The Science of Hearing

August 27th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Mark Saunders
AudigyGroup Freelancer

Traveling at the Speed of Sound

Sound is a form of energy made when air molecules move. This movement is called sound waves, which are a series of compression waves created by the vibration of some object (e.g., banging a drum, speaking through the cone in a radio loudspeaker, clapping hands, etc,). The waves are very versatile and can pass through just about any medium, including all forms of matter (gas, solids, and liquids). Sound waves share characteristics of frequency, wavelength and amplitude.

How Often, How Far, How Loud

Frequency, measured in cycles per second (or Hertz), is the rate at which sound waves vibrate; the higher the frequency, the higher the pitch. The distance between one sound wave compression and the next is called the wavelength. Faster sounds have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies. Amplitude measures the amount of energy in a sound wave; the more energy, the louder the sound.

The Sound Barrier

So just how fast is sound? The speed of sound is measured as the velocity of sound through a medium.  For example, the speed of sound in air is 768.095 mph at a temperature of 20°C or 68°F. At sea level, this means “sound” moves faster than 750 miles per hour.

In general, the denser the medium, the faster sound travels. Sound travels faster through steel than through wood, and it travels four times faster through water than through air. That’s why inhaling from a helium balloon gives your voice that temporary, goofy Donald Duck sound. Your voice is much higher than normal because sound travels faster through helium than through air.

Now Arriving

The eardrum (tympanic membrane) gathers the sound and passes it to the ossicles, which send it to the cochlea—home of your hearing organs. In sum, the ear receives and sends sounds to the auditory cortex at the back of the brain for processing. Message sent, received, and processed. Additionally, the brain computes the different arrival times of sound (measured in one millionth of a second) into each ear to estimate the location of its source.

The Science of Hearing – Sidebars

Sidebar 1: Earth Sounds Are Easy

As part of the Apollo 15 space crew that landed on the Moon in July 30, 1971, NASA astronaut David Scott performed an experiment by dropping a hammer and a feather at the same time to see which would land first. Because the Moon has the thinnest of atmospheres, a near-vacuum estimated to be five-trillionth as dense as Earth’s, the two items landed at the exact same time, accelerated only by the force of gravity. And since sound needs to travel through something—air, water, gas—to get from point A to point B, astronaut Scott’s dropped objects made no sound.  Or put another way, the Moon, for all intents and purposes, is silent. Earth, on the other hand, is noisy. Indoors we hear alarm clocks, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines, television sets, conversations, and so on. Outside it’s chirping birds and barking dogs, lawnmowers and chain saws, even planes, trains, and automobiles.

Sidebar 2: The Big Boom Theory

A sonic boom is the sound of an object moving faster than the speed of sound. At sea level, this means the sound is moving faster than 750 miles per hour. As a jet flies through the air, it creates a wave of pressure in front; if the jet travels less than the speed of sound, air particles have enough time to part in front of it, much like waves part in front of a ship. However, when the jet flies faster than the speed of sound, also referred to as Mach 1, the pressure waves are compressed and overlap, resulting in what’s known as a sonic boom. The loudest sonic boom every recorded was 144 pounds of overpressure – created by an F-4 fighter jet flying just over Mach 1 at an altitude of 100 feet. There were no injuries, which is amazing since just 5 pounds of overpressure can cause minor damage to buildings. Recently, an experimental jet set a record for hypersonic flight, traveling at Mach 6 – six times the speed of sound!

Sidebar 3: Faster than a Speeding Bullet—Sometimes

Is sound faster than a speeding bullet? The answer depends on the type of bullet and the weapon discharging it. Most pistols and revolvers are slower than the speed of sound. On the other hand, most military rifles are faster, which explains why sometimes you’ll see the shot land before hearing its impact.

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Posted in Frequency, Hertz, Pitch, Sound, Sound Barrier, Sound Waves, Velocity, Wavelengths

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Should I search the web for hearing aids?

August 19th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Suzanne Yoder, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
HearWell Center
2400 Ardmore Blvd., Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 271-3002
www.hearwellcenter.com

Article first published on Dr. Suzanne Yoder’s blog on hearing care:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful Links

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

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

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

American Speech & Hearing Association -represents all audiologist and speech language pathologists.
Links regarding consumer education on hearing aid purchases
 
FDA US Food and Drug Administration
Buying Medical Devices and Diagnostic Tests Online
http://www.fda.gov/

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

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

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

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Posted in HearWell Center, Suzanne Yoder

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Hearing Loss Now Third Most Common Health Problem in the United States….

August 6th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Founding Director
Arizona Hearing Specialists
7574 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 742-2845
www.arizonahearing.com

Hearing Loss Now Third Most Common Health Problem in the United States and Americans believe their social life and safety are suffering…..

