http://blog.hearingplanet.com/ en bill.brownie@hearingplanet.com Copyright 2009 2009-11-09T19:20:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_in_the_media_the_news_keeps_getting_better/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_in_the_media_the_news_keeps_getting_better/#When:19:20:00Z Any time a hearing aid story hits the national press, HearingPlanet gets inundated with phone calls and emails.  Last week was no exception.  The front page of USA Today’s Life section featured an article titled, “Hearing Aids Made Easier.” It discussed a recently released online guide launched by the FDA.  FDA Hearing Aid Guide This follows several other stories to make the rounds in 2009.  Thankfully they all point to continued positive trends towards hearing aid acceptance and satisfaction.  For example, Consumer Reports surveyed 1,100 hearing aid wearers and found that 73% were very or completely satisfied with their hearing aids!  This percentage puts hearing aids very high on consumer satisfaction lists for healthcare and consumer electronic devices.  We see an even higher percentage with our patients at HearingPlanet. There have been suggestions and facts mentioned in these various news stories worth repeating here: • People with untreated hearing loss (choosing not to wear hearing aids) experience lower wages, poor communication, poorer overall health, and increased stress in all personal relationships.  Once fitted with hearing aids, the positive changes one experiