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Why Do Hearing Aids Cost So Much?

March 14th, 2012

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

When I talk with patients or family members who have hearing loss, I hear a lot of grousing about the cost of the hearing aids purchased. I mean, those hearing aids are so TINY, they look so fragile… and you’re telling me they will cost HOW much?? Sound familiar?

Oticon Intiga Hearing AidConsumers seeking hearing healthcare help are often surprised at the cost of today’s sophisticated hearing technology. And that’s understandable. A high quality digital hearing aid usually costs between $1000 and $3000, sometimes more when paired with sophisticated bluetooth technology or other assistive listening devices. And in Alabama, hearing devices are also subject to sales tax.

So, is this investment “worth it” ? When assessing the value of hearing aids, it’s important to consider the many market variables inherent to pricing, including the following:

  • Hearing aids are medically regulated devices. As such, the manufacturers who produce these devices are subject to regulation by many organizations, including the FDA, FTC, and FCC. Like many other products in the U. S. marketplace, having to meet regulation specifications by governmental agencies seldom lowers costs, and almost assuredly raises them. As regulated devices, the cost of the research and development (AKA “R & D”) required to bring these products to market is significant, and results in products being more pricey.

 

  • What does R & D cost, and why is it so important? Consider that the “Big Six” (or the top 6 hearing aid manufacturers in the United States today) spend roughly $500,000,000 annually on R & D, which is quite a lot. To be precise, that figure is 14% of their combined budgets. To put this into perspective, let’s do a percentage comparison.  All of us would concede that Apple is certainly cranking out state of the art technology, and undoubtedly this costs the company in terms of product research and development  – but by comparison,  Apple expends only 2% of its total budget for R & D.

 

  • Remember that to date, hearing aids are the only medical devices that involve coupling an electronic device to a sensory organ. This is not an easy task. Today’s instrumentation is incredibly sophisticated, with increased chip speed and capability. Today’s hearing devices are certainly not your grandmother’s hearing aid! Nevertheless, this type of electronic capability comes with a price… it’s expensive to bring these products to market, and market share remains limited.

 

  • Hearing aids still have a fairly low market penetration. Of the 37 million Americans who might benefit from amplification, only about 1 in 5 actually utilize the available hearing technology.  We have not seen the same price reductions that are inherent to widely used electronic devices like TV’s, computers, cell phones, etc., found in virtually every household. So, what’s the result? Without sufficient market penetration, the product pricing remains higher for everyone.

 

  • The price you are quoted for hearing aids is seldom “unbundled” – this means that the cost for services of the audiologist or hearing healthcare provider, warranties, repair coverage, etc. is usually “bundled” into the price. Consumers often forget that there are dispensing fees inherent to well fit hearing devices. Are these fees “worth it”? To answer that question, we need only consider success rates (or lack thereof) for some of the “unbundled” personal sound amplification products or hearing aids such often sold on the internet, whose return for credit rate is upwards of 60%!

Is the price tag for quality hearing devices worth it? Let’s consider the alternative…

Bettie Borton, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology AudiologistUntreated hearing loss results in billions (that’s right… I said BILLIONS) of dollars in lost productivity in the U.S. workforce today. To be exact, unaddressed hearing loss results in 23 billion dollars of lost efficiency/productivity, which costs all of us in the long run. And of course, without today’s sophisticated hearing device capability, the loss in communications ability, life style preservation, and a myriad of other quality of life issues, even for those not employed, costs our society a great deal indeed.  There is also a significant body of research that suggests that if you have hearing loss,  waiting to get hearing aids can actually compromise word recognition ability.  As this data indicates,  delaying amplification is not without its own inherent cost.

So, despite the fact that the price for hearing aids may be steep at first glance, there are some very good reasons why costs may be higher than we’d like to see. If cost of recommended hearing technology is a concern for you or your family member, talk to your audiologist and explore possibilities for financial assistance or alternative technologies.

