The Nurses’ Health Study II — a study of thousands of women conducted over the course of 20 years — wanted to see if body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and physical activity had any associations with hearing loss.The study’s authors understood the negative effects of untreated hearing loss, noting how it “can impair communication and social interaction, and adversely affect psychosocial well-being and quality of life” — and they wanted to identify “modifiable risk factors” to help reduce the prevalence of hearing loss. This study focused on physical activity.The study concluded that higher BMI and larger waist circumferences increased the risk of hearing loss, but that higher physical activity — including walking, swimming, aerobics and even lower-intensity exercise — was associated with reduced risk of hearing loss in women.For more advice on reducing the risk or severity of hearing loss, consult South Suburban Hearing Health Center hearing professionals here.
What should you do if you have hearing loss?
Most people who have hearing loss aren’t born with it. Instead, hearing loss is acquired, typically caused by exposure to loud noises, aging, or some combination of the two. For most, hearing loss is normal and natural — a tradeoff to living a long and fulfilling life.Research shows human hearing is at its best between the ages of 18-25, and age-related hearing loss usually starts becoming noticeable around age 50. In fact, the prevalence of hearing loss doubles for every decade of life, which explains why one out of three people older than 60 have hearing loss, two out of three over 70 have it, and four out of five people 85+ have hearing loss.
You should test it.
If you’ve concluded you have hearing loss — either by exhibiting common signs, which you can find here, or by taking a quick and free hearing test, which you can find here — the good news is that help and treatment are readily available.
See what you should do if you have hearing loss.
You should treat it.
Study after study have linked untreated hearing loss to an array of issues like depression, anxiety, increased risk of falls and hospitalizations, and even dementia. But doctors and scientists from institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine and Columbia University have long noted that treating hearing loss can help, and that “hearing aid use has been shown to improve the social, functional and emotional effects of hearing loss.”
You should visit a professional who specializes in hearing healthcare.
When you are ready to deal with your hearing loss — and Johns Hopkins’ Dr. Frank Lin recommends treating it “before brain structural changes take place — you can start with your doctor or general practitioner (GP), who will most likely refer you to a hearing healthcare professional. Or, you can go directly to a hearing healthcare professional, like an otolaryngologist (ENT doctors), audiologist or hearing aid specialist.
What to expect at your appointment.
While not every practice or clinic will do things exactly the same, you should expect some common procedures when you go in for your first visit.
- Fill out paperwork — including intake papers with health history and hearing questionnaire.
- Complete a hearing evaluation — which typically includes a visual inspection of your ears and a hearing test in a sound booth.
- Review of your audiogram — the results of your test will be in the form of an audiogram, which is a graph that measures your specific hearing loss.
- Discussion of treatment and next steps — which may include a technology demonstration and hearing aid recommendation.
Hearing aids are successful in treating most hearing loss.
If hearing loss is confirmed during your appointment, hearing aids will most likely be recommended.Hearing aids are by far the most common way to treat hearing loss. They can help 90-95% of people who have hearing issues, especially if the hearing aids have been fit by an experienced professional, and programmed and customized to the individual’s unique hearing and lifestyle needs.
Not all hearing aids are the same.
Today’s hearing aids come in many styles and offer a range of advanced features.There are “invisible” hearing aids that fit deep inside your ear canal — so small barely anyone can see them. There are hearing aids that sync to your iPhone, so you can take phone calls and listen to music, podcasts or videos wirelessly through your hearing aids — and even control and adjust your hearing aids remotely using your iPhone.And the best of today’s hearing aids — Starkey’s new Muse and Halo 2 hearing aids — are the first to feature technology designed to make listening to music more enjoyable and natural than ever before.
The provider you pick will become your better hearing ally.
It’s important to pick a hearing healthcare provider you like and trust. The two of you will work closely together to get just the right hearing aids for you — which will be based on many factors including your degree of loss, personal style and feature preferences, how active you are, and more.He or she will also be your go-to expert for better hearing tips and advice, hearing aid tune-ups and maintenance, or just to answer any questions you have about this important and wonderful sense.Most importantly, the hearing healthcare professional you pick will become your better hearing ally — the person you can lean on to help ensure that your hearing loss never slows you down or prevents you from living a full and happy life.Ready to proactively tackle your hearing loss? Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Center to schedule your first hearing consultation!
WebMD Confirms!
We frequently tout the many benefits of wearing hearing aids — like improved relationships, increased confidence, reduced risk of cognitive decline and more — because we see and hear first-hand how hearing better changes a person’s life, and we want everyone with hearing loss to experience the same.Now, a WebMD® study confirms it. Watch the short video below to see some of the key findings of WebMD’s recent study in which they asked hearing aid wearers and healthcare professionals who diagnose hearing loss what they think about hearing aids.Let South Suburban Hearing Health Center help improve your life! Contact us today![embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grcZ_6sKNsQ[/embedyt]
What is High-Frequency Hearing Loss?
Although hearing loss varies by degree and type, high-frequency (or high-pitch) hearing loss is one of the most common configurations of hearing loss. Hearing professionals define high-frequency hearing loss as hearing loss that occurs between 2000 Hertz (Hz) – 8000 Hertz. Decreased hearing acuity in the high-frequency range is often the firstsign of hearing loss.Following your hearing test, your hearing professional will explain your test results using an audiogram. An audiogram is a graph that displays how well you hear at each frequency, or pitch, which is important for speech understanding.South Suburban Hearing Health Professionals test hearing between 250 Hz – 8000 Hz. Frequency is charted on an audiogram from left to right, starting with low frequencies to the left, and increasing in pitch as you move to the right, similar to a piano keyboard. An audiogram for high-frequency hearing loss shows hearing within the range of normal from 250 Hz – 1500 Hz, with results falling outside the range for normal hearing around 2000 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss makes it challenging to understand speech
Individuals with high-frequency hearing loss have difficulty understanding speech in noise, and the voices of women and children, which are higher in pitch. Individuals with high-frequency hearing loss may also have difficulty hearing birds or the doorbell. Talking to family and friends over the telephone is also more challenging with high-frequency hearing loss.High frequencies help with speech understanding, because fricative sounds like S, H, and F are high in pitch. When hearing in the low frequencies is normal, loudness is normal and vowel sounds can still be heard easily, but it’s easy to miss important high-frequency consonant sounds.Tiny hair cells inside the cochlea process incoming sounds. High-frequency sounds are processed at the base of the cochlea, while low-frequency sounds are processed near the top. Hair cells at the base of the cochlea are more susceptible to damage than hair cells closer to the top, that’s why hearing loss often effects high frequencies before low frequencies.Hair cells in the cochlea can be damaged by a number of factors, including: noise, age, ototoxic medications and disease. Age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss often effect the high frequencies first.
Hearing aids can help people with high-frequency hearing loss
Hearing aids are an effective treatment option for high-frequency hearing loss. Open fit hearing aids, and custom hearing aids with large vents leave the ear open to maximize normal hearing in the low- and mid-frequency ranges, amplifying only the frequencies affected by the hearing loss.Cutting-edge technology processes speech differently than noise and can help reduce the listening fatigue commonly associated with high-frequency hearing loss. There are many options available to correct high-frequency hearing loss. Your hearing professional will work with you to find the best option for you.Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Center today to see what your hearing levels are at! We can't wait to hear from you!
Hearing Loss is Very Common!
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing loss is so common, it affects more people than all other physical conditions except arthritis and heart disease.That’s a lot of people with hearing loss. But considering the likelihood of hearing problems doubles for every decade you live, it’s maybe not as surprising as it first sounds.To see more hearing loss data, check out Starkey's Hearing loss by the numbers infographic.If you think you might have hearing loss but aren’t certain, give us a call!
Separating Hearing Aid Fact From Fiction
Hearing and sight are arguably our two most important senses. Yet, if and when either starts to fail us (and both usually do as we age), we react to each quite differently.Look around at all the people with glasses, contacts, Lasik surgery or just cheaters, and it’s obvious that we have no problem or hesitation with treating vision issues.But when it comes to treating hearing loss, we don’t seem to be in nearly such a hurry, if we even bother to treat it at all. If we did, nearly one in six adults you see would be wearing hearing aids — as that’s the number of U.S. adults with hearing loss.
What’s stopping us from treating hearing loss?
Why is there such discrepancy when it comes to “fixing” these two vital senses? Certainly a key factor is the immediate and tangible impact of each impairment. You can’t easily drive, read, watch TV or work at a computer when your vision is compromised. But you can cope with or work around hearing issues — at least temporarily.It’s important to know, though, that while the immediate impact of compromised hearing may seem negligible, the long-term and overall quality-of-life impact is real and potentially severe.
Is our perception of hearing aids to blame?
Another reason for inaction comes from people’s perception of hearing loss and hearing aids. Unfortunately, some old myths linger. But advancements in science and technology mean many are no longer true. Let’s debunk five common ones now.
1. Fiction: There’s no treatment for hearing loss.
Fact: Hearing loss might be irreversible — but it can definitely be helped. Amplification with hearing aids is by far the most recommended and effective treatment for hearing loss. In fact, 90-95% of people with hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. Custom programmed by a trained professional, today’s digital hearing aids can help people with even severe hearing loss hear sounds they might not otherwise hear, and be a part of things they might otherwise miss.
2. Fiction: If I needed hearing aids, my doctor would have told me.
Fact: Actually, most busy general practitioners don’t have time to test for hearing loss. In a recent survey, only 23% of adults reported having their hearing screened during a physical exam. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the issue this past February, reinforcing to physicians the importance of catching hearing loss in the early stages, and reminding primary care providers to “make referrals to hearing specialists” when “patients show or report hearing problems.”
3. Fiction: Hearing aids are hard to use.
Fact: Today’s hearing aids have come a long way from the hearing aids of just a few years ago. Advancements in processing speeds and hearing science enable hearing aids to distinguish speech from noise, detect sound direction, and adjust to environments and specific sounds — all automatically. If fit and programmed by a hearing professional to your unique hearing needs, your hearing aids can be worn all day with little fuss, attention or adjustments required.
4. Fiction: Hearing aids will make me stand out or seem old.
Fact: Several things conflict with this perception, so take your pick.
- Today’s hearing aids are significantly smaller and more discreet than hearing aids from just a few years ago, and include options that fit deep in your ear canal, “invisible” to others.
- Wearable communication and health-monitoring devices like FitBits and Bragi — along with the pervasiveness of headphones — have made body-worn accessories commonplace and even trendy.
- Old is a perception, and adults who hear confidently and engage readily convey “old” much less than those who ask “what” all the time, don’t acknowledge when someone is talking to them, or disengage from the action.
5. Fiction: Hearing aids aren’t worth it.
Fact: It’s one thing for us to tout the impact that hearing your best can have on quality of life, and quite another to hear it from people who’ve treated their hearing loss. Watch this video to see just some of what hearing aid wearers have shared with us via email or our social pages.Maybe the best thing to do is try hearing aids for yourself. South Suburban Hearing Health Center can help! Contact us to set up a hearing consultation!
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Nobody Likes Tinnitus
Maybe it’s you. Or your dad. Or your grandmother. Or maybe it’s a friend. But chances are, you know someone who’s dealt with tinnitus. This author had ringing in his ears for over half a year after going to a concert. Then it just went away, mysteriously but thankfully.I was lucky. For many, tinnitus never goes away — and it has a profound impact on their daily life.Help is available. Many hearing aids, including our Muse™, Halo™ 2 and SoundLens® Synergy, have tinnitus relief technology built into them. You can try this proven technology for yourself by calling us today to set up a FREE hearing consultation!
Hearing Aids Improve More Than Just Hearing
Wearing a pair of hearing aids improves more than just your hearing. It’s true. When you buy a set of hearing aids, you can be confident your hearing will improve. And now, according to two recent surveys, you can also expect some non-auditory improvements.The survey confirms what hearing healthcare providers have known for decades — that correcting hearing loss with hearing aids provides benefits in addition to improved hearing, such as improved quality of life, improved relationships at home and work, feelings of safety and independence, and improved mental health.
The many benefits of wearing hearing aids
Results from the survey show that eight out of 10 hearing aid wearers feel that wearing hearing aids regularly or occasionally improves quality of life.Respondents reported improvements in relationships at home and work as a result of wearing hearing aids. Improved hearing leads to improved communication, which appears to positively impact interpersonal relationships.Respondents also reported an increased sense of safety and independence. Hearing aid wearers were also less likely to report increased forgetfulness compared to non-hearing aid wearers. Nine out of 10 hearing aid owners reported that wearing hearing aids were useful on the job.
The science behind the surveys
Historically, researchers have quantified the benefits of wearing hearing aids by focusing solely on objective diagnostic measurements. Tests were usually designed to solely identify improvements in audibility and speech recognition performance (essentially how much better a person could hear).Measurable post-fitting diagnostic tests were completed by hearing professionals and hearing researchers in a sound booth to verify hearing aid fitting outcomes and demonstrate the auditory benefits of wearing hearing aids.This consumer survey was different, which is why the results are so exciting.
Combined, over 120,000 people participated in the surveys
The combined studies represent data that was self-reported by more than 120,000 participants in Europe and the U.S., making it the largest worldwide survey focused on identifying the non-auditory benefits of wearing hearing aids.
Get more benefit for your buck
The results of the survey display a better understanding of the benefits that accompany hearing aid use. If you’ve been thinking about investing in better hearing, you might be excited to learn that when you do, you’ll be getting a long list of non-auditory benefits in addition to better hearing. You’ll actually be getting more benefit for your buck!Wearing hearing aids to correct your hearing can lead to health-related improvements in quality of life by decreasing depression, social isolation and cognitive decline. Wearing hearing aids can also improve quality of life, relationships at home and work, feelings of safety and independence, and mental and physical health.Ready to enjoy the many benefits of treating your hearing loss? Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Center today!
Tinnitus (a.k.a. Ringing in the Ears) 101
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. That’s over 15 percent of the U.S. population.So what is this audiological and neurological condition that afflicts one in every six of us — and what can people who suffer from it do about it? We cover the basics here.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears when no external sound is present. In most cases, tinnitus is a subjective sound, meaning only the sufferer can hear it. Typically, sufferers describe the sound as “ringing in ears,” though others describe it as hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring and even chirping.For some, tinnitus is mild and intermittent. For others, it can be severe and last all day. But for everyone, the desire for relief is great — so great, many sufferers will try anything to make their tinnitus less annoying, including resorting to acupuncture, eardrops, herbal remedies, hypnosis and more.
What causes tinnitus?
Scientists and health experts have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of tinnitus. But several sources are known to trigger or worsen ringing in the ears, including:
- Loud Noises and Hearing Loss — Exposure to loud noises can destroy the non-regenerative cilia (tiny hairs) in the cochlea, causing permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss. Noise-induced tinnitus is often the result of exposure to loud environmental noises, such as working in a factory setting, with or around heavy machinery, or even a single event like a gunshot or loud concert.
- Aging — Natural aging, too, gradually destroys the cilia, and is a leading cause of hearing loss. Tinnitus is a common symptom of age-related hearing loss.
- Ototoxic Medications – Some prescription medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, diuretics and others can be ototoxic, meaning they are harmful to the inner ear as well as the nerve fibers connecting the cochlea to the brain.
- Hearing Conditions – Conditions such as Ménière’s disease are known to cause tinnitus.
- Health Conditions – Tinnitus has been associated with a number of health conditions, including: Cardiovascular disease; hypertension (high blood pressure); thyroid problems; fibromyalgia and chronic pain; head or neck trauma; jaw misalignment; auditory, vestibular or facial nerve tumors; and stress and fatigue
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
Currently, there is no known tinnitus cure. However, according to the American Tinnitus Association,there are recommended ways to get tinnitus relief, including counseling and sound therapy.Hearing aids are an effective part of a sound therapy protocol, as specific hearing aids today utilize a customizable and comforting sound stimulus that soothes the annoying noises associated with tinnitus. (See Starkey’s hearing aids with tinnitus relief technology.) Tinnitus usually produces a shrill, high pitched, unpleasant tone, while the hearing aid’s sound stimulus is designed to be soothing — to counterbalance and help take your mind of your tinnitus.What should you do if you or someone you know has tinnitus?Since the exact cause of tinnitus is not known, it’s recommended you visit a hearing healthcare professional for a clinical evaluation. This evaluation — including a complete patient medical history — helps the hearing professional determine if tinnitus is present and what may be causing it. Specialized tests are performed to evaluate the auditory system. Some of these tests measure the specific features of the tinnitus itself, and could include:
- Audiogram
- Evoked response audiometry
- Tinnitus pitch match
- Tinnitus loudness match
Is tinnitus relief possible?
While there is no cure for tinnitus, Starkey’s proprietary Multiflex Tinnitus Technology has been clinically proven to provide relief for ringing in the ears. This patent-pending technology is available in our new Muse™, SoundLens® Synergy® or Halo™ 2 hearing aids. Go here to see how it works.Click here to contact us about your tinnitus options and more information!
Why Should I Get My Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?
I treat my hearing aids a lot like my car, maybe better actually. Both are routinely treated to cleaning rituals and maintenance tune-ups. And while my car may only get cleaned once a month, I make sure I dry and clean my hearing aids daily, regardless of how long I wear them each day.But while my day-to-day hearing aid care routine is great, I still make sure that I take my Halo hearing aids into my hearing professional for a full, professional clean at least once a year! Why? Here are my reasons.1. I don’t have the tools or the knowledge to do a safe, deep clean that removes all the built-up wax, debris and oil without damaging the receivers or microphones.2. I am always pleased with the improved audio quality a professional cleaning provides. You’d be shocked at how the wax or debris I can’t get at impacts the quality of speech and music.3. My hearing professional is also able to inspect my hearing aids for any signs of damage and suggest or provide repairs.4. Professional cleaning helps my hearing aids run better, longer.If professional hearing aid cleanings are not already part of your annual hearing health program, I highly suggest you add them! I am even going to start doing professional cleanings more often now, especially as sweat and wax buildup accumulate faster during the warm, humid summer months.Contact us to set up your hearing aid cleaning now!
Joe Loves His Z Series Hearing Aids
California resident, Joe Riley, sent us this email recently:
I use the Starkey Z-Series hearing aids, and since day one of use I LOVE THEM.I understand that everyone has a different story and I would like to share mine.For years, I have been suffering from tinnitus and figured that I would simply have to deal with it. That is, until I told my physician at the V.A. I was experiencing tinnitus. My doctor discovered that I was a Gunners Mate (Missiles) in the U.S. Navy and was entitled to a hearing test and, if needed, hearing aids based on my N.E.C. and the U.S. Navy determining that my rate in the Navy had a high probability of creating hearing loss.Even though I thought I had no issues with my hearing — as I had not "experienced" any hearing loss — I went to the audiologist for my appointment and he conducted the two-part test (tonal and speech). After the test, my audiologist told me that he wanted me to come back in for my hearing aids.Hearing aids? At MY age? (I was ONLY 47 years old!) I went to the second appointment and was told that I had bilateral hearing loss in addition to my tinnitus and was "fitted" with Starkey hearing aids.My Starkey hearing aids were comfortable and fit my ears nicely. I decided that since I was in a "high touch" business, and was in front of new people all of the time in a professional capacity, I would use them only when I felt it was necessary.That day it started to rain, and as I stepped out of my vehicle I noticed something I had not noticed before... I could hear rain hitting the leaves over my head!! WOW... I had never noticed that before! I was so excited that I could hear rain hitting the leaves over my head I wondered what else was I "missing" in my normal everyday life? Through the day I noticed more and more things I could hear that I was missing out on: tires on the pavement, birds singing, the sound of wind through the trees!!! WOW!!!!I started TELLING people about my Starkey hearing aids and how much they have made my quality of life better. My female customers started demanding that their HUSBANDS check into getting a hearing test once I told them that I could hear my wife talk and did not have to always ask her to repeat herself.I also discovered that unless I told someone I was wearing the Starkey Z- Series hearing aids, they did not even notice them!! ANOTHER PLUS!!!I LOVE hearing what I was "missing"… I can hear EVERYTHING now thanks to Starkey! On another note, my tinnitus is not as noticeable now. Thanks again Starkey!!Joe RileyWe love stories like these! Contact us to find out what your are "missing"!
Where Should I Buy Hearing Aids?
If you’re reading this post, you’re probably thinking about getting hearing aids. You’re doing what almost everyone does today before they buy a vacuum or TV, or book a vacation or try a new restaurant — you’re doing online research.You are smart. Consumers today have an abundance of information and reviews at their fingertips. There’s little reason today not to research a product or service before you purchase, particularly if it’s a bigger investment. And there is no getting around the fact that hearing aids and better hearing are an investment. An investment that can significantly better your life.This article isn’t about the different makes, models or features of hearing aids. For that, start here. Instead, we’re going to talk about where to get hearing aids and the pros and cons of each.There are two main options; either from a local hearing professional or from an internet retailer. Let’s compare the two.
