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/

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/

Better Hearing with Both Ears

I feel the frustrations of my patients who only have one hearing aid and lack hearing in the non-aided ear. The struggles of depending on one ear to do the work of two are sometimes enough that they want to give up.

I grew up hard of hearing and had hearing aids in both ears from a very young age. When I needed to repair one of my hearing aids I would have to go without it for 1-2 weeks while it went to the lab. I can remember the lone ear feeling left out and my own awareness of the auditory world being stunted. Hearing from one ear alone changes the perception of the sounds around you. Think of it as depth perception if you will; having only one ear turns off some of our brain's responses to sounds and how it handles sounds. I felt the absence of my hearing on one side in how I struggled to hear in class, felt isolated on the school bus, felt completely at loss in background noise and had to strain to understand conversation in every environment. I had to make changes by sitting with my aided ear near my friends at the lunch table and moving closer to the teacher in the classroom and turning up the TV. The relief I felt when my hearing aid was returned to me and I had both ears working again is hard to describe. I welcomed the pairing of my ears. Thankfully now that I am working in the profession of audiology and own my practice I have a large supply of spare hearing aids and won't have to experience this again. Unless of course I lose all my hearing and become deafened in one or both ears. So long as I have hearing in both ears I intend to make good use of both ears.

I encourage my patients to aid hearing in both ears when needed. Sometimes, for various reasons, that is not possible and I have a considerable amount of counseling to do to help my patients who can only use one ear. When only one ear is in play difficulties can be expected as the norm, not the exception.


Here is what you need to know.


The benefits of hearing in both ears equally...

1. Ability to localize sounds improves.

2. Ability to understand speech in noisy surroundings improves.

3. Sounds are richer, fuller and more natural.

4. Risk of "auditory deprivation" is reduced.



Your sense of direction...

Why do you suppose you are born with two ears? The brain needs input from both ears to tell us the direction of sounds. Our ears alert us of danger for things such as honking car horns or speeding trucks. Within the brain the neural response from both sides differs by milliseconds but is perceived enough to alert us of direction of sound. This is called localization. Localization keeps us feeling safe and comfortable in everyday situations.


Understanding conversation in noise...

Background noise makes communication difficult for everyone, not just the hard of hearing. But having hearing loss puts you at a particular disadvantage as most hearing loss causes distortion and loss of specificity. This is further impacted by hearing in only one ear as this causes unequal stimulation of the brain for sound. The brain needs both ears' input in order to filter and sort the noises around you. You cannot eliminate noise altogether with hearing aids but having both ears working equally well can help you manage noise better.


A fuller, richer auditory world...

When you hear equally well with both ears, sounds are more comfortable to listen to. You have less strain, sounds have more clarity and depth and give you a sense of spacial awareness. Hearing with both ears can be compared to listening to the radio in stereo. Without stereo the radio can be shallow and flat sounding, hearing with one ear may also sound this way.


Reducing deprivation...

Research has consistently shown over the years that when one ear is ignored (not aided) the brain over time turns it "off." In other words the unaided ear becomes deprived of sound because the brain is making more use of the aided ear. The brain's dependency on the aided ear causes the neural pathways to "re-route" and work in a way that was not intended for the brain to work. The unfortunate side effect is auditory deprivation of the ignored ear. As the ear goes unaided for long periods of time hearing loss is more likely to worsen and clarity for speech, in particular, can be affected. Some patients with auditory deprivation can eventually lose the use of the unaided ear as the brain has ignored it for so long that it becomes unusable or even disruptive.


For these reasons two hearing instruments are recommended when hearing loss occurs in both ears and can be aided in both ears. Each person with hearing loss presents with different circumstances so these recommendations are a generalization and there are exceptions to the rule. If you suspect hearing loss or any other hearing disorder, the best line of defense is to have an evaluation and full diagnostic work up of your hearing sensitivity.

Related Links

1. Better Hearing Institute http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_solutions/binaural.cfm

2. Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Hearing Enhancement - Dr. Ross Article http://www.hearingresearch.org/Dr.Ross/Binaural-Better.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/

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