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Hearing Loss Contributes to Lost Income & Impacts Employers

May 25th, 2011
By: Jennifer Bentley, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
The Hearing Assessment Center
9101 Franklin Square Drive
Baltimore, MD 21237
(410) 583-7021
Follow The Hearing Assessment Center | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube
www.hearingassessment.com
 

When the topic of hearing loss comes up in a conversation, most people don’t think twice about it—dismissing it as a problem faced by “old” people, and more of an inconvenience than a real health issue.

The fact is, hearing loss is a serious condition affecting nearly 30 million Americans. Studies report that one out of six baby boomers (ages 42-60) and one out of 14 in the Gen X population (age 30-41) are affected by hearing loss. Given these age breakdowns, it is fair to assume that most of these individuals are still active in the workforce.

Jennifer Bentley, Au.D. - Doctor of Audiology Baltimore, MarylandFor this large portion of the work force, hearing loss is more than “inconvenient.” If left untreated, even a mild hearing loss can jeopardize safety and cost them (and their employers) dearly.

In terms of safety, consider this: a person with untreated hearing loss, regardless of age, is given instructions to take medicine at specific times and in certain dosages. If those instructions are not crystal clear, the results can be life-threatening. Add in other outside factors such as the noise from the hospital emergency room, or a crying toddler, and the difficulty of hearing proper instructions increases.

The “danger” in these scenarios doesn’t even factor in the ability to hear sirens, smoke alarms, baby cries, car horns, and other alerting signals. The more significant the hearing loss, the greater the risk is to oneself or others, and that’s more than an inconvenience.

In addition to safety, job security and income for an employee with untreated hearing loss may be at risk. Consider a scenario where a boss gives a series of instructions and deadlines to a staff person. Even a mild hearing loss could impair the employee’s ability to hear the details correctly. This puts the project at risk and may even jeopardize that person’s job.

A survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute indicates, “Working Americans who ignore their hearing problems are collectively losing at least $100 billion a year in earnings.” The survey showed that, “Even people with mild hearing loss, who may miss a consonant here or a word there, may lose income if they can’t completely grasp the latest news at the water cooler or a phone message from the boss.”

The report goes on to estimate that the average worker with untreated hearing loss loses from $1,000 per year (those with mild hearing loss) to $12,000 a year with profound hearing loss.

Given the fact that most hearing loss is noise-induced (contrary to years of thinking it was related to age), it is not likely that the number of people suffering from hearing loss will decline in our noisy society. As a matter of fact, there is an epidemic of hearing loss in young people.

Reports indicate that children as young as 7 are being diagnosed in unprecedented numbers with noise-induced hearing loss. The impact of this epidemic, of course, is yet to even be a reality for employers.

Being Proactive Can Make A Difference

It is easy to be proactive in addressing hearing loss in the workplace. The best place for individuals and businesses alike to begin is with a hearing-loss awareness program. The goal of an awareness program is to commit to the prevention and the proactive treatment of hearing loss for those who are affected.

In terms of prevention, hearing conservation programs are recommended for noisy businesses. When around high levels of occupational noise, the employee’s hearing sensitivity should be monitored on an annual basis. In low-noise environments, such as an office building, employers should include hearing-loss awareness education as part of their worksite wellness programs.

In terms of proactive treatment, encourage employees to get their hearing tested and treated if a loss does exist. Offering to help pay or share the cost of hearing aids (or other assistive listening devices) could speak volumes about an employer’s commitment to staff and hearing health. Such minor “investments” on the part of the business can be huge in terms of employee loyalty and enhancing morale.

Additionally, businesses can take steps to make it easier for employees with hearing loss to hear more efficiently.

For instance, offer phone amplifiers, install loop systems in meeting rooms, and encourage greater sensitivity and awareness among all staff members—offering tips or training to help them communicate more effectively with their co-workers who have hearing loss.

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May is Better Hearing Month!

May 4th, 2011

By: Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A
Audiology Associates
1111 Sonoma Ave., Suite 308
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 827-1630
www.audiologyassociates-sr.com

May is Better Hearing month—but despite the fact that more than 34 million Americans report some type of hearing problem, relatively few are screened annually. With about 1 in 10 Americans reporting some type of hearing difficulty, hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the aging process, hearing loss affects all age groups. More than half of hearing impaired persons in the United States are under age 65, including 6 million people between the ages of 18 and 44—and more than 14 million are school-age children. Here are some things to be aware of concerning hearing.

Better Hearing & Speech MonthSound voids. Do you hear “ool” but not sure if someone said “pool,” “tool” or “cool”? Do you find yourself saying “I hear OK, but I have trouble understanding,” or “Soft sounds are too soft but loud sounds are too loud.” Hearing clearly when there’s background noise can be especially difficult for someone with hearing loss and trying to explain your hearing situation can often be difficult.

It’s common for people to be unaware of their hearing loss due to the gradual nature of its progression. As hearing slowly declines, an individual develops compensation strategies without even realizing it. Often it’s others, who are trying to communicate with the hearing-impaired individual, who are more aware of the situation. Hearing problems often go unrecognized, sometimes taking years before sufferers seek professional help.

Causes. There are many causes of hearing loss. Sometimes it’s readily apparent, such as wax build-up in the external ear canal, a condition that’s easily treated but unfortunately goes unrecognized in many individuals. Other causes can include hereditary factors, trauma, ear disease and certain medications. The cause of hearing loss is sometimes presumed. For instance, noise-induced hearing loss attributed to the use of stereo systems or portable music players is a growing phenomenon. Avoiding loud noise may help prevent premature hearing loss and the perception of sound voids.

There are easy ways to tell if a particular sound is potentially harmful. Do you have difficulty talking or hearing others talk over the sound? Does the sound make your ears “ring” (tinnitus), “hurt” or seem “muffled” after exposure? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the noise may be damaging your hearing. Most people don’t realize how loud everyday sounds actually are. Nearly 30 million Americans are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day, and 10 million Americans suffer from irreversible hearing damage due to noise.

The diagnostic hearing tests. The purpose of a complete evaluation is to determine the true nature of any hearing loss. The diagnostic process may include a variety of tests, depending on the assessment of your needs: audiometric tests to measure hearing at different pitches; speech evaluation to measure how well you hear and recognize ordinary conversation at different volumes; immittance tests of the middle ear; and complete medical evaluations.

Tinnitus is a medical condition characterized by persistent ringing in one or both ears, which can only be heard by the affected individual. These sounds can come and go; however, most suffers experience symptoms 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The American Tinnitus Association estimates more than 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus. It’s also the number one complaint from United States veterans. In some cases, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and tinnitus retraining instruments (TRI) may provide individual solutions.

The balance system, due to its close proximity to the hearing mechanism, is also part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Fear of falling is a major health concern of individuals in their latter years. Nearly 300,000 hip fractures result from balance-related falls every year. The natural aging process may affect any one or all of the senses, as well as the central nervous system’s ability to interpret and react quickly to them. It’s very common to hear from someone who has fallen that they saw the curb or step, but just were not able to react fast enough or to keep their balance. With proper diagnosis and therapeutic exercise called balance retraining, many older adults are able to return to a more active lifestyle.

The Communication Needs Assessment in addition to the diagnostic hearing evaluation and after medical evaluation, if an individual still suffers from difficulty communicating; a complete communication needs evaluation is now the gold standard of hearing care. The fist step is identifying the individual’s need: What are the listening situations where the individual would like to hear well? The second step is identifying the individual’s lifestyle. For example, not just if they have trouble hearing in restaurants, but how often they do, or would they like to, go to restaurants.

May is Better Hearing & Speech MonthTechnology alone doesn’t help people hear better. Instead, it’s how well the practitioner works with the individual and applies the technology. If an individual doesn’t see well through a pair of glasses, it’s not due to the “glass,” per se. It has to do with either the measurement of the individual’s vision, the prescription or fit, or some combination. Hearing Aids are similar in application. What helps someone hear better is the correct amount of sound at the appropriate pitches for that individual’s hearing loss, environment and communication needs. Individuals with similar hearing loss may require completely different amplification strategies based on all of the factors mentioned here.

The all-important aftercare completes a comprehensive communication needs assessment for an exceptional sound experience. This includes assessment of need for assistive listening devices for telephone, Bluetooth, TV, loops or music systems. In addition to assistive solutions, aftercare will include lip reading and listening skills counseling.

It’s important that a hearing-impaired individual take an active role in listening and participate in the recommended auditory retraining and rehabilitation program to ensure he or she hears and understands as much as possible. The auditory system may not have heard certain voices and sounds for many years, and the reintroduction of new sounds and voices needs to be presented gradually. In other words, just as the hearing loss may have occurred gradually, the reintroduction of new sound needs to occur gradually. Through this process, each individual will adapt and develop necessary listening skills.

A hearing screening can quickly and accurately evaluate an individual’s hearing, determine the degree of hearing loss and put them on the path toward treatment. After treatment, it’s important to monitor the hearing loss to ensure the technology is meeting an individuals needs.

 

Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D, CCC-A, is clinical director and owner of Audiology Associates, a full-service audiology practice since 1984, with offices in Santa Rosa, Mendocino, Novato and Mill Valley.

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Sound Advice: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention

April 22nd, 2011

By: Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A
Audiology Associates
1111 Sonoma Ave., Suite 308
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 827-1630
www.audiologyassociates-sr.com

Have you noticed that daily life in our society gets louder every year? The change is subtle and is a problem that most of us take for granted and even ignore. According to many leading Audiology professionals, casually ignoring the sounds around us can lead to serious hearing problems, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

One of those professionals is David Coffin, Audiology clinic coordinator at Indiana’s Ball State University. “We are exposed to all sorts of sounds that can lead to permanent hearing loss,” Coffin says. “The average person will wear a helmet when riding a bike, or a seat belt in a vehicle, but doesn’t even think about ear protection when going to watch a rock band, a fireworks display, or even an auto race.”

According to the Better Hearing Institute, 30 million Americans are exposed to dangerous noise levels each day and 10 million Americans have already suffered irreversible hearing damage from noise.

The problem of noise induced hearing loss has been around for decades. It occurs at home, in the yard, at the office, at the factory, on the farm and in the military. But today, because of technology, virtually everyone is effected and at younger and younger ages. It is not uncommon for audiologists to see 20-year-olds with the hearing of 60-year-olds.

However, there is good news as well: NIHL is easily identifiable and completely preventable. Today, audiologists can assist with the prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss.

Hazardous Noises

Normal conversations occur at approximately 60 decibels. Raising your voice over a noise in order to be heard by someone an arm’s length away is a good indication that the noise could be within risky range. Knowing which noises can cause damage, such as jet engines, lawn mowers, motorcycles, chainsaws, powerboats, and personal media players is the best arsenal against NIHL.

“Risky noise,” says Coffin, “can come in the form of the pop of fireworks, the snarls of traffic, the buzz of lawn mowers, or the percussive tones of marching bands.”

According to Coffin, such sounds are typically within the range of 90 to 140 decibels, but any noise above 80 can cause long-term hearing damage. The maximum exposure time per day for the exposed ear is 8 hours at 90 decibels. The risk of noise-induced hearing loss depends on both the intensity and duration of the exposure. As intensity increases, the length of time for which the exposure is “safe” decreases. For example, exposure to 85 decibels (often produced by gas-engine lawn mowers) for 8 hours can be as equally damaging as exposure to 110 decibels (often produced by a chain saw) for only a few minutes. For every 5 decibel increase in volume, the maximum exposure time is reduced by 50 percent. Therefore, according to Sight and Sound Associates, the maximum daily exposure time at 95 decibels is four hours; at 120 decibels, seven minutes, 30 seconds.

Warning signs that exposure to hazardous noise has occurred or is occurring include: the inability to hear someone a few feet away, ear pain after leaving a noisy area, ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in the ears immediately after exposure to noise, or hearing people talking but being unable to understand them.