 

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Posted in Assisitve Listening Technology, Assistive Listening Device, Audiologist, Bluetooth Technology, Cost of Hearing Aids, Digital Hearing Aids, Hearing Aid Prices, Hearing Device, Hearing Healthcare, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Price of Hearing Aids, Uncategorized, Untreated Hearing Loss

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Hearing Loss And Hearing Aid Myths Debunked – Fiction vs. Fact

January 18th, 2012

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

A recently completed study by Johns Hopkins University – published on November 14, 2011 in the Archives of Internal Medicine – now confirms that 1 in 5 Americans have hearing loss in at least one ear.  This is well over 50 million people and far exceeds previous hearing care industry estimates of approximately 25 million.

The Johns Hopkins study is unique in that the data used statistically corresponded with the entire US population by including both men and women of all races, aged 12 and older, living in cities throughout the country.

Using the World Health Organization’s definition of hearing loss – not being able to hear sounds of 25 decibels or less in the speech frequencies – the Johns Hopkins researchers found that over 30 million Americans have hearing loss in both ears and that over 20% of the population – in excess of 50 million people – have hearing loss in at least one ear.

Despite there being so many of us with hearing difficulties, too many people are still unaware of how or where to obtain professional help as the misconceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids are commonplace in our society.   The fact that you are reading this article is an excellent first step towards empowering yourself (or a family member) and taking control of your hearing health.

Audiologist & Ear Doctor, Dr. Crystal Chalmers, Chico, CaliforniaCommon Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Myths

Myth: Buying hearing aids online, by mail, or at a big box store saves time, money, and gets the same results as professionally fit devices.

Fact: The proper diagnosis and selection of hearing technology as a solution for hearing difficulties is not the same thing as purchasing common consumer goods.  Rather, it should be a process built upon a relationship of respect and trust between the patient and a highly trained, competent, and ethical professional whose services and products provide long-term value.

Myth: Anyone licensed to sell hearing aids is qualified to test a person’s hearing.

Fact: By law in the state of California, only audiologists are licensed to perform diagnostic hearing evaluations.  The “free” tests that hearing aid dispensers frequently advertise are not comprehensive exams and are merely designed to determine if a person could be helped by a hearing aid.

Myth: Hearing loss affects only “elderly” people and is merely a sign of aging.

Fact: Hearing loss can affect people of all ages.  As mentioned in the Johns Hopkins study, 20% of the US population aged 12 years and older have hearing difficulties severe enough to impact communication.

Myth: Hearing aids don’t really do anything but amplify sound.  Besides they’re unsightly and uncomfortable.

Fact: While the hearing aids from 20 years ago left a lot to be desired from both technology and cosmetic standpoints, today’s hearing devices are exceptional technological performers and are so small as to be very discreet.  However, the most important consideration for you, the consumer, is not what the product is, but rather how it is fit to your hearing lifestyle, and to what extent you are provided with expert follow-up in the fitting of that device.   That is what makes my patients so successful in being able to enjoy better hearing.

Would you like to learn more about solutions to hearing difficulties and  hearing aid technology?  Here are two great places to start:

#1.) My Internet website at www.nsaudiology.com. This educational website offers a world of information, including highly informative videos, a free guide to better hearing, online specials, current “News & Events”, and the “Ask Dr. Chalmers” section where I have posted previously published original articles such as the one you are reading now.

#2.) Attend my upcoming Free Educational Luncheon Seminar which will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2012, starting at 11:30 AM at the Chico Women’s Club.  I’ll be providing an in-depth discussion covering everything from how your hearing works, to what are the different types of hearing care professionals, to insights about technology solutions for hearing difficulties.  A delicious catered lunch will be served.  There is no cost or obligation to attend, but due to limited seating, reservations are required.  Simply call my office today at 1 (888) 893-1352 …. Because hearing is 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 230 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 online at www.nsaudiology.com.

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Posted in Audiologist, Buy Hearing Aids, California, Chico, Diagnostic Evaluations, Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Hearing Aid Technology, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Health, Hearing Lifestyles, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, North State Audiological Serivces

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What’s the Best Hearing Aid?