Tucson, AZ – With more than 50 million Americans suffering from its effects, hearing loss is now the third most common health problem in the country today, behind only arthritis and heart disease.  Additionally, Americans believe their social life and/or safety is the most negatively impacted by substantial hearing loss, results found from a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults (conducted by HearUSA – Kelton Research).

“More than half of all hearing impaired persons are younger than 65,” says Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology and Founding Director of Arizona Hearing Specialists in Tucson and Green Valley.  “Sadly, too many people either do not recognize that they are having hearing difficulties, or do not want to admit their difficulties due to preconceived notions or social stereotypes.”

Findings have shown that even mild hearing loss can lead to avoidance of social situations, reduced alertness and reduced job performance and earning power. Because not seeking treatment can have long-term negative effects on communication and cognition, Dr. Gasch wants to remind people that help is available. 

Arizona Hearing Specialists wants to encourage people in the community to seek answers to their questions about hearing difficulties and to educate themselves about available solutions.  For over 25 years, the locally owned hearing care practice has been helping people improve the quality of their lives through better hearing.  Additionally, they are certified by Audigy Group as being one of the leading hearing care providers in the nation. 

During August, two educational seminars, with breakfast included, are free to the public on two separate dates.  However, due to limited seating, the Seminar requires advance reservations. Interested persons should call 520.742.2845 to reserve their space.  Spouses or significant others are encouraged to also attend. People are also welcome to visit www.arizonahearing.com for other events and information throughout the year.

“My goal in sponsoring these events is to provide people in our community with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions regarding their hearing health,” says Dr. Gasch.

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Posted in Arizona Hearing Specialists, Audigy Group, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Uncategorized

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WHAT DOES DIGITAL MEAN?

July 30th, 2010 by JWoodward 3 comments »

By: Scott F. Young, Au.D., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Hearing Solution Centers
5525 E. 51st St., Ste 500
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 388-6644
www.hearingsolutioncenters.com

Many times patients come to my office and ask about what do those “digital” hearing aids mean to me?  To answer this we have to look back and understand what hearing aids use to be.  Hearing aids generally have three classical definitions for the circuitry inside:  Analog, Programmable, and Digital.

Analog hearing aids are types of circuitry which are set by the manufacturer and give little adjustment to the Audiologist to control.  Analog hearing aids were used for many decades until around 2000-2008 where the manufacturers stopped requesting and making parts for these devices.  Because of the lack of parts available for these devices, it is essentially not repairable and needs to be replaced.

Programmable hearing aids were the beginning of the revolution to allow the Audiologist to change the settings of the aid to better suit his/her patient’s lifestyle more individually.  These were used in the 1990’s primarily and now are virtually unavailable for any repair issues because these parts are also not made anymore.

Digital devices began and started a few times in the 1970-1980’s but began in earnest in the late 1990’s.  Now all devices are digital.  But do not be fooled by sales people telling you that all digital hearing aids are the same because they are not.  Digital devices could have as few as 10 individually adjustments to around 100 separate adjustments that only your AudigyCertified Audiologist can effectively handle.  If, as one of my favorite patients asked me, the birds on the golf course were too loud for you, it can be adjusted effectively and easily.  Many patients have not realized that their devices could be modified to accommodate their specific needs according to their hearing loss and listening lifestyle.

“So can digital hearing aids take away all the sounds I do not want to hear?” This is a common question I hear but the answer is yes and no.  We all hear sounds we do not wish to hear, such as a yelling child in a restaurant, but we all still have to deal with this problem.  What can be fixed is the comfort of that noise to make it not exceed your ability to tolerate that sound (or hurt your ear), unless everyone around you is holding his or her ears as well.

Every year the manufacturers are creating new devices to accommodate the difficult lifestyles our patients see to handle the noise, whistling and other unwanted issues and putting them literally in the rearview mirror of hearing history.  Keep asking an AudigyCertified Audiologist what new technology might be available for you or your loved one.

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Posted in Analog, AudigyCertified, Audiologist, Digital, Digital Hearing Aids, Digital Hearing Devices, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Listending Lifestyle, Programmable, Uncategorized

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Hearing Care, the Internet, and “Big Box” Retailers

July 23rd, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By Crystal L. Chalmers, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology      
North State Audiological Services
15 Jan Court
Chico, CA 95928
(888) 844-7024
www.nsaudiology.com

A full decade into the 21st Century, it would be rare to find an American who has not been to a modern shopping mall or used the Internet.  In fact many of us visit “Big Box” anchored shopping malls at least occasionally, and the number of Americans who regularly use the Internet far exceeds the number who do not.  Even amongst senior citizens — the final demographic to embrace this technology — the gap between Internet users and non-users continues to narrow.

Without doubt, the Internet is a fabulous tool, providing us with a wealth of easily obtainable information in mere seconds.  And the amount of relatively low-priced goods and services that “Big Box” and chain retailers supply can certainly help many families stretch their monthly budget.