The pros of buying hearing aids online
ConvenienceNo doubt, buying products online is easy and convenient, and hearing aids are no exception. Ordering from the comfort of your home or office — and having it delivered to you without needing to go anywhere — is pretty much the benefit that online shopping was founded on.Of course, returning items can quickly negate that benefit if you need to repackage it and take it to a post office or shipping facility. And certain things just beg to be “tried on” first, increasing the likelihood they’ll need to be returned if you don’t. That’s why 30% of all products ordered online are returned, vs. only 9% of products purchased in a store.1Hearing aid pricesCost can also be a benefit of buying online. While it’s not the case with every item (especially if there are shipping fees involved), it is when purchasing hearing aids online. In fact, cost is probably the biggest incentive for buying hearing aids on the internet.Unfortunately, convenience and cost are where the benefits of buying hearing aids from an online retailer end. And even those two aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.Convenience is offset by the fact that — to get a hearing aid programmed for your hearing loss — you’ll want a proper evaluation and will need to send in an audiogram, which you can only get by leaving your house and going to a hearing professional. Then there’s that 30% online return rate discussed above. Meaning there’s at least a 1 in 3 chance you’ll want or need to return it. (Probably more for hearing aids bought online due to the “try on” factor.)Plus, if you need any adjustments made to your hearing aids to optimize comfort and performance, you first need to repackage and ship them to the retailer. Then, it can take weeks to receive the instruments back from an online service.As for cost, while you’ll most likely find hearing aid prices are less online, most people conclude that what they get in return is not worth the savings. To explain that, let’s move into the benefits of buying hearing aids from a local hearing professional — also known as “the things you don’t get when you buy online.”
The pros of buying hearing aids from a hearing professional
Yes, a hearing aid is a tangible product that you can ship in a box and, in theory, start using after “some assembly required.” But it’s also a high-tech medical device that works best when matched to an individual’s unique physical and lifestyle characteristics, programmed and fine-tuned to their specific hearing needs, and then followed up with and supported by an expert in hearing care.Just as you wouldn’t be satisfied buying a suit or wedding dress without measurements, consultation and tailoring, nor would you prescribe yourself and know the right dosage of medication needed to treat your specific arthritis, high blood pressure, anxiety, or diabetes, getting a one-size-fits-all hearing aid without consultation from an expert is most likely going to disappoint or not work the way you need it to.
When you buy hearing aids from a hearing professional, you get much more than just a product that makes things louder.
You also get the expert consultation, treatment knowledge and experience, and personalized fitting, support and care that a sensory function as important as hearing deserves — before, during and after you buy your hearing aids.
Before: Testing & Consultation
- Thorough hearing tests — You’ll have an ear examination and clinical tests in a soundproof environment to diagnose and verify what your hearing needs are.
- Audiological evaluation — Your hearing thresholds will be charted on an audiogram, and you’ll be given specific tests to measure listening comfort and understanding in noise.
- Intake interview — You and your provider will discuss details about your day-to-day hearing needs (including the type of work you do, how active you are, what activities you enjoy doing, your style preferences, etc.). You’ll also go your unique hearing challenges, to help you understand how to optimize your overall communication, not just your hearing.
During: Products & Fitting
- Product selection — Based on your test results, interview, and even unique ear-specific characteristics, your provider will show you solution options that fit your needs in the best way possible.
- Product test drive — While in the office, you may be able to try out and test different styles and technology options so you can hear what impact hearing aids will make.
- Expert fitting — Once a product and style are selected, your provider will program and fine-tune your hearing aids to your specific needs and sound preferences. Each ear is like a fingerprint; every person is different and requires an exact fit to maximize success.
- Solution demonstration — Your provider will show you how to use and care for your hearing aids, and answer any questions you have, so you are comfortable with them and can keep them in tip-top shape.
- Treatment consultation — Your provider will walk you through expectations and next steps, and give you additional resources or tools, so that you feel comfortable as you regain your hearing senses.
After: Follow-Up & Support
- Trial period and follow-up visits — Wearing hearing aids takes some time getting used to and sometimes requires minor adjustments and fine tuning — all covered under your trial period to maximize comfort and ensure success.
- After-care needs — Your provider will be a one-stop shop for warranty and payment plans, tune-ups and maintenance, batteries and other accessories or part replacements. This is like having your mechanic close to you. If anything goes wrong, they can fix the problem quickly.
- Better hearing partner — Your hearing needs change over time, so count on your provider as a go-to resource for all things hearing, including answers to hearing loss questions, personalized treatment plan updates, new technology demos and more.
Hearing your best is proven to positively impact many areas of your life, from your physical health to your social, psychological and mental well-being. It deserves more than just finding a good deal. It deserves the attention, care and custom-fit solution that only a hearing professional is trained and experienced to provide, so please contact us today to set up a FREE hearing consultation!
Tired More Than Usual?
Do you find yourself low on energy, exhausted after a day of busy interactions, whether at a social or work setting? Hearing loss may be to blame! Hearing loss and fatigue may seem unrelated, but in reality, they are much more connected than you realize. Fatigue is defined as “extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion.” Mental fatigue results from effortful listening and is often an unfortunate side effect of hearing loss. Let me explain.
Could you read that sentence effortlessly? (It reads, "Can you read this sentence effortlessly?") Now, multiply that one sentence by everyone you hear all day long. Imagine you had to put that effort into filling in the blanks for every conversation. As you worked to fill in those blanks, you gain an understanding of the listening demands placed on someone with a hearing loss to do the same in conversation!
Cognitive load may be causing your fatigue
This effort to process and make sense of the auditory bits and pieces you hear is an example of “cognitive load.” With cognitive load, the brain is preoccupied with filling in the blanks, leaving little energy to store and process what has been heard into working memory. The additional effort your brain spends making sense of speech, particularly when background noise is present, puts additional stress and anxiety on the listener. Stress or anxiety often result in a rush of adrenaline and muscle tension which can add to that sensation of being “drained” or physically tired at the end of the day.These implications are important for anyone with a hearing loss, but particularly for those with hearing loss — in their personal lives or the workforce. It makes sense that if you don’t have to spend so much effort filling in those auditory blanks, there would be more cognitive energy left to listen and understand more effortlessly!
