Travel Tips for People with Hearing Loss

Pittsburgh, PA – During the holiday season and winter months, many boomers and seniors will travel to visit with friends and family or head to warmer destinations to escape the cold days of winter. While travel is usually quite enjoyable, communication challenges can directly impact one’s experience during family visits and vacations.

According to the Better Hearing Institute, 1 in 6 baby boomers (14.6%) are experiencing hearing loss, and as boomers continue to reach retirement age, more and more will be looking to spend their well-deserved retirement days traveling.   

The AudigyCertified^TM hearing care professionals of HearWell Center are offering the following tips to help those experiencing hearing loss better enjoy their travels.

• Don’t miss important announcements. Low-quality PA systems can make airport and station announcements difficult to hear and understand. Be sure to set a vibrating alert on your smartphone or watch with your departure time, and check video monitors frequently for updates. You can also ask a fellow traveler sitting nearby to keep you posted on important announcements and boarding instructions.

• Texting isn’t just for teens. Airports, train stations, and public transportation are places with significant background noise, making it difficult to hear on the phone. Use text messaging to coordinate and communicate easily with drivers and traveling companions. 

• Utilize looping technology when in a looped facility. The majority of today’s hearing aids are equipped with telecoils. When turned on in a looped facility with the push of a button, the technology allows the user to hear with clarity in noisy public spaces. Loop America provides a full list of looped facilities in the U.S.

• Book hearing accessible accommodations. Many hotels will provide accommodations such as closed caption TVs. Some hotels are now providing looping in rooms and lobbies. 

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•  Leave in hearing aids through security checkpoints.  The TSA recommends leaving hearing aid devices in place when going through airport screening. Be sure to ask the security officer for assistance or to repeat instructions if needed. Visit the TSA’s website for information about the screening process for people with hearing loss and assistive hearing technology.

• Pack and plan accordingly. A vibrating alarm clock, extra hearing aid batteries, cleaning brush, and protective waterproof case for your aids are great items to pack for travel. Additionally, when traveling to a hot and humid location, you will want to bring along a small drying kit to protect your hearing aids from moisture.      

If you do encounter a problem with your hearing technology while traveling, or are in need of supplies, the network of AudigyCertified hearing care professionals throughout the U.S. can help. For more information or to find an AudigyCertified hearing care professional near you, please call 1.800.Hearing or visit www.agxhearing.com.                        

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Press Contact:

Suzanne Yoder, Au.D. 412 271-3002, DrYoder@hearwellcenter.com

About HearWell Center

HearWell Center, located in Forest Hills, PA, provides the highest standard of care to patients with, or at high risk to hearing and vestibular disorders, in a respectful, friendly and professional environment. Audiologist Dr. Yoder maximizes the patient experience and enhances quality of life through individual-based audiology services including hearing tests, diagnostics, education, counseling, treatments, rehabilitation and devices (such as hearing aids, hearing protection assistive devices and alerting devices).

About Audigy Group

Audigy Group is a Member-driven organization established in 2004 to assist private, independent hearing care professionals in consistently delivering the highest quality hearing care to their communities. Audigy Group’s membership includes some of the nation’s leading audiologists—innovators in both clinical care and in defining the standards of service with the hearing care industry. www.agxhearing.com/about-audigy

About Hearing Loss

Please explore this infographic on Hearing Loss in America. It’s full of information on hearing loss, how it occurs, how it affects our lives, and—more importantly—how it can be effectively treated with the right combination of certified provider, treatment plan, and hearing device technology. www.hearingloss.com/infographic

 

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/

Hearing Better in the New Year

During the holidays it can become apparent to family members when one of the family is having difficulty hearing. Family members with hearing loss may show the following signs (partially taken from Better Hearing Institute BHI website). Socially they may require frequent repetition; have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people; think that other people sound muffled or like they're mumbling; have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms; have trouble hearing children and women; have your TV or radio turned up to a high volume; answer or respond inappropriately in conversations; have ringing in your ears and read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you. Emotionally they may be stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying; feel annoyed at other people because you can't hear or understand them; feel embarrassed to meet new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying; feel nervous about trying to hear and understand; and withdraw from social situations that you once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.



Holidays are chaotic enough without having anything holding you back from connecting with your family. Now imagine that you are hard of hearing and do not realize how much you are missing. You may not even recognize that you are asking people to repeat or that people are frustrated and just stop talking to you altogether. Getting hearing help and wearing hearing devices do not solve ALL communication problems for people with hearing loss but they DO give provide the tools by which a hard of hearing person can choose to communicate better.