Loud explosions that peak for a few milliseconds at levels greater than 130 to140 decibels may cause hearing loss. More often, however, hearing loss is caused by repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels over long periods. Some sources of common noises and associated decibels are: lawn mower, 90 decibels; stereo headphones, 105-110 decibels; automobile horn, 110 dB; baby’s cry, 115 decibels; rock concert, 115-120 decibels; and firearms, 125-140 decibels.

The commercial popularity of portable media players with earphones, such as the iPod and similar devices, and their long-term use by consumers, increase the risk of NIHL in those users. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost 15% of Americans below the age of 19 suffer from some measure of hearing loss. And according to Sight and Hearing Association, the incidents of teenage hearing loss has increased 400 percent over a ten-year period, as found in a recent study of eighth graders.

Symptoms of NIHL

NIHL usually develops gradually. People may lose a significant amount of hearing before becoming aware of its presence. The first sign of NIHL is not being able to hear high-pitched sounds, such as the singing of birds, or not understanding speech when in a crowd or an area with a lot of background noise. If damage continues, hearing declines further, and lower pitched sounds become hard to understand.

Signs of hearing loss from unsafe sound exposure include the inability to comprehend somebody talking from two feet away, hearing muffled speech, experiencing pain or ringing in the ears following exposure, and needing others to speak louder in conversation.

People often fail to notice the impacts of unsafe exposure to noise because it causes few symptoms. Hearing loss is rarely painful. Symptoms may go away minutes, hours or days after the exposure to noise ends. Many people naturally assume that if the symptoms abate, their ears have recovered to normal. However, even in the absence of more symptoms, some cells in the inner ear may have been destroyed by the noise. Hearing returns to normal only if enough healthy cells are left in the inner ear. But if the noise exposure is repeated and more cells are destroyed a lasting hearing loss will develop.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

When the hearing system is exposed to noise at a risky or hazardous level, mechanical and metabolic changes can occur. Scientific research, based on studies of industrial workers, as well as lab studies of humans and animals, have investigated the effects of noise on hearing.

In these studies, excessive noise stimulated cells in the inner ear, resulting in chemical processes that can exceed the cells’ tolerance. This damages cell function and structure and results in sensorineural hearing loss (as opposed to a conductive hearing loss, where the outer or middle ear have been affected) and tinnitus (ringing of the ears).

The sensory cells in the cochlea may recover from their damage (as you have possibly experienced after a loud concert or work with a loud machine). Usually, recovery from temporary threshold shift (or TTS) occurs quickly, largely disappearing in 16 to 48 hours after exposure to loud noise. However, if the hearing sensitivity does not recover within a few days, an irreversible and permanent threshold shift has taken place.

Prevention

Hearing loss is not reversible, but NIHL is preventable. Individuals vary in their susceptibility to hearing loss and hearing typically declines with age, but a healthy person who is not exposed to hazardous noises can enjoy normal hearing into his senior years.

Noise is probably the most common occupational hazard facing workers today. Employers at noise-hazardous workplaces, and physicians, are in a position to advise those at risk for developing NIHL that there are three simple keys to prevention:

1)      Understand what noises put them at risk – those above 85 decibels, commonly portable media players, lawn mowers, motorcycles, chain saws, jet engines, etc. A general rule of measurement is that if one has to shout to be heard an arm’s length away, assume the noise is above a hazardous threshold.

2)      If possible, decrease noise at the source – for example, keep the volume low on portable media players, purchase motorized equipment with an effective muffler, etc.

3)      Buffer loud noises with earplugs or other forms of hearing protection. These are known as hearing protective devices (HPDs) and are required by law to be labeled with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) based on performance obtained under ideal laboratory conditions. HPDs are powerful tools for preventing NIHL if worn correctly and throughout the duration of the hazardous noise. Also sound absorbing materials, such as floor mats, can help reduce noise.

