World Flight for Hearing

Any doctor will tell you that it’s easier to prevent a health problem than it is to cure it.  Hearing loss definitely falls into that category.  The world around us is getting faster and noisier than ever as people rush to keep up with changing technology.  However, there are still simple (and natural) ways to keep your ears healthy.  That way, you won’t miss it when life’s many opportunities knock.

Noise is one of the quickest ways to affect your hearing.  The ear contains sensitive structures called hair cells which convert sound into electrical energy which can be understood by the brain.  Noise damages these receptors, and once damaged, they do not regenerate.  Sounds that rank at 120 to 150 decibels, like motorcycles and gunshots, can easily cause hearing loss, while any long-term exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can also be potentially damaging. (more…)

When you first start to notice the initial symptoms of hearing loss, it is important that you step up and acknowledge the problem before it can progress. If you, or a loved one, starts experiencing muffled hearing, difficulty understanding conversations (especially when there is background noise), or the need to increase the volume of the TV/radio, bring the problem to the attention of your doctor. It may seem silly—so what if you have to turn up the volume a little bit—but technology today makes it possible to fight the problem of hearing loss head on. Previous generations tended to put off getting hearing aids much later than they should have. Studies show that untreated hearing loss can cause problems in multiple areas of your life. Socially, patients with untreated hearing loss are much more likely to be depressed and avoid social situations compared with those with hearing aids. Economically, it is proven that those hard of hearing without hearing aids get paid substantially less than those with treatment.

(more…)

Apart from the obvious—being able to hear better—hearing aids are proving to increase customer’s level of life satisfaction. In fact, a recent study reported increased happiness in 5 different areas of life—for both the hearing aid user and their family members. The study of over 2,000 adults reported that relationships at home improved 66% for hearing aid users and 56% for family members. The feelings about self improved 60%, satisfaction with life overall improved 62% (48% for family members), relationships with children and grandchildren improved 50%, and the increase in social activities was around 30%. On the other hand, the study determined adults 50 and older with untreated hearing loss are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and paranoia. If you read these stats and think you could use some improvement in these areas, maybe a hearing aid would be good for you too. The first step is to get your hearing tested. If you have a hearing loss problem, there are many hearing aid options out there for you. We recommend asking your doctor about Miracle-Ear, Siemens, or Phonak. Miracle ear offers the new ME1000 Open Fit and ME1000 which are virtually invisible to the eyes of others. Siemens offers an online product finder to help you find the right hearing aid for you, and Phonak now features the new Audeo ZIP which fits deep inside your ear and delivers state of the art technology to get your hearing back up to par. Even if you only suffer the slightest side effects of hearing loss, get your hearing checked and talk to a doctor before it progresses any further. Remember that hearing loss is gradual, so catching it early means less severe consequences in the future. Hearing aids can change your life as well as the life of your friends and families. Stop asking ‘what?’, ‘can you repeat that, please’, and start focusing on the finer things in life.

If you’re new to the hearing aid scene, your doctor has probably filled you in on most of the medical benefits and rules for your new hearing aid. Now that you’re hearing better and living happier, there are a few things you’ll need to know about your hearing aid that the doctor most likely didn’t tell you.

First, for the Do’s of hearing aids:

Be sure you wear your new hearing aid the entire day. Chances are you’ll need to make minor adjustments gradually over the course of several days. Always be sure to insert and remove your hearing aid over a soft surface to reduce the risk of damaging it should it fall onto a hard surface. Be sure to store the hearing aid in a dehumidifier case to prevent unwanted moisture. On a related note, be sure to keep your hearing aid out of the bathroom while bathing to prevent steam damage. At night, disengage the battery by partially opening the compartment door. Also, remember to take your hearing aid out during CAT or MRI scans.

(more…)

Hearing loss is bad enough later in life when you’ve had the chance to experience a world full of sound. Children who suffer the unfortunate onset of hearing loss are faced with many more complications in life than those who experience the loss in old age. Unfortunately, an estimated 5% of American children under the age of 18 suffer from hearing loss. If untreated, this condition will most likely lead to negative changes in school performance, future learning, and behavior at home. If the problem arises in infants below the age of 3, it can affect their ability to learn to speak and understand language. Catching hearing loss early is the best way to prevent these occurrences. Audiometric tests administered by doctors or at school programs will determine if there is a need to see a physician, audiologist, or ENT specialist. Your family pediatrician can determine the best course to take—be it medical or surgical—to help treat the hearing loss. While most sensorineural losses are irreversible, there are many hearing devices designed specifically for children with these problems that can hopefully help. Conductive hearing losses in children are usually caused by physical obstructions or abnormalities that can typically be treated with surgical procedures.

(more…)

If you or someone you know has a hearing impairment, you understand the hardships associated with being hard of hearing. Instead of looking at hearing loss as a negative thing, try looking at it as an opportunity to push yourself to be all you can be. People with hearing impairments are capable of doing the same activities as normal hearing folks; they just require a little extra assistance. Luckily for them, the ‘assistance’ required to live a normal life is now widely available in the form of technology. Whether its hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other sound enhancing technology, former deaf lifestyles are now able to listen to the ocean, whisper among friends, and enjoy the comfort of a regular conversation.

(more…)