December 8th, 2011

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

“What’s the best hearing aid?” As an Audiologist, I’ve heard that question so many times. To successfully answer that question, perhaps the very first thing I need to do is modify it slightly ~ “What’s the best hearing aid for you?” An important concept to keep in mind when exploring today’s vast array of options for hearing devices is that what’s right for you may not be right for someone else, and vice reverse. The decision regarding which type of hearing instrument technology will sound and perform the very best will be largely dependent on you, your lifestyle, budget, and listening needs. These parameters tend to be highly variable from person to person, so let’s take a closer look.

Not all hearing losses can be correctly fit with the same style or type of device. This is very evident when fitting those with precipitous loss in the high frequencies.  High frequency deficits are the most common configuration of hearing loss, and respond best to open fit technology. This type of device leaves your ear canal open, ensuring that the sound of your own voice is normal and pleasant. Conversely, fitting those with high frequency loss with conventional “in the ear” devices can have catastrophic results in terms of patient satisfaction. Have hearing instruments that you or your loved one are not using? It may be resultant from the units being the wrong style for the loss! High quality open fit technology has been available for a relatively short period of time, and many of those whose instruments were purchased more than 5 years ago may not have had access to those devices.

What about some of the new “fancy stuff”, like Blue Tooth technology? Is that for you? Many of my patients are not familiar with Blue Tooth, but it can open up a world of ancillary devices and couplings for your hearing devices. For example, if you use Blue Tooth enabled hearing aids, you can wear a “streamer” around your neck, and answer your cell phone hands free through your hearing aids! With the new cell phone use restrictions now in place in Montgomery, that can be a really handy feature. It’s also possible to listen to your TV or IPod directly through your hearing instruments with this technology, or use a special microphone to make conversations with your significant other in a noisy car or restaurant much easier. Other technologies to consider are remote controls, assistive listening devices like amplified phones or doorbell alerts, or FM devices to help with performance in a classroom or job environment. However, if you don’t want or need such technologies, don’t pay for them!

AGX Hearing Lifestyle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What kind of lifestyle do you have? If you are still working, it’s likely that you are in highly variable listening environments, or your profession demands auditory accuracy (and most jobs do!). Those who lead very active lifestyles need to consider today’s high end technology, with plenty of noise reduction capability. On the other hand, if you’re retired, living alone, and seldom go to restaurants or parties,  simpler, more basic noise reduction features will suffice – and cost less! If you are the type of person who “wants the best of everything” then there are plenty of high end technologies to wow you (and your friends and family). Don’t overbuy, but do be honest with your Audiologist about your listening needs. If you aren’t you may be disappointed with your hearing devices.

Finally, as self-serving as this might sound, perhaps the only honest and comprehensive answer to the question above is “a hearing device recommended and provided by an exceptionally skilled and dedicated Audiologist.” Sometimes that’s not the answer folks are looking for. I have patients tell me “it’s all about price” or request a specific brand because a friend or relative was successful with a particular device. Hearing aids are a big investment with the potential for providing a big improvement in the quality of your life. People with hearing impairment need a competent and caring Board Certified Audiologist who will go the extra mile to provide them with solutions custom-tailored to their own unique hearing loss and listening situations. As critical as the various aspects of technology may be to the hearing aid industry, it is ultimately the professional who is the decisive factor in guiding patients to satisfaction and benefit with hearing devices.

Note: Doctors Hearing Clinic was recently named Best of 2011 Hearing Healthcare Professionals by The Hearing Review, and was Dr. Borton and her staff were the only clinic in Central Alabama to receive this award. This recognition was provided to only 165 hearing healthcare clinics across the United States.

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Posted in Audiologist, Bettie Borton, Bluetooth, Central Alabama, Doctors Hearing Clinic, Hearing Aid, Hearing Device, Hearing Instruments, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Listening Enviornments, Listening Situations, Listening Tips, Noise Reduction, Uncategorized

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You bought new hearing technology, but, you still have difficulty hearing in noise. What’s going on??

November 3rd, 2011

By: Amit Gosalia, Au.D., FAAA
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology
Audiology Clinic, Inc.
505 NE 87th Ave., #150
Vancouver, WA 98664
(360) 892-9367
Follow Audiology Clinic | Facebook | Twitter
www.audiologyclinic.com 

“Dr. Gosalia, I just bought a pair of $8500 hearing aids from XYZ in Portland. I was told that I would hear normally in all environments, including restaurants and ball-games. I am less than pleased because I still can’t hear or understand in noise. Did I waste my money?”

Amit Gosalia, Au.D. - Doctor of Audiology, Vancouver, WAThis was a case I dealt with a few months ago. This patient went to a business to purchase hearing aids, and this franchise/chain location set some lofty expectations for the patient. As hearing instrument technology improves, so do patient expectations. Terms such as noise reduction, noise management & directional hearing (along with many other proprietary terms) give the perception that the end-user will not hear background noise, and only hear the person in front of them. Unfortunately and fortunately, this is not true. Below I’ve touched the surface of noise, noise reduction and directivity.

Let’s start with noise. Noise is any disrupting event (in this case, sound) that impedes one’s ability to sense (in this case, hear) a signal (in this case, speech). For the purpose of this post, we’ll concentrate on hearing speech within a noisy environment. A general term and formula that is used in hearing healthcare is Speech-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) which tells us how loud speech is in relation to noise. For example, average speech is 45-55 decibels (dB) hearing speech in a basketball stadium where the crowd is cheering over 90 dB is difficult because the speech is 35-45 dB lower than the noise. This is considered a very low SNR; now compare this to speaking at a normal volume in a quiet library, the SNR will be high making speech much easier to understand. When someone has a hearing loss things change. Without amplification important parts of speech are not heard well, making understanding the person next to you difficult, if not impossible. The natural ability of any person to hear through noise decreases as hearing loss increases. This is a fact that has been well established in research on the human auditory system. Thus, a hearing aid can help make missing pieces of speech more easily heard but it cannot repair one’s ability to hear through noise and find valuable pieces of speech. For this reason, modern hearing aids focus on managing noise and amplifying clean speech.

Hearing instruments can come with or without venting. Vents are holes that are drilled through either the hearing instrument or the earmold for the purpose of letting air and sound travel in and out of the ear canal. The larger the vent, the closer you get to a more natural, open ear. Newer technology has allowed us to keep the ear open with small hearing instruments that rest behind the ear and even some custom molded devices (please see other postings for detailed descriptions of hearing technology). As cute as they may be, if your hearing is not within or near normal limits in the lower frequencies, an open ear device may not be for you.

One advantage of an open ear hearing aid is to allow low frequency sound to escape the ear canal, keeping the user’s voice more natural. When the user complains of hearing their own voice in their head or sounding as if they are speaking in a barrel, it’s usually a phenomenon called occlusion (or ampclusion). Keeping an ear canal open minimizes this effect but also introduces two detrimental issues. First, low frequency environmental sounds will bypass the hearing aid and travel into the ear naturally through the vent. These sounds that bypass the hearing aid are often heard naturally because most hearing losses are minimal in the low-frequencies and greater in the high-frequencies. This also means that the hearing aid is not able to process the sound before it’s heard, so technologies such as noise reduction do not affect low-frequency sounds in the open ear hearing aid.

Secondly, directional microphones will prove less beneficial in the open-ear fitting.2 What this means is that the more open the ear canal, the harder it becomes to hear what’s in front of you. So, theoretically, if our goal is to have the instruments focus more front-facing, the ear canal should not be very open. Note that normal low frequency hearing will be affected by closing the ear canal, and opening the canal with moderate to profound low frequency hearing will result in less hearing in those frequencies.1,2

So, what does this tell us about hearing in noise with amplification? You will hear background noise in noisy environments. You will most likely hear the kids screaming four tables away. You may still have difficulties hearing the person across the table from you. The good news is that with proper hearing aid selection and the correct technology that meets your lifestyle and budget, you’ll hear much better. Only a well trained hearing care professional can make these choices and help you to establish reasonable expectations for better hearing.

“Ms. XX, although the level of technology you purchased is consistent with an Active Lifestyle (in our clinic approx $7500 – $1000 less than the chain!!), you should know that hearing aids only supplement your hearing in those difficult environments. In fact, with normal hearing, I have difficulty hearing at basketball games and certain restaurants as well. Although we can not restore normal hearing, we can help you hear much better in more environments. You will still have some difficulty hearing and understanding in certain environments, but, with some realistic expectations, expert advice, and some auditory retraining, you will find greater success.”

 

1 What is the Effect of Venting on Directivity? Audiology Online 10/2009; Todd A. Ricketts, Ph.D., CCC-A, FAAA

2 Efficacy of an Open-Fitting Hearing Aid; Hearing Review February 2005; Francis Kuk, Phd, et al

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Posted in Audible, Audiologist, Audiology, Directional Hearing, Doctor of Audiology, Ear Canal, Earmolds, Hearing Aids, Hearing Care, Hearing Healthcare, Hearing Instruments, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Human Auditory System, Open Fit Hearing Aids, Uncategorized

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Medicare and Hearing Health Care

July 6th, 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

Two questions my staff and I get on a regular basis are: #1.)“Does Medicare pay for hearing tests?  Also: #2.) “If the tests show that I need hearing aids, will Medicare pay for the devices?”

The answer to question #1 is that Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams.  When I say “routine” I am referring to regular hearing testing done at the request of the patient for the purpose of determining the extent of hearing difficulties, much the same as any other health care check up.

Diagnostic audiological services are paid for, by Medicare, when a physician orders testing to obtain information to determine the appropriate medical or surgical treatment of a hearing deficit or related medical problem.

Audiologist & Ear Doctor, Dr. Crystal Chalmers, Chico, CaliforniaHowever, services are excluded when the diagnostic information required to determine the appropriate medical or surgical treatment is already known to the physician or the diagnostic services are performed only to determine the need for hearing aids or hearing aid reprogramming.

If the need for testing and hearing technology does not come under the specific guidelines outlined above, then the patient is responsible for 100% of the professional fees.

As for question #2.), the same is true for hearing aids, which under Federal law are considered “cosmetic” items.  Whether or not you agree with this, the law has stood this way for decades and it would take an act of Congress to change the national coverage policy.

That said, as a consumer you should be aware of any audiologist or hearing aid dispenser who tells you “yes” they will bill Medicare for your non-referred hearing tests and/or hearing aids.  This practice is illegal and as a consultant and special witness for the FBI, I can tell you that the Federal Government is not taking these fraudulent acts lightly.  In fact, they are cracking down on this activity and have recently prosecuted cases here in California.

To find out more about Medicare coverage for hearing care services and technology, visit the official U.S. Government site at www.medicare.gov.

If you have more questions about hearing care such as diagnostic testing and hearing technology, you can visit my website, or call my office toll free 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 AudigyGroup, LLC.

To learn more about Dr. Chalmers, her practice, and Audigy Group visit online at www.nsaudiology.com

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Posted in Audiologist, California, Chico, Crystal Chalmers, Diagnostic Testing, Hearing Device, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Problem, Hearing Technology, Hearing Test, Hearing Tested, Medicare, North State Audiological Serivces, Uncategorized

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Hearing Loss Communication Tips

June 22nd, 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

Think about the last time you were in a crowded room with kids running around making noise, music in the background, and people chatting. Did you find it hard to focus on what was really being said to you? Did you find you had to “work” to hear the conversation? Was it difficult blocking out the other noises that were either distracting or overpowering the voice of the person speaking to you?

Speaking to people with Hearing LossNow imagine you have a hearing loss.

For those with even mild hearing loss, even a one-on-one conversation in a quite room can be difficult. Phone conversations, which do not allow us the benefit of some body language or unconscious lip reading, can also be challenging for someone with a hearing loss. For these individuals carrying on a conversation in a noisy environment requires them to “work” twice as hard as someone with normal hearing.

Now imagine the conversation you are trying to have includes important instructions, such as how to take medicine in advance of a test or how to avoid driving through a dangerous section of town.

What you say and a hearing-impaired individual’s interpretation of it could be a matter of life or death.

It is important for all of us to become sensitive to those who have hearing loss when we are communicating with them. Being proactive in modifying your communication will make it easier and more fulfilling for everyone involved. Remember, many people do not even realize they have a hearing loss (given the gradual progression of most hearing loss and our body’s ability to accommodate) and because many are embarrassed to admit the hearing loss, they continue to struggle to hear.

To enhance communication and make speaking with those who have hearing loss easier, here are some communication strategies for you to use. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or even a caregiver, communication allows us to be involved with someone’s life and allows them to be involved with ours.

  • Face the person with hearing loss directly so he or she can see your lips. Even if the person is not trained in lip-reading, watching a speaker does help clarify words.
  • Avoid sitting or standing with a bright light behind you. A bright light will put your face in a shadow and makes conscious or unconscious lip-reading difficult.
  • Slow down your speech, making an effort to enunciate each syllable clearly while also emphasizing key words that are important to each sentence.
  • Move your conversation to a quieter area, away from heat vents, noisy or humming appliances.
  • If you are in a restaurant with someone who has hearing loss, ask for a table that is in a quiet area—avoiding seating near the hostess stand, kitchen, vents, or speakers.
  • Avoid speaking to someone with hearing loss in wide-open rooms that have hard floors and hard furniture. Room acoustics can be challenging in more cavernous rooms, especially those with cathedral ceilings.
  • If a piece of the conversation is not understood, try rephrasing what you are saying instead of repeating it. Sometimes just using a different word can help get the message across more easily.
  • Consider assistive listening devices such as television “ears” and phone amplifiers (assistive listening devices) to assist someone in these specific situations.
  • When choosing a cell phone, ask the cell phone dealer for the models with hearing aid compatibility. You can also visit www.accesswireless.org
  • Get the grandchildren involved. Explain to small children that they should gain the attention of, as well as, face the person while speaking. Grandchildren can be encouraged to make grandparents’ listening much easier.
  • Stay patient and do not raise your voice or yell. Yelling can make the words more distorted. Don’t give up trying to communicate; instead try speaking slower and more clearly.
  • Make sure you are in the same room with the person with hearing loss; yelling from a different room creates frustration for both of you.
  • Get hearing protection for yourself and your loved ones. Research indicates that more than 70 percent of all hearing loss is preventable.

Jennifer Bentley, Au.D. - Doctor of Audiology Baltimore, MarylandIn closing, in addition to communicating more effectively with someone with hearing loss, consider being even more proactive. If you have a loved one or even a close friend with hearing loss, encourage him or her to get regular check-ups from a Doctor of Audiology. The doctor will monitor any changes in his or her hearing loss and can recommend treatment options. The audiologist is up-to-date on the latest technology, with advances being brought to market more rapidly than ever as a record number of baby boomers are hitting that hearing loss age, after a lifetime of exposure to our noisy society.

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Posted in Assistive Listening Device, Baltimore, Communicating with Deaf, Communication, Communication Strategies, Hearing Aid Compatible, Hearing Difficulty, Hearing Impaired, Hearing Loss, Hearing Technology, Lip Reading, Maryland, Speaking Communication, The Hearing Assessment Center, Uncategorized

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The Hearing Aid Tax Credit – Not Moving at the Speed of Sound

June 16th, 2011

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

As a member of the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors, the “big picture” with regard to hearing healthcare is one of my primary focus areas. With all the talk about the new healthcare plan currently being debated in the Senate, you may be wondering what is the status of the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act? Unfortunately, it is not part of the current healthcare reform legislation and it has been moving through the House and the Senate at a snail’s pace.

