that are specific to hunters, dentists, industrial workers and more.

Furthermore hearing protection is largely overlooked in those that have hearing loss with the thought being that "the damage is already done." This is a dangerous misconception because hearing loss from noise is ongoing and accumulative. Noise induced hearing loss is not the only reason to protect ears either. Noise can cause stress and anxiety and if loud enough it can cause injury from vibration exposure to any number of organs in the body not just the ears.

There are many resources on the Internet for learning more about noise induced hearing loss, prevention and protection. Check some of the sites below.

American Academy of Audiology Consumer Site on Prevention: http://www.howsyourhearing.org/prevention.html

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Noise Induced Hearing Loss Pamphlet: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noise.asp

The Better Hearing Institute Hearing Loss Prevention Site: http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_loss_prevention/

Finding Audiologists

American Academy of Audiology
www.audiology.org/

The Academy of Doctors of Audiology - Home
http://www.audiologist.org/

American Board of Audiology
http://www.americanboardofaudiology.org/

Custom Hearing Protection Manufactures

Westone Labs: http://www.westone.com
Microsonic Inc: http://www.earmolds.com
Etymotic: http://www.etymotic.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/