You can reduce cognitive load
It’s a busy, noisy world, and fatigue associated to listening effort can be an unfortunate side effect. Yet hearing loss doesn’t have to get in the way. Here are some ways to limit the impact of hearing loss and the associated mental fatigue that may accompany it.1. Give yourself a break — When you find yourself straining from listening in a social or work environment, take a short break to relax and let your mind rest from the rigors of listening. Stepping away, tuning out with noise cancelling headphones to reduce overstimulation, and even a short nap are all methods to de-stress and invigorate alertness. Turn your ears off and take a break from the audio action whenever possible.2. Meditate — Meditation and locating that calm inside can quiet the stress of effortful listening associated with hearing loss. Meditation is becoming a popular tool for mental and physical wellness. It’s free, can be practiced anywhere, and even a short 5-minute meditation has demonstrated benefit.3. Record and transcribe — For those with hearing loss, listening-intensive endeavors like meetings and course work can cause stress from the fear of missing important details. There are technologies designed to record or stream such interactions, including many smartphone apps. These apps can stream directly to hearing aids, or transcribe dictation via voice recognition technology such as technology found at www.speechtexter.com.4. Work smarter, not harder — Speaking of hearing aids, they’re a terrific solution. Work with a hearing professional to take advantage of their expertise and find the best hearing aid or assistive technology for your needs and lifestyle. Struggling through the workday and leaving yourself no energy to enjoy life is working harder not smarter. Hearing aid and assistive technology is available to greatly enhance your life and reduce the strain that listening and concentrating brings to the hearing impaired. Much of today’s hearing aid technology uses digital processing designed to recognize and suppress noise in the environment which can lead to less effortful listening.You’re already working harder than your normal hearing colleagues and friends to pay attention and be the best listener you can be. So give yourself a break! Make it easier on yourself by investing in a solution to reduce listening effort and you will be richly rewarded. Whether it’s hearing aids, assistive listening technology or strategies to take a break and de-stress, the benefits can greatly enhance your life experience. Click here to contact us, so we can chat more about your hearing health today!
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Go Hand in Hand
Did you know nearly 50 million American adults deal with tinnitus, or ringing in the ears? That’s one out of every five of us — meaning if you don’t have tinnitus yourself, you probably know someone who does.And while there are many different causes of tinnitus — physical injury, medicines and chronic disease — many people will tell you that their tinnitus started after being exposed to loud noise. Terry’s started after going to a loud concert. Ken’s started after a nail gun blew up on him. Ron thinks his was caused by being around sirens and not wearing hearing protection at the shooting range.Exposure to loud noise is also one of the leading causes of hearing loss. This type of hearing loss, called noise-induced hearing loss, is so common it has its own acronym, NIHL. Thus, it shouldn’t be surprising that 90 percent of people with tinnitus also deal with some level of noise-induced hearing loss. Moreover, the two often go hand in hand.Our new Muse, Halo 2 and SoundLens Synergy hearing aids have our proven tinnitus relief technology built into them, so if you’re dealing with tinnitus or noise-induced hearing loss, or both, you owe it to yourself to call us today and see how hearing aids can help— just like Terry, Ken and Ron did.Need a little more information? Watch this video about our Muse hearing aids and how they can not only help you battle tinnitus but enjoy music again!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBxhALayow&feature=youtu.be&list=PLkVlnKzEMhTaTysGy0rSOnktzWpIGp4af
You Can Still Enjoy Music!
Music is loved and appreciated worldwide for its ability to bring people together and soothe the soul. People who suffer from hearing loss, though, often mourn the loss of the ability to hear and appreciate music the way they did when their hearing was better. Until recently, the best that hearing aids could offer in the way of music enjoyment was a second setting that was based on (but a little different than) the wearer’s current hearing aid settings. This method was certainly better than nothing for the enjoyment of music, but still wasn’t up to par with what the wearer wished they could experience.Now, for the first time ever, a hearing aid manufacturer has created a special circuit designed solely for the enjoyment of music. Starkey Hearing Technologies is proud to introduce this latest generation of technology — our Muse line of hearing instruments. Six years in development, Muse offers many new and exciting features for hearing impaired people. But its ability to recognize, process and duplicate music is what everyone is talking about.
Muse hearing aids let you enjoy music in two different ways
- Through an automatic music feature that recognizes and classifies a melody.
- Through a dedicated music memory that lets the wearer have total control over the way that music sounds to meet his/her own tastes.
Let’s take a look at both options in detail:Automatic music featureThe automatic music feature is exactly what the name implies — it is the way that the hearing instrument automatically recognizes and categorizes sound based on the features of that sound. Specifically, the hearing instrument is searching for a melody to be present for at least four seconds and is looking for characteristics in the high pitches that are unique mostly to speech and to music. The wearer doesn’t have to change the settings of the hearing instrument in any way. Once the incoming sound is deemed to be “music,” the hearing aids adjust the response to give the wearer a fuller, richer enjoyment of music.How automatic mode works: Pretend the wearer is walking through a shopping mall with his spouse. Music is playing throughout the mall. When the hearing instruments recognize the criteria for music (remember that the hearing aids are always analyzing sound for the wearer’s best hearing), they will automatically change the setting of the hearing aid to give the best hearing for music. Now let’s imagine that the spouse suddenly says “Honey, I’d like to go into this store.” When the hearing aids recognize her speech, they will automatically shift out of “music” mode and into “speech” mode to ensure the wearer doesn’t miss anything important. It’s as simple as that!Dedicated music memoryThe new, dedicated music memory is exclusive to Starkey Hearing Technologies! The dedicated music memory has its own processor for music. It is separate from the processor that is responsible for amplifying the other sounds of life. This is the first time a hearing aid has used two unique processors. To understand how this works, let’s take a look at the following schematic: 
- Sound waves come into the hearing aid.