But are these two venues the be-all-and-end-all for every consumer scenario?

The short answer is, “Absolutely not!” … especially when it comes to professional hearing care technology and follow-up service.  The Internet outlets as well as “Big Box” and retail chain stores simply cannot provide the level of patient care and service that a full-service, AudigyCertified™ hearing care practice must provide to its patients.

These outlets may tout “low prices” but remember that “price” is only an issue in the absence of value.  And when it comes to hearing care services and technology, value is clearly lacking from these types of retailers.

Compare Apples with Apples

You’ve heard that old saying countless times before and there is a good reason for its longevity.  High volume consumer retailers and Internet companies are famous for blow-out prices on a host of products, many of which are either close-outs on outdated technology or are subsidized by the manufacturer.  Then, they make those skinny margins work for them by cutting corners on labor which means poor service … for you!

This may be fine for a lot of goods such as flashlight batteries, printer paper, bulk grocery items, and various sundries.

But because hearing difficulties are so unique to each and every individual a far different approach is absolutely mandatory for a successful solution.  Achieving that solution should be a process built upon a relationship of trust and respect between the patient and a highly trained, competent, and ethical professional whose services and products provide long-term value.

For example, as a private care Doctor of Audiology and member of Audigy Group™ – the nation’s largest member-owned association of hearing care professionals — my practice is AudigyCertified™ in order to guarantee my patients that they will receive nothing less than the most experienced, professional care available in the Untied States.

All my patients receive the following:

● 100% Service Satisfaction Guarantee in Writing

● Complimentary 75 Day Trial Period on all New AGX Hearing Aid Technology Purchases

● 3 Year Warranty

● 3 Year Loss and Damage Insurance

● Free Batteries … for Life!

● Complimentary Monthly Clean & Check of Technology with Fresh Batteries Installed

● Free Annual Hearing Screening

As a smart consumer, you really do need to make sure you are comparing apples with apples.  And one good way is through the Internet, which, as noted above, shines in providing information.  Check websites. Do research.  Verify credentials as well as state and federal consumer protection laws.  A good website should educate you.

In closing, I founded North State Audiological Services with the goal of offering complete hearing health care ranging from diagnostic testing to treatment for tinnitus, with hearing technology sales and fitting based upon patient need and lifestyle; not on manufacturer incentives.  For my staff and I, our jobs are not about selling something.  Instead, it is all about taking care of our patients and helping them hear better.

Do you have questions for me or about my practice?  You can call toll free at (888) 844-7024, post a comment on this blog, email me at drchalmers@nsaudiology.com or visit my website at www.nsaudiology.com …… because hearing is a wonderful gift!”

About the writer:  Crystal Chalmers, Au.D., is an AudigyCertified™ Doctor of Audiology, the owner of North State Audiological Services in Chico, and a member of Audigy Group, the nation’s largest member-owned association of independent hearing care professionals. 

Since 2006, Audigy Group has interviewed over 5,000 of the 18,000 audiologists in the United States, yet has selected only 170 to be members in this elite association. AudigyCertified™ is a trade-mark of Audigy Group, LLC.

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Posted in AGX Hearing Aids, Audigy Group, AudigyCertified, Chain Hearing Aid Retailors, Crystal Chalmers, Diagnostic Testing, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Screening, Hearing Technology, Hearing Test, North State Audiological Serivces, Professional Hearing Care, Uncategorized, tinnitus

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Hearing Aid Donation: Putting Old Hearing Aids to Good Use

July 16th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Founding Director
Arizona Hearing Specialists
7574 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
(520) 742-2845
www.arizonahearing.com

Tucson, AZ, July 7th, 2010 – To help needy children, Arizona Hearing Specialists is accepting donations of all kinds and brands of gently used hearing aids. The staff repair, clean and then donate them to the children of St. Andrew’s Clinic in Nogales, Arizona.

For many years, Arizona Hearing Specialists has been a proud supporter of St. Andrew’s Children’s Clinic in Nogales, AZ. Dr. Gasch and her staff volunteer time and services to children from Mexico with hearing loss. This is made possible by the generous donations of hearing aids and batteries from our community. Their dedicated team assists in the fitting and follow-up for these children. Ask any team member at Arizona Hearing Specialists about how you can help make a difference with the “gift of hearing.” Arizona Hearing Specialists takes pride in being an upstanding member of the community. That is why they continually strive to provide education to the members of our communities through various educational seminars about hearing, hearing loss, communication and the latest developments in hearing aid technology.

The free clinic is held the first Thursday of every month (except July) and serves over 200 needy children. These children come from all over Mexico and have a wide variety of medical conditions for which they are unable to get treatment elsewhere. The program was founded in 1973 and is the longest running border health project in the United States.  To view a video on the clinic and the volunteers, please watch: http://www.borderbeat.net/default/1262-st-andrews-volunteers
Hearing aid donations are accepted (in person or by mail) at Arizona Hearing Specialists, Monday to Friday from 9 am – 5 pm (closed for lunch) at the following locations:
7574 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741; or 512 E Whitehouse Canyon Road, Green Valley, AZ 85614

Founded over 27 years ago by Janis Wolfe Gasch, Au.D., Arizona Hearing Specialists concentrates on the identification, prevention and treatment of those who have hearing loss. In three locations Arizona Hearing Specialists fits the most current technology in hearing aids available from all the major manufacturers. Those who have concerns about hearing loss can reach them at (520) 742-2845 or http://www.arizonahearing.com.

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Posted in Arizona Hearing Specialists, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid Batteries, Hearing Aid Donations, Hearing Aids, Hearing Technology, St. Andrew's Clinic, Tucson Hearing Aids

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3 Secrets to Better Hearing: For anyone with hearing loss, and even people without

June 25th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Mary Ann Gilbert, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Whittier Hearing Center, Inc.
13121 E. Philadelphia St.
Whittier, CA 90601
(562) 698-0581
www.whittierhearing.com

Everyone can be helped to hear better by using 3 simple secrets to better hearing.  This is true if you have normal hearing, a mild hearing loss that doesn’t require hearing aids or a more significant loss that does require them.  In this article I will discuss how you hear; disclose the 3 simple secrets to better hearing; and show you how to apply them in difficult situations such as restaurants, parties, and family gatherings.  I will also give you some important tips to improve family communication at home.

Hearing Happens In Your Brain, NOT your Ears!

Before we start, the first thing you must understand is that hearing happens in your brain, not in your ears!  The ears send the message to your brain, where the information is combined with what you see and what you expect to hear.  After the brain puts it all together we say that “we hear and understand what is said”.  Some of the listening tips are going to deal with your ears, some with your eyes, and still others with your brain.  We hear best when all three of these are working together and helping each other. 

Secret #1: Reduce the Background Noise

The quieter it is, the better you are going to hear.  So, reduce the noise!  This is actually easier than you think.  You can turn the TV down or off or choose to have conversations during the commercials and use the mute button.  You can turn the faucet off. Water is a great masker of speech.  Everyone has trouble hearing and understanding over the sound of running water.  You can go into a quieter area or another room to get away from the noise.  You can also move out of the center of a room and get near the wall.  In large rooms the center is the noisiest area and the closer you are to the walls the quieter it gets.

Secret #2: Watch the Person Speaking

Your eyes and ears work together to give your brain the information it needs to “hear and understand”.  Use your eyes to help you ear better.  You can move in front of the person who is speaking so you have a clear view of their face.  This helps you lip read as well as watch for facial expressions which add so much to our understanding of speech. You can ask the speaker to look at you and if necessary to move their hand away from their face.  If they turn and start to walk away while they are still talking, ask them to come back and finish the conversation face to face. 

Secret #3: Pay Attention

This is the brain part.  Hearing happens in your brain and most of us cannot actively listen and understand speech while we are doing other things.  So please, give the conversation your full attention by muting the TV, putting down the book you were reading, looking up from the newspaper, and stop knitting.  If you give the conversation 100% of your attention you will hear much better.

Special Situations:  Here are some ways that you can apply these secrets to special situations.  By using the 3 secrets correctly you can maximize your understanding of speech even in very noisy places! 

CARS:  Cars are one of the most frequent difficult situations that you need to deal with. There is the car, traffic and wind noise.  You also need to be watching the road and concentrating on your driving so it is hard to concentrate on listening.  Here are some things you can do that will make life a little easier:

1. If you wear hearing aids you can try turning the one that is against the window down or off.  This will reduce the noise of the car and the traffic.  If you have hearing aids in both ears you may want to turn the one that is to the center of the car up a little to help you hear the radio and the conversation more easily.  Try different combinations and see what works best for you.

2. When giving, or receiving directions, wait until a stop sign or a red light.  While the car is stopped you can look at the person speaking and give your full attention to the conversation.    

3. Drive with your windows rolled up.  Wind noise is very hard to hear over.  You can try keeping a back window cracked slightly to help you hear sirens and other warning sounds. 

4. If you need to really converse with people in the car the best seat is the front passenger’s seat.  This allows you to rotate your body slightly so your right ear is not up against the window, and your left ear is rotated slightly toward the back seats.  If you are the driver, please forget trying to have a conversation while you are driving.  Remind your passengers that their safety is your most important concern.  Ask them to talk to you only while the car is stopped and then only about really important matters.  You can save the long conversations for when you get to your destination. 

RESTAURANTS:  This is probably the place where older people have the most trouble. Almost everyone over the age of 55 years complains of not being able to hear well in this type of noise.  Unfortunately, in restaurants there are many factors you cannot control such as how loud or fast the server speaks or how noisy the table next to you is.  There are some things that are in your control and you want to be sure to use these to help you hear better.

1. Always ask for a table near the wall.  Never sit in the middle of the room where noise is coming at you for all around.  The noise will drown out what is happening at your table.  So choose your table wisely!

2. If you do not wear hearing aids then you should try to sit with your back near or against the wall.  This will reduce the noise coming from behind you and also make the voices of your guests across from you a little louder and easier to hear.  (This can make as much as a 70% improvement in your understanding of speech in restaurants.  Try it!) 

3. If you wear hearing aids with dual or directional microphones sit looking at the wall.  This will allow your hearing aids to do the best job of reducing noise.  If you are not sure about your hearing aids ask your fitter what type you have.  Using your directional hearing aids correctly can make a significant difference in how much you hear and understand in this type of difficult situation. 

4. Try to get a table in the quietest part of the restaurant.  Quiet areas are usually found along the wall, in corners, and away from the front door and kitchen access doors or work stations.  If you are not familiar with the restaurant take a walk through and listen for the quieter areas.  Then ask your hostess to seat you in that area.  An extra 10 minute wait to be seated is well worth it if you can now enjoy visiting with your party. 

PARTIES:   Parties are a lot like restaurants.  Being in control of the situation is key to successful hearing and understanding. 

1. Do NOT stand in the middle of the room.  You will get noise from all around you and will have the most trouble trying to hear and talk in the locations. 

2. Move toward the wall area.  If you wear directional or dual microphone hearing aids, put your friends with their backs against the wall and you can stand with your back to the room and looking at the wall.  If you do not wear hearing aids then stand with your own back to the wall and put your friends in a group around you looking toward you and the wall. 

3. Try to keep the groups you are visiting with small.  You will do best when the group is no more than 4 people at a time.  You will enjoy your event much more when you speak with several groups of 3-5 people rather than one large groups of 10+.  (Don’t forget to position yourself correctly relative to the wall as discussed in #2 above.)

AT HOME:  This is where we live and where we spend the most time each and every day.  By applying the 3 secrets of reducing noise, paying attention, and using our eyes you can really improve home communication. Several of our patients have told us that using these simple tricks at home really reduced communication stress and improved their marriages! So they are worth a try. 

1. Reduce Noise:  Put the TV on mute; turning the water off; closing the front door can all reduce noise and make conversing easier.  Look around and find your noise sources and then figure out how you can turn them down or off when you really want to communicate with your spouse or family. 

2. Move closer to the person who is speaking.  The closer we are the better we hear.  Don’t try to talk from room to room.  Sound waves are not that smart and they really do not travel well.  So go into the room where the speaker is, or have them come to you. 

3. Look at the person who is speaking.  This means you need to be in the same room and close enough that you can see them.  It also means that the speaker cannot turn around and walk out of the room while they are still talking.  We need face-to-face conversation to be able to hear and understand speech clearly!

4. Get the listener’s attention BEFORE you try to talk to them.  Your voice can easily blend into the TV or you may be too far away for them to even hear you.  Simply call their name and wait for a reply.  Once they say “what?” or “OK”  that is your signal to start talking.  If they do not answer when their name is called then don’t waste your breathe trying to tell them something.  Instead, move closer or go find them, or wait until later to speak to them.

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Posted in Background Noise, Better Hearing, Communication, Hearing, Hearing Aids, Hearing Loss, Listening Tips, Noisy, Normal Hearing, Reduce Noise, Uncategorized

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Now Hear this…. Are You at Risk for a Hearing Loss?

June 18th, 2010 by JWoodward No comments »

By: Bettie Borton, Au.D., FAAA
Doctor of Audiology
Doctors Hearing Clinic
7025 Halcyon Park, Suite A
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 396-1635
www.doctorshearingclinic.com

Did you know hearing loss…

  • Is the third most prevalent chronic health condition in America, behind high blood pressure and arthritis?
  • Affects 36 million Americans (about 17% of adults)?
  • Is more common in men than women?
  • Costs our economy billions of dollars in lost wages and hidden costs annually?

Is not being adequately identified by healthcare professionals? Only 38 percent of adults ages 70 years and older and only 29 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 have had their hearing tested within the last 5 years!

Do you or someone you love have a hearing loss? If so, you’re not alone. Almost 20% of adults in the United States will develop hearing loss during the course of their lives, and if undiagnosed and untreated, its affects can be devastating. Impaired hearing can have a profound impact on emotional, physical, economic, and social well-being.  People with hearing loss have documented decrease in quality of life, reporting symptoms of depression, dissatisfaction with life, reduced functional health, and social isolation. Statistically, they have lower income levels, and frequently complain of frustration in relationships and various communicative situations, as well as inability to enjoy social situations, and fatigue. Despite the fact that most people with hearing loss can be helped with today’s state of the art amplification, many never seek help, or resist the use hearing aids or other assistive listening technologies.

The causes of hearing loss are varied and resultant impact on auditory capability may range from mild to pronounced. Sometimes the cause or etiology, such as wax build up in the external ear canal or an ear infection, is readily apparent. In other instances, the cause of hearing loss may be more obscure. Decreased hearing is often called “the invisible handicap”. Because hearing impairment (especially loss related to aging) often presents very gradually, those with significant hearing impairment can be unaware of their loss. Family members, significant others, co-workers and friends are frequently the first to notice communication problems related to decreased hearing sensitivity.

Given that 36 million Americans are faced with this “invisible handicap” what kinds of risk factors increase the likelihood that someone will develop hearing loss? Why do some people develop hearing loss and while others do not? Some risk factors are obvious, but others are much more obscure.

Perhaps the most widely recognized risk factor is aging. Presbycusis, or the loss of hearing that gradually occurs as we grow older, is a familiar scenario for those of us with older family members. In fact, about 30-35 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 years have a hearing loss, while an estimated 40-50 percent of people 75 and older have a hearing impairment.

Loss associated with presbycusis is usually greater for high-pitched sounds, resulting in the frequent comment “I can hear people talking, but can’t understand them clearly”. It is most commonly binaural (in both ears), affecting the ears equally. Because this type of loss in hearing sensitivity is so gradual, people who have presbycusis frequently lose their frame of reference for normal loudness of sounds, and often do not realize that their hearing acuity is diminishing.

The resultant relationship dynamic is frequently the subject of jokes – “My husband suffers from ‘selective’ hearing and he’s driving me crazy”! In reality, however, hearing impairment is no laughing matter and can take quite a toll on communication with significant others. Research indicates that for couples where one person has unaddressed hearing loss, the divorce rate is actually significantly higher.

Most people would agree that we now live in a very noisy world. Noise levels for rock concerts, radios, motorcycles, traffic, industrial and lawn equipment, and even our personal listening devices constantly bombard our auditory system. It is not surprising that noise exposure is another one of the most frequently cited risk factors for hearing loss, and now rivals aging as the number one cause of hearing loss in this country.  Noise from occupational, recreational and sporting activities all pose significant hazards to hearing in the United States today. Firearm use is one of the biggest culprits in our area of the country. A single shot from a shotgun, experienced at close range, can permanently damage hearing.  Repeated exposures to loud machinery in the work place or as part of yard maintenance or recreational experience may, over an extended period of time, present a serious risk to hearing. Even something as seemingly benign as blow dryers for styling hair put hearing at risk.

Consider the noise levels for such activities as NASCAR, jet ski and power boat usage, and lawn equipment. The cumulative effects of these noise hazards and many others pose a serious risk for hearing. Noise exposure risk is a time weighted function – in other words, the longer the exposure time, the greater the risk, and lower the loudness level required to cause damage. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise, and 30 million more are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day. A one-time exposure to hazardous noise resultant from gunfire or a rock concert, no matter how brief the time, of 120 dB or more can leave hearing permanently impaired. Prolonged exposure to only 85 dB (which can be generated by a commonly used appliance such as a blow dryer or hand held power tool) can do the same. 

Children and young adults are bombarded with potentially damaging noise exposure, most of which is easy to overlook. Most people intuitively recognize that “boom boxes”  IPODS, and other personal listening devices, if played too loudly, constitute a risk to hearing. However, consider the noise levels inherent to playing in a school band or orchestra. Students engaged in this commonplace activity spend hours practice in noisy environments within the context of their academic activities, yet many of them are not wearing appropriate ear protection, nor are schools effectively addressing this problem. To complicate matters, for reasons that are not fully understood some people are more susceptible to noise exposure than others.  As an example, research indicates that those with blue eyes are more prone to noise exposure than those with darker eye color!

Aging and noise exposure are two rather obvious risk factors for hearing loss, but there are many other factors that are more insidious. Studies suggest that there is a strong genetic component inherent to hearing loss, both for childhood deafness as well as presbycusic loss. If your parent or grandparent had hearing loss, your risk factor for developing a similar impairment may increase. If you had a relative who was hearing impaired from birth, family members of child bearing age need to be mindful of this risk factor, and be particularly vigilant with regard to insuring that the newest members of the family are effectively screened at birth for hearing sensitivity.

Various diseases of the ear certainly pose risk to hearing sensitivity. Ear infection, otosclerosis (a bony growth in the middle ear cavity), Meniere’s Disease, acoustic neuroma (a tumor on the auditory nerve), and a host of other maladies are obvious risk factors for hearing loss. But did you know that hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? Visual deficits have long been associated with diabetes, but hearing loss is an under-recognized complication. Because of the strong correlation between diabetes and hearing loss, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), recently suggested that people with diabetes should consider having their hearing tested.

Use of common drugs such as antibiotics, aspirin, diuretics and chemotherapy can cause hearing loss. Typically, hearing loss from ototoxic drugs is high frequency, which often results in the hearing impairment less obvious to those it affects. All radiation and chemotherapy patients should insist on baseline hearing assessments before, during, and following their course of treatment to insure that auditory effects of ototoxic interventional strategies are carefully monitored and treated.

Race and gender also play a role in hearing loss risk factor determination. Researchers now know that compared to women, men are five and one half times more likely to have hearing loss. White and Mexican American men have a higher incidence of both high-frequency hearing loss and hearing loss in both ears than blacks, who were 70 percent less likely than white participants to present with hearing loss.

With the dramatic increase in airbag use, motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) are common culprits for increased risk of hearing loss. In fact, 17% of those involved in MVA’s with airbag deployment will have permanent loss of hearing as a result. Other insidious risk factors for hearing loss include smoking and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of hearing loss is significantly more pronounced among smokers, as well as those with any type of cardiovascular disease.

Many healthcare professionals simply don’t make these associations, and as a result, do not refer patients for hearing evaluation as often as risk factors might dictate. So, the message is be aware, and be proactive in assessing your risk, or that of your loved one, for hearing loss. For a comprehensive audiometric evaluation, see a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology. If you’ve never had a baseline audiogram, it’s certainly in your best interest to do so. Only 38 percent of adults ages 70 years and older and only 29 percent of adults ages 20 to 69 have had their hearing tested within the last 5 years.   If you’re over 65, hearing evaluation each year by a Board Certified Audiologist should become part of your annual medical maintenance program.
(Sources: BHI, NIDCD, ABA)

Dr. Bettie Borton is a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology, and a nationally recognized expert in hearing healthcare. She has more than 30 years’ experience diagnosing and treating hearing impairment in children and adults. Dr. Borton has served as the President of the Alabama Academy of Audiology, National Chair of the American Board of Audiology, and currently serves on the National Board of Directors for the American Academy of Audiology.

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Posted in Acoustic Neuroma, Assisitve Listening Technology, AudigyCertified, Audiogram, Audiologist, Audiometric Evaluation, Auditory, Bettie Borton, Binaural, Binaural Hearing, Clinical Audiologist, Diabetes, Doctor of Audiology, Doctors Hearing Clinic, Ear Disease, Ear infection, Ear wax, Hearing Aids, Hearing Assessment, Hearing Damage, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Evaluation, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Hearing Test, Hearing Tested, Hearing protection, Impaired Hearing, Meniere's Disease, Noise Exposure, Noise Hazards, Noise levels, Otosclerosis, Ototoxic Drugs, Presbycusis, Signs of Hearing Loss, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized

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New Smoke Alarm Requirements Will Save Lives

June 4th, 2010 by JWoodward 2 comments »

By Kevin M. Liebe, Au.D., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Columbia Basin Hearing Center
1149 N. Edison Street, Suite D
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-4005
www.columbiabasinhearing.com  

As many of you are probably unaware, a new National Fire Alarm Code went into effect in January 2010.  The change is the result of mounting research evidence indicating that millions of Americans could potentially sleep through their smoke alarms during a fire.

Most standard smoke alarms in the US produce high-frequency tones between 3000 to 4000 Hz.  Unfortunately, this high-frequency range is also one of the first to be effected by hearing loss.  About 30 million Americans, or 1 in 10, have some degree of hearing impairment.  According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 18 percent of adults ages 45-64 have hearing impairment, compared with 30 percent of adults 65-74 and almost 50 percent of adults over 75.

The new National Fire Alarm Code would require the use of a low-frequency signal (520 Hz) for fire alarms installed in residential bedrooms of those with mild to severe hearing loss by January 2010 and in all commercial bedrooms by 2014.  This low-frequency tone has been found to be significantly more effective in waking up individuals with hearing loss and those in a deep sleep, even more effectively than strobe lights or bed shaking devices alone.

Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in the US.  Most fire fatalities occur at night, between the hours of about 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the vast majority of people are asleep.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that adults above the age of 65 have about twice the risk of fire fatality than the average and those over 85 have four and half times the risk.  These figures are especially troubling, given the fact that these groups are also at a much greater risk of not hearing their smoke alarms. 

If you or a loved one suffers from even a mild hearing loss, a traditional smoke alarm may not be enough to awaken you from a deep sleep.  Often times you only have a few minutes to escape a house fire once the alarms have detected smoke.  Serious consideration should be given to whether a low-frequency smoke alarm or some other form of alerting device would be the best choice for your needs in case of a fire.  Speaking with an audiologist will help you determine the most appropriate options based on your individual hearing needs.

Fire Facts from the NFPA:

  • In 2008, U.S. fire departments responded to 386,500 home fires. These fires killed 2,755 civilians. Eighty-three percent of all fire deaths resulted from home fires.
  • Someone was injured in a home fire every 40 minutes and roughly eight people died in home fires every day during 2008.
  • A fire department responded to a home fire every 81 seconds.
  • Almost two-thirds of reported home fire deaths in 2003-2006 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
  • About 1/3 of home fires and deaths happened in the months of December, January and February.
  • The kitchen is the leading area of origin for home fires. However, bedrooms and living/family rooms are the leading areas of origin for home fire deaths.
  • One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less.
  • Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.

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Posted in Audiologist, Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance Center, Doctor of Audiology, Fire Safety, Fire fatalities, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, High-Frequency, Low-Frequency, Smoke Alarms, hearing needs

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Hearing Loss, Dizziness and Balance Disorders in the Elderly

May 28th, 2010 by JWoodward 1 comment »

By Neil W. Aiello, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology
Cheif Operations Officer
Columbia Basin Hearing Center
1149 N. Edison Street, Suite D
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-4005
www.columbiabasinhearing.com  

Adults are now living longer.  But with increased longevity comes a corresponding increase in the incidence of hearing loss, dizziness and balance problems.  Each of these conditions are common problems among the senior population.  Some revealing statistics from the National Institute on Aging include: 

  • Approximately one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing problems. 
  • Nearly half the people who are 75 or older have hearing loss. 
  • As many as 40% of all adults will experience dizziness severe enough to warrant reporting it to their doctor. 

In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, over 90 million Americans will experience dizziness or vertigo in their lifetime.  Dizziness or vertigo is the #1 complaint of patients over the age of 70, and is the third most frequent complaint among all patients after headache and back pain.  Approximately 85% of all vertigo and balance problems are due to an inner-ear incident.

Neil Aiello, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology | Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance CenterHearing loss can have many causes including aging of the auditory system, overexposure to loud noises over a period of time, infections, ear wax buildup in the ear canal, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, certain medicines and heredity.  Common symptoms of hearing loss include; if you often can hear people talking, but simply have difficulty understanding them; struggling to hear conversations clearly in background noise or in group situations; having difficulty hearing over the telephone or needing to turn the TV volume higher so that others complain.  These Sound Voids ™ are the result of some form of hearing loss, either temporary or permanent, and may result in situations where an individual’s hearing loss does not permit them to detect or understand important sound and speech cues.  Individuals often find that Sound Voids result in tiring, frustrating, and embarrassing situations.

Dizziness is a symptom with a multitude of possible causes.  Determining the underlying cause is one of the biggest challenges for physicians.  The most common causes are related to the inner ear; therefore, referral to an audiologist is highly recommended.  Other causes include central nervous system problem in the brain or brainstem, related heart conditions, medications, as well as infections of the inner-ear or vestibular nerve.  Specificity is the key to finding the source of the problem.  The more specific you can be about when the symptoms began, when they are most likely to occur and exactly what they feel like will help the audiologist or physician develop a more accurate diagnosis.  Be aware that determining the source of dizziness is very complex and difficult to localize.  In fact, many times the exact source of the dizziness is never found.  However, more serious sources of the problem are ruled out.

According to a distinguished expert in the field of dizziness and balance disorders; Doctors of Audiology have an educational and clinical advantage in the identification and diagnosis of many forms of dizziness and vertigo problems.  The high incidence of inner ear symptoms with balance and vertigo disorders, in conjunction with the increasing number of elderly patients that need our expertise is on the rise.  In fact, many insurance companies are seeing the proven benefits and under-utilization of Doctors of Audiology who specialize in dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.

If you or your loved ones have hearing loss, Sound Voids™, dizziness, vertigo and/or balance problems, seek out your local Doctor of Audiology for the latest in modern professional hearing, dizziness and balance services.  General information on these topics can be found online at www.ColumbiaBasinHearing.com , www.audigygroup.com or www.dizzy.com

Definitions:

Audiologists (noun): are autonomous professionals who identify, assess, and manage disorders of the auditory, balance, and other neural systems. Audiologists provide audiological (hearing) rehabilitation to children and adults across the entire age span. Audiologists select, fit, and dispense amplification systems such as hearing aids and related devices. Audiologists currently hold a Master’s or Doctoral degrees in audiology from an accredited university or professional school.

Sound Void™ (noun):

  1. A moment lacking in clarity in hearing or understanding.
  2. An empty space in one’s life caused by the absence of sound clarity.

Hearing Loss (noun):

  1. Impairment of the sense of hearing.

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Posted in Audigy Group, AudigyCertified, Audiologist, Balance, Clinical Audiologist, Columbia Basin Hearing & Balance Center, Dizziness, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Signs of Hearing Loss, Sound voids, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized, inner ear, vertigo, vestibular nerve

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