Early identification is important in order to recognize the presence of NIHL and take steps to prevent further hearing loss. Those regularly exposed to hazardous noise in the workplace or elsewhere should have an annual hearing test. If hearing loss is developing, it might indicate under-protection and could suggest preventative measures, such as better HPDs or turning down the volume on the iPod

Dr. Peter J. Marincovich, Ph.D., CCC-A

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Peter Marincovich earned his graduate degree in communicative disorders from Louisiana State University, and his Ph.D., in Audiology from the University of Memphis. A Santa Rosa native, Dr. Marincovich has practiced in his hometown since 1984. Dr. Marincovich works with patients of all ages and levels of hearing loss. He is also a frequent presenter at seminars and academic conferences. He holds specialized credentials in teaching the handicapped, and conducts courses at Santa Rosa Junior College. Dr. Marincovich is owner of Audiology Associates with offices in Marin, Santa Rosa and Mendocino.

References

ANSI (1996). American National Standard: Determination of occupational noise exposure and estimation of noise-induced hearing impairment. New York: American National Standards Institute, Inc., ANSI S3.44-1996.

National Institutes of Health (1990). Noise and Hearing Loss. NIH Consensus Development Conference Consensus Statement 1990, Jan 22-24; 8 (1).

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998). Revised Criteria for a recommended standard – Occupational noise exposure, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 98-126.

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (1999). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. NIH Pub. No. 97-4233.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1983). Occupational Noise Exposure Standard. 29 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1910.95.

Yattaw, M. (1999, July 21). Audiology doctorate among nation’s first. Ball State University News. Retrieved October 19, 2010, from http://www.bsu.edu/news/article/0,1370,-1019-1169,00.html

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Baby Boomers: The Next Generation to have Hearing Loss

April 15th, 2011

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

For many of you between the ages of 46 to 64, your time is coming.

Time, that is, to experience what so many of your parents and grandparents came to learn of fist hand: hearing difficulties caused by exposure to excess loud noise.

The “Baby Boomer” generation – those Americans born between 1946 and 1960 – accounts for some 76 million of us in the Untied States today and at least 15 percent of Boomers already have hearing loss.

This is a far cry from the previous 2 generations, who typically did not show symptoms of hearing loss until they were in their 70’s and 80’s.  Indeed, when I was an audiology student at Minot State University earning my Master’s of Science degree I was taught that only men in their 70’s and 80’s got hearing loss.

What has changed?  Our world is now much, much louder.

An Unprecedented Century

Prior to the Industrial Revolution of the 1890’s, relatively few Americans were exposed to loud noise.  At the turn of the 20th Century, much of our population inhabited rural areas with males working in non-mechanized agriculture and females involved in homemaking chores, which they performed by hand.  There were no vacuum cleaners or food processors.

However, with unprecedented technology, mechanization, and involvement in two World Wars, the US population got its first dose of exposure to excessive levels of loud noise.

Still, the field of audiology – born of the technological research in sonar for the Navy in WWII  — was in its infancy in the 1950’s and was relying on the only set of data on hearing loss available till then, which was testing conducted at the 1939 World’s  Fair in San Francisco.

But a funny thing happened.  That data was proven wrong when, in the mid 1980’s women in their 60’s started showing up in audiologist’s offices across the country with identical hearing loss of their male counterparts.

Audiologist & Ear Doctor, Dr. Crystal Chalmers, Chico, CaliforniaWho were these women and why, for the first time in recorded history, were they suddenly experiencing hearing loss?  She was, in fact, the “Rosie the Riveters” of WWII: those young American women who, with all the men serving in the armed forces, went to work in the factories and shipyards providing the “Arsenal of Democracy” with much needed war effort labor.  These women built the Liberty ships, Sherman tanks, and B-17 bombers used to defeat the Axis Powers …. And got themselves a hefty dose of impaired hearing in the process!

Post War Boom

After victory in WWII Americans got busy in the greatest economic surge in human history … and had babies.  Lots of babies.

And as those babies grew into young adults in the 60’s and 70’s a flourishing American economy provided them with all sorts of loud recreational activities.  From rock concerts to ski boats to hot rods to stereo systems, Americans got a steady diet of loud noise long before subsequent research showed the direct correlation between the noise and hearing loss.