- A microphone detects sound.
- The microphone sends it to a computer chip that turns mechanical sound waves into electrical energy.
- Normally it would go to the one and only processor, which analyzes and manipulates all sounds.
- But now, if you’re specifically listening to music, you can send sound through Muse's new music-only processor.
- Note – you need to manually “switch” between processors via the hearing aids themselves or a remote.
- After manipulating the sound, the processor sends it back through another converter.
- The digital-to-analog converter turns the electrical energy back into mechanical sound waves that the ear can detect.
- The converter sends the sound waves to the receiver (speaker).
- The receiver sends the sound to the ear canal and into the brain.
Muse is the first hearing aid to use two processors.
It is important to realize that, prior to the release of Muse, hearing aids only used the one processor. Its purpose was to give the wearer the best hearing for ALL sounds of life. There was no way to truly separate music from other sounds.With the addition of the music processor, it is now possible for your hearing professional to “shape” the sound of music to your liking by giving them the ability to adjust the low pitches (bass), mid-pitches and high pitches (treble) of music. Because the music processor has only one job — the enhancement of music — it can focus its energy on that important task. The result is a cleaner, crisp, precise sound for the enjoyment of music.
Are you a music lover? With Muse, you still can be.
With the introduction of Muse and its automatic music feature, wearers can experience music like never before! Whether the wearer is a lover of classical music or simply enjoys being able to hear music in social settings, Starkey Hearing Technologies has music covered.Contact us today to learn more about the Muse!
Social Life Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
We are naturally social creatures. Whether it’s a date with our loved one, a movie night out with friends, or grabbing some drinks during happy hour with coworkers, we thrive on social interaction. And our hearing plays a role in how we engage with others around us.How hearing impacts our social tendencies
- How well we can understand and keep up with our friends during conversations.
- Our ability to fully follow the story in a newly released movie.
- How secure we feel in large groups and noise.
- Feeling like part of the group or feeling left out for missing a joke, or two or three
- The energy we have by the end of the night.
All these things can be affected by hearing loss.When you have hearing loss, you may start to miss important words or phrases. You may struggle to keep up with conversations in noise, or follow along with a film you’ve never seen. You may feel tired at the end of the night, simply from trying to listen, and as you miss something funny one time too many, you may start to feel like an outsider with even your closest friends.A study by the American Academy of Audiology has shown that for adults age 50 and older, those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression and anxiety and less likely to participate in organized social activities when compared to those who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids. This is because untreated hearing loss can make social settings extremely difficult and tiring to navigate.
Hear better with hearing aids
Hearing aids have been shown to help alleviate a lot of the depression, anxiety and social isolation hearing loss can create. The same American Academy of Audiology study found that participants who used hearing aids reported significant improvements in their lives including their relationships at home and at work, their sense of independence, their self-confidence and their social life. Furthermore, the same users’ families reported even higher rates of improvement with their loved ones’ hearing aid use.With so many benefits to be gained by treating hearing loss with hearing aids, why wait? Contact your local hearing professional today and learn more about the great benefits hearing aids can provide!Live a happier life and come get a FREE hearing evaluation today! Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Center to set up an appointment.
Did You Know?
Did you know that studies have established strong ties between diabetes and hearing loss? In 2008, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found hearing loss to be twice as common in adults with diabetes than with those without.Some researchers suggest that diabetics are more prone to develop hearing loss due to poor circulation. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to various areas of the body. That damage could occur in the delicate structures of the inner ear and result in hearing loss. [Read more about the specifics of diabetes as a risk factor of hearing loss here.]What can you do to lower your risk of severe hearing loss?
- Exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet to keep blood glucose readings with recommended readings.
- Avoid tobacco use, which can compound your risk for hearing loss.
- Test your hearing annually to monitor changes.
Start living a healthier lifestyle today by contacting us for your FREE hearing consultation!
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Holiday Travel Tips For People Who Wear Hearing Aids
The holidays are typically one of the busiest travel seasons as millions of people hop in planes, trains and automobiles to visit family and friends.It can also be one of the more stressful times of the year. According to Prevention magazine, 90 percent of Americans report stressing over at least one aspect of the holidays — with traveling high on the list.People who wear hearing aids can help alleviate some of the stress by remembering these five tips as they travel over the river and through the woods this holiday season.
- Bring extra batteries! Especially when traveling abroad! The batteries that you use for your hearing aids, while globally available, may not have the same guarantee of quality when traveling. A battery caddy or blister pack of batteries is a great way to travel with them, and Zinc Air batteries are permissible in your carry-on luggage!
- You can leave your hearing aids turned on while flying, even if they have wireless capabilities. All domestic airlines allow the in-flight use of hearing aids. If you have any questions, make sure you contact your airline ahead of time!
- If you’re visiting someplace tropical, (a) you’re lucky, but (b) don’t forget to bring your dry aid kit! A dry aid kit is a small jar that has a desiccant in it to pull out all of the moisture! If you don’t have one, ask your hearing healthcare professional. Moisture in hearing aids can cause dirt and debris to build up on microphones and other parts and make cleaning difficult.
- Speaking of cleaning, don’t forget your cleaning tools! Just like at home, you’ll want to properly maintain your hearing aids while on vacation or traveling away from home! Many people are more active on trips than when at home and tend to need extra TLC when traveling!