According to a recent study (Better Hearing Institute), family members play a critical role in helping their loved one recognize and address their hearing loss and seek help. The study showed that more than half of first time hearing aid users indicate that family members were the reason they chose better hearing options. What better New Year's resolution than to obtain help for hearing loss and to encourage those with hearing loss to put to use the tools that can benefit them most. To find a doctor of audiology who can provide professional recommendations, contact your state academy of audiology or follow the links provided at the end of this article.



My personal insight on the topic...

For myself, when the holidays roll around my level of stress increases as the crowds grow larger. Holidays with my family are difficult because of the number of people we cram into such a tight space. Being severely hard of hearing I have to employ some basic "survival tips for the hard of hearing" ... the first being ... forgive myself for not being able to follow all conversations all the time. I wear my hearing aids but they cannot repair the damage to my hearing organ, they can only assist me in using what hearing I have left. So in addition to using my hearing aids I follow some basic communication guidelines (or I try to at least). I have to remember to take time from the parties (say every hour or so) out or else I will suffer fatigue and headaches later. I try to get a family member that is chatty to follow me to a quiet spot. I read lips and look at facial expressions hand gestures to gather more information. I adjust my hearing aids to the noise setting or modify my volume control if needed. At my best I employ my FM system and point the microphone at the family member. FM assistive devices allow an increase in hearing over noise by placing the microphone close to the mouth of the speaker and hearing the speaker's voice directly in my ear. Ideally I should use my FM system in all noisy situations. A bit of foresight is needed to be successful. I have to remember to charge my extra devices and to bring them with me to the events. I also have to introduce the equipment to anyone who is not familiar with it. These are necessary inconveniences that are well worth it when I can follow conversations! I am so glad for the technology available to me today! It is a wonderful time to be an audiologist.



More Information and Links



FM systems are a type of assistive technology for the hard of hearing. Read more on the American Speech & Hearing Association website article on Assistive Technology. You can also follow this link to see the FM system that I use most often (Phonak) and this link for an overview of FM systems by the same manufacturer.



To learn more about the study mentioned in this blog, please visit the Better Hearing Institute website at http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/pr_120709.cfm. Founded in 1973, The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) conducts research and engages in hearing health education with the goal of helping people with hearing loss to benefit from proper treatment. To receive a free copy of BHI's 28-page booklet "Your Guide to Better Hearing," visit its website at http://www.betterhearing.org/, or call the Better Hearing Institute hotline at 1-800-EAR-WELL.



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/

Happy Holidays!!

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/

A Trained Brain; Lessons on Hearing Loss

As I was reading over the latest articles in hearing health care I came upon an old friend. The topic of auditory training. Auditory training is rarely brought up in audiology office and probably never discussed outside of audiology. But it is important for people with hearing loss to know that they can train their brain to hear and listen. Hearing is an act that we do passively; listening however is active. Our brain is always searching our world for sounds and allowing us to "hear". Whether or not we focus on the sounds is irrelevant. When the brain is scanned for neural responses to sound it reacts whether we attend to that sound or ignore it. Attending to and focusing on a sound will cause more parts of the brain to react and this is called "listening". Listening is a skill that we all have to work to keep sharp. People who have hearing loss often stop working at listening because it is too difficult and causes fatigue or frustration. Once hearing loss is evident, listening becomes even more critical. And the practice of listening skills becomes even more important.



When it comes to hearing loss and hearing aids, most hearing aid users would look to the device to make communication better. While hearing aids can improve hearing... they cannot improve listening.


The article I was reading quoted "Unfortunately, many of our patients want the device to do all the work for them, and are not willing to invest the time needed to develop the new skills that will improve their communicative abilities." And went on to say that audiologists are not interested in promoting a service that patients do not want and therefore it is largely under utilized. I am sad to say that I have the training, skills and tools to provide this service in my office and time and time again my patients refuse to make the time investment. So, currently I only recommend the treatment when problems arise when ideally this treatment would be part of the initial adaptation period for every new hearing aid user.


I hope for brighter days when "hearing aid consumers" act more like "patients of hearing health care." I do not know when or if this day will come but research in hearing science uncovers over and over again that hearing care is not a simple thing. My degree is a testament to this fact, as I spent 8 years in college devoted to the learning of audiology in completing three degrees and thousands of clinical hours with patients. Still I hear "consumer questions" instead of "health care questions" from my patients. Still I see people price checking for hearing care as if they were purchasing a new refrigerator instead of a life changing service.


I know that audiologist are underutilized and I understand how this came about but audiologists are the providers most specialized in hearing. I hope that some day "audiology" becomes a household name and people find their audiologist not through ads for hearing aids but through their primary care doctor or their insurance company or perhaps through the American Board of Audiology which records all audiologists who voluntary strive to a higher standard of care.