Early Hearing Aids: Low-Tech = Bad Reputation

Parents of the Boomers had lousy timing as hearing aids back then were pretty awful.  These devices only made sounds louder for the wearer.  While a few people benefited from this simplistic approach to solving hearing difficulties, most did not and hearing aids got a deserved bad reputation.

So bad in fact that after graduating from school, I steered my career towards diagnostics, performing testing of the hearing system for the determination of medical problems such as the location and size of brain tumors and loss of balance problems.

The Digital Breakthrough

Everything about hearing aids changed in the late 1990’s with the breakthrough of digital hearing technology.  In essence, digital hearing aids are miniature computers that dramatically increase the amount of sound processes possible (and available to the wearer) as opposed to the old linear and analog products.  And digital products keep getting better, with several major advancements taking place during the last decade with the last two years seeing some terrific gains.

Today’s digital products are so advanced we don’t even call them hearing “aids” anymore.  Instead we prefer to call these amazing products “hearing technology” as they are smaller than ever with superb sound quality.  Top-of-the-line models have features that Boomers need such as “directionality” for enhancing sound coming to from the front, while tuning down sound coming from behind such as someone might experience at a noisy restaurant or party.  Also, Bluetooth capability enhances the lives of 21st century on-the-go active Americans.

Educate Yourself: Get the Facts about Hearing Care

The myths and misperceptions associated with hearing loss and hearing aids of 30 years ago should be put to rest.  The science of Audiology has come a long way as has hearing technology.  No one needs to suffer all the serious communication issues associated with hearing difficulties … if they would only seek help.

Get the facts!  As the month of May is National Better Hearing Month, I will be providing a Free Luncheon Seminar on Hearing Care on Wednesday May 4th at the Chico Women’s Club.  This informative seminar will answer all of your questions about hearing difficulties and technological solutions.   The seminar if free but advance reservations are required, so call my office at 1 (888) 893-1352 … 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 190 to be members in this elite association. AudigyCertified™ is a trade-mark of Audigy Group, LLC.

To learn more about Dr. Chalmers, her practice, and Audigy Group visit North State Audiological Services.

SIDEBAR:  More baby boomers showing signs of hearing loss

  • More than 55 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss—approximately one in 5 individuals — and this number is expected to increase further by 2030.  Much of that looming surge is a baby-boomer phenomenon.
  • Among Americans ages 46 to 64, about 15 percent already have hearing problems, according to a survey by the Better Hearing Institute.
  • Two out of three people with hearing loss are below retirement age.
  • Sixty percent of people with hearing loss are male.
  • Only 12 percent of physicians today ask patients if they have any hearing problems.
  • Only one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids currently wear them.

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Posted in AudigyCertified, Audiologist, California, Chico, Clinical Audiologist, Crystal Chalmers, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Health, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Impaired Hearing, Loss of Balance, Noise-induced, North State Audiological Serivces, Signs of Hearing Loss, Treatable Hearing Loss, Uncategorized, vertigo

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AARP – “On Your Side” Column Response

October 22nd, 2010

By Linda S. Remensnyder, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology      
Hearing Associates, P.C. . . . Eliminating the Sound of Silence
755 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Suite 189
Libertyville, IL 60048
www.hearingdoc.com

Dear Mr. Burley:

I read with interest your column, On Your Side, in the September/October 2010 AARP.Org magazine.  As you know, it focused on your reader, Mary Schofield, 88, of Slingerlands, New York who, in your own words,

got her hearing aids from Beltone.  The salesman sold Schofield two hide-in-the-ear Invisa Touch 17’s—the kind busy execs worried about their appearance might choose—for $6400.  The tiny batteries must be replaced every few days, not an easy task.  Days after the purchase, Schofield fell ill and was hospitalized for weeks.  When she resumed wearing the hearing aids, they weren’t fitting correctly . . . and the 45 day trial period had long since passed. (30)   

I am a Doctor of Audiology, I have owned my practice for 30 years and I was written up in an end-of-the year similar newspaper column called The Fixer (December 27, 2009) that has considerable distribution. The article was about  “Of These Good Guys” and I was honored to get national media exposure as being one of the Good Guys/Good Doctors.