Bettie Borton, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology AudiologistThere are some differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate bills: the House one (H.R. 1646) calls for provision of a tax credit towards the purchase of each hearing aid of up to $500 per device, available once every five years. It would be available to people age 55 and over, or those purchasing a hearing aid for a dependent. This bill excludes coverage for people earning over $200,000 a year. The Senate bill (S. 1019) would provide the same $500 credit but cover all age groups.

Although similar bills are introduced on the Hill every year, they never get very far. However, since August 2009, the bill has reached the threshold of 100 bipartisan co-sponsors (66 Democrats and 34 Republicans), so there is every reason to be optimistic that it will finally be passed. This hope is shared by leading healthcare and advocacy organizations, including Better Hearing Institute (BHI), the Hearing Loss Association of America, the American Academy of Audiology, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the AARP, among others.

Why should you care about the passage of the Hearing Tax Credit legislation? Well, for one thing, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older Americans. As Better Hearing Institute, points out that:

  • 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss
  • 1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59) have a hearing problem
  • 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 29-40) already have hearing loss
  • At least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems; it is estimated that 3 in 1,000 infants are born with severe to profound hearing loss.  In fact, hearing loss is the most common of birth defects, occurring more frequently than, for example, Down Syndrome.

While sensorineural hearing loss can’t be “cured”, studies have conclusively shown that hearing technology, such as hearing aids, not only helps users hear better, but, at the same time, it vastly improves the overall quality of their lives by allowing them to participate in conversations and social activities, as well as reducing isolation, getting better compliance with medical concerns, and a host of other advantages.

By the same token, those who do not wear hearing aids are at an increased risk of loneliness, isolation and depression. For children, untreated hearing loss means that their language and social skills development will be delayed and / or diminished. Any way you look at it, hearing aids are necessary for quality of life, safety, and skill development for many Americans, young and old.

Unfortunately, for far too many people with hearing loss they remain out of reach.

Millions of people need hearing devices, but don’t get them, and a large part of the problem is the cost. There are currently an estimated 36 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss. Yet, according to BHI, only nine million actually wear hearing aids. Of those who do not, many cite the high cost of assistive technology for not getting treatment; in fact, two out of three adults with hearing loss say financial constraints are the main reason they do not use hearing aids.

The cost of hearing aids – ranging from $1,000 to 4,000 per hearing aid – is not covered by either Medicare or most private insurers, making it too expensive for many people. But a survey carried out by BHI demonstrates that 10 million of the 27 million Americans with untreated hearing loss would likely buy hearing aids if tax credits were available.

That’s why it is crucial that the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act does not languish on the Hill much longer.

Make your voice heard! Congressmen do listen to their constituents, so it is critical that you write your representatives urging them to support this legislation.

For optimum effect, Doctors Hearing Clinic and BHI recommend that you personalize your letter, sharing the story of why the hearing aid tax credit is important to you and your family. For example, you may mention that your elderly parents are on fixed income and can’t afford the full price of hearing aids. Or, you are struggling financially and can’t pay for your child’s devices.

Alternatively, BHI offers online forms so you can type your message to your Congressperson directly, and Doctors Hearing Clinic provides copies of written directives to take further action.

Hearing Aid Tax CreditAdditionally, three states – New York, North Dakota and Montana – are currently debating hearing aid tax laws similar to the federal ones. Consider asking our state representatives to entertain such legislation. The more feedback and comments your representative receives, the better a chance of him or her sitting up and listening. For more information about this very important legislation, visit www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org, or call the professionals at Doctors Hearing Clinic. If we work together on this issue, we will all benefit.

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Posted in AARP, Alabama, American Academy of Audiology, Assisitve Listening Technology, Audiologist, Better Hearing, Better Hearing Institute, Doctor of Audiology, Healthcare Plan, Hearing Aid Costs, Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act, Hearing Aids, Hearing Health, Hearing Healthcare, Hearing Loss, Hearing Loss Association of America, Hearing Problem, Hearing Technology, Uncategorized, Untreated Hearing Loss

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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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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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