- You can keep your hearing aids on as you pass through security! The electronic components of a typical hearing aid are so small that they don’t frequently get picked up by a metal detector. Just make sure that if you go through a body scanner you let the TSA agent know! They may ask you to take them out if they are detected!
Have a safe and happy holiday! Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Center if you need to pick up any batteries or get any last minute adjustments.
American Hearing for an American Hero
Starkey is the the only American owned and operated hearing aid company, therefore we are proud to share this better hearing story about an honored veteran!
He had no access to newspapers or televisions. There was just rolling farmland and an uncle with a radio. He didn’t know anything about Pearl Harbor. “All we knew was our country was threatened by people,” Hershel “Woody” Williams said. “I went in to protect my country and my freedom.”
The last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, Williams, 93, joined the Marie Corps in late 1943. As a young man Hershel had worked the family’s farm and, at 16, he operated a jackhammer for a time drilling holes in pits for dynamite while participating in the Civilian Conservation Corps. As a Marine,Williams’ industrial experience landed him in a flamethrower/demolition unit where he handled a flamethrower, a weapon that would later help him and his company in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Heroism in Action
“During World War II, when you went overseas, you didn’t go home.” Williams said of his time in the war. “I went over in December of 1943 and came home in September 1945.” Williams was active in the Pacific Theater, fighting in the Battle of Guadalcanal in Guam and then in February 1945, on the beaches of Iwo Jima. His unit was unable to advance very far, as Iwo Jima lacked cover and the ground’s conditions made it impossible to dig foxholes. His actions on February 23, 1945, however, would earn him more than the gratitude of his fellow soldiers.
“Iwo Jima had rock but not core, and we couldn’t dig holes,” he said. “We didn’t have bulldozers or jackhammers, so they gave me the job of blowing out these holes.” Due to the long, arduous process of creating small holes with sharp pieces of iron and inserting dynamite sticks directly inside, the company did not advance very far until February 23 when Williams looked up to see that the American flag had been raised on Mount Suribachi. Inspired, he and his men surged forward across enemy lines and helped to create an opening for the Marines to advance.
For his heroism, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 5, 1945. He continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves after the war and worked as a Veteran Services Officer at the Veterans Administration until 1978. He remains active in his church and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
In an article by the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, Williams shared his views on his Medal of Honor: “This medal really does not belong to me — I could not have received it without the assistance of other Marines. So when I wear this medal, I don't wear it for what I did. I wear it in honor of two Marines — I don't know their names — who gave their lives protecting mine. It really belongs to them. I'm just a caretaker of it."
An Inspiring Figure for Others Needs Better Hearing
Today, Williams continues to act as a “caretaker” and runs the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation with his family. Established by Williams in 2012, the nonprofit establishes permanent monuments in communities throughout the country to honor Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one in service to their country. He also spends a lot of his time traveling, speaking at many engagements around the country on behalf of his foundation and to help raise awareness of the sacrifices that are made for freedom.
But about 10 years ago, his family began to notice that he was struggling with his hearing, something he needed with speaking engagements almost every week. “I noticed his hearing loss about 10 years ago, but the last five years have really been very frustrating for him and others like myself who are around him often,” Williams’ grandson Brent Casey said. “I could see him struggle with hearing others speak, watching TV, going to the movies, or listening to music or entertainment products at a venue. The most frustrating thing for me was that he would often answer a question without ever knowing really what the question was. I would joke with him that someone is going to say something and he’s going to give the wrong answer. This actually happened numerous times over the past few years.”
Williams said he didn’t really notice his hearing loss happen but conceded that he did struggle to hear high-pitched voices. While the actual cause of his hearing loss is not clear, it is most likely a combination of exposure to the damaging sounds he experienced as a youth working jackhammers, his time in WWII with his flamethrower/demolition unit and aging.
With his family’s support, Williams tried hearing aids a few years ago, but struggled with them. “I had tried several types of hearing aids but none of them eliminated the loud noise I had when I talked or moved my jaw, which made having conversation very difficult,” Williams said. His daughter, Tracie Ross, noted Williams was still having to use coping methods. “Dad would ask for people to repeat at times, but many times, he didn’t even know he had missed information. It was discouraging to see him still struggle after he got his first set of hearing aids.”
In September 2016, Williams tried yet another pair — this time a set of Halo 2 Made for iPhone hearing aids. Unlike his previous pairs which were In-The-Canal (ITC) devices, his new Halo 2 hearing aids are Receiver-In- Canal (RIC) devices and sit discreetly behind his ears. “The noise I had previously when I worked my jaw has completely disappeared,” he said after we caught up with him earlier this month. “The Starkey hearing aids are far more advanced. Being able to adjust the volume and set them to the control the noise in public places is unbelievable. They fit so well, I sometimes forget I have them in my ears. I love my hearing aids.”
Williams’ family has also noticed the night-and-day improvements. “In the short time he has had the Starkey hearing aids, I have noticed a drastic difference in his ability to hear, carry on conversations as well as be comfortable in general,” his other grandson, Chad Graham, said. “I mean it when I say that at 93 years young, he hears better than I do at 36.”
“Many, many prayers and hopes have been answered with these new hearing aids,” Brent said. “Woody has been to countless doctor appointments and tried several sets of hearing aids and now finally has the freedom that he deserves; to be able to hear and understand people as well as be able to eat and carry on a conversation at the same time, which is something that he has not been able to do for at least four or five years."
If you’d like to learn more about Williams, please visit his Congressional Medal of Honor Society page.
Contact South Suburban Hearing Health Centers for more information.