Here is my take on what happened to the reader you presented in your column:  As a Doctor of Audiology, I NEVER fit a tiny in-the-ear style hearing aid on an 88 year old and I give the patients I see the following reasons: 

1. My job is to make you hear for the next 5-7 years.  You may develop tremor, poor dexterity, or poor eyesight (macular degeneration is rampant in that age population), and I do not want to take the risk that you will not be able to manage this style of hearing aid long-term. Cleaning the tiny hearing aids requires good dexterity and eyesight and so does battery replacement of the diminutive batteries. 

2. My job is to counsel you that when you are in your late 80′s, it is not surprising that you may experience some weight loss which is often secondary to ill health, hospitalization, or temporary placement in a rehab facility. Lose  weight and your ear “loses weight” as well. You don’t just lose weight at your belt line; and the ear, being cartilage, loses its tonus and the hearing aid literally falls out of your ear and is prone to annoying “whistling” (i.e.–feedback). 

3. My job is to inform you. Did you know that the ear (and the nose) continue to grow with age? Your ear will get larger and larger over time, especially in the 8th and 9th decades of life, and the aid will start to fall out and be prone to squealing even if you are healthy and maintain the weight you had when you ordered the instrument. The ear becomes like a “floppy fish” and the bowl of the ear gets larger and larger. 

4. My job is to educate you. Did you know that the ears produce more cerumen (ear wax) with aging and ear wax is very adverse to the in-the-ear styles. That is why 100% of our patients over 80 get the behind the ear hearing aid style which uses an earmold that can easily have the ear wax visualized and removed without damaging the critical components of the hearing aid (the behind-the-ear style is safe tucked up above your ear where ear wax doesn’t migrate). Also earmolds are approximately $95.00 and can be remade inexpensively to accommodate changes in ear dynamics. 

5. My job is to caution you about Murphy’s Law–what can go wrong will go wrong– and how it applies to aged ears. An interesting fact you may not know is that many aged ears have a tendency to have collapsing ear canals. The ear canal is like a funnel and it often has collapsing walls with aging thereby causing the hearing aid to be expelled from the ear canal contributing to chronic feedback. The only solution to this is a behind-the-ear style.

6. Most importantly, my job is to warn you that hearing often dramatically diminishes in the 8th and 9th decade of life. The in-the-ear styles have less reserve gain (power/amplification) than the behind-the-ear. Thus you are safer, long term, and insulated from purchasing more and more hearing aids over time. 

Your reader’s problem is that she went to a retail store and did not get doctoring advice. The same thing happens at Costco and at Sam’s Club, where the salespeople only sell and do not manage hearing loss. One last comment:  95% of all hearing loss is not capable of being managed by an Ear-Nose-Throat physician (ENT). What does the ENT do after he looks into the ear, shrugs his shoulders, and says “No wax, no sign of infection”? He says ”Go get an audiologic evaluation by the Doctor of Audiology.”

Doctors of Audiology are truly the hearing health care providers and I do not support your magazine’s suggestion to “start with your doctor” first.  The Doctor of Audiology’s audiogram and testing documents, for example, the probable presence of a brain tumor (8th Nerve tumor) and the magnitude of hearing loss secondary to ear fluid, which is not discerned by the otoscopic examination  In fact, many medical doctors refer patients to me for cerumen removal.

You are in an incredible position to impact the future of your aging readers as they navigate through the hearing health care arena. I was also profiled on the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) Website (May 12, 2010) in their Audiologist Changing their Communities series, by providing Audiologic Rehabilitation Classes that empower patients to make the right decision about hearing.

Please contact me if any questions or concerns. Your reader’s complaint deserves my answer and your readers, as a whole, need education.

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Posted in AARP, Behind the ear hearing aid, Ear wax, Earmolds, ENT, Hearing Aids, Hearing Assessment, Hearing Care, Uncategorized

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

August 6th, 2010

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

July 23rd, 2010

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, tinnitus, Uncategorized

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