This blog gives an insight to my own personal and professional frustrations. I've been on both "sides of the fence" so to speak. I am a hard of hearing consumer and user of hearing aids (grew up with severe hearing loss) and I am an audiologist and doctor to the hearing impaired. The more I am educated about my field and the consumers I work with, the more I realize how under educated the public is and how much I desire to change this.


Please let me know what you think of this blog and share your feedback. Email me at DrYoder@hearwellcenter.com.

Other Resources:
LACE Aural Rehabilitiation Program, University of California at San Francisco http://www.neurotone.com/lace/

HEARING SOLUTIONS- Auditory Rehabilitation, Patricia McCarthy, Ph.D. & Ross J. Roeser, Ph.D. - Better Hearing Institute www.betterhearing.org/hearing_solutions/audioRehabilitation.cfm

Self-auditory rehabilitation materials, (intended for cochlear implant users), Cochlear Americas http://www.cochlearamericas.com/Support/367.asp

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/

Fall Weather and Hearing Awareness

"Fall weather and hearing awareness." Sounds like a strange combination of words doesn't it? I'd like to tell you how these two things are related.

This past October I celebrated Protect Your Hearing Month. In particular I focused on hearing protection and provided seminars to my community about proper hearing protection techniques. Dangerous loudness levels affect more people than you may realize. Each year thousands of hunters and recreational shooters suffer hearing damage when they enter the forests and firing ranges. Many musicians unknowingly harm their hearing with long term exposure to loud music. Industrial workers, farmers, and even dentists find their occupations a hazard to their hearing health. Many things in our everyday environment have been shown to effect our hearing such as music earphones, lawn care equipment, and home improvement tools. The good news is this type of hearing loss can be prevented.

Hearing protection is relatively inexpensive and is proven to do the job. I've found the best protection is a pair of foam plugs under earmuffs; I call this "double protecting". This is especially important for shooters. Those that need special hearing protection to allow for music appreciation or communication can find custom earmolds with filters that will do the job. They cost more, but the investment in better hearing usually outweighs that initial expense. I like the custom molds made by Westone or Microsonic. (check their websites for more information http://www.westone.com/ or http://www.earmolds.com/) Musicians typically need more customization than any other occupation requiring hearing protection. Their hearing protection options are outlined nicely by Westone's Music Division (also found at http://www.westone.com/). As an audiologist part of my job is to identify my patients that are at risk for noise induced hearing loss and recommend hearing protection that will meet their needs. Unfortunately many people do not think about hearing protection until they already have hearing problems.

Hearing loss occurs in 1 of every 10 people. Many people do not realize they have hearing loss and need help recognizing the signs. Most hearing loss is treatable either medically or with technology. Although hearing is an important sense that keeps us feeling connected to the world most people do not have yearly screenings. Consider having your hearing checked this fall.

This month, November, I am celebrating Assistive Technology Month. My focus is on assistive devices for those with hearing loss and I have been scheduling demonstrations of the devices. My next demonstration is November 5, 2009 at the Three Rivers Center for Assistive Technology in Pittsburgh, PA. [the public is welcome please email me for more information at DrYoder@hearwellcenter.com]

Assistive devices can help bridge the gap for people who struggle with the phone, television, doorbells and more because of a deficit in their hearing. There are many choices in assistive technology and it is often difficult to know which is right for you. Some devices are designed to be used in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants while others are meant for use without hearing aids. Proper selection of assistive devices can improve quality of life, increase job performance, improve confidence in communication, maintain independence, ensure safety and reconnected with family and friends.

I like this focus because I use assistive devices all the time. Being severely hard of hearing I need to have devices that will wake me when I'm sleeping for alarms, phone calls, doorbells and smoke detectors. I also need to have extra amplification for hearing on the phone and for listening to my shows on television. Although I have hearing aids that I am dearly grateful for, they cannot accomplish all the things that assistive devices can. The gap is bridged for me and because of this I am fully independent and well adjusted despite my lack of hearing.

So, now you know what Fall Weather and Hearing Awareness is all about. I encourage your comments so please email me at DrYoder@hearwellcenter.com.

Hearing Protection Resources:
NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/

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

American Academy of Audiology: Keeping the Sound Down: Educational Campaign Launched to Prevent Hearing Loss http://www.turnittotheleft.com/news/keymessagesandfacts.htm

Assistive Technology Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): Disability.gov http://www.disability.gov/education/assistive_technology

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Assistive Technology http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/treatment/assist_tech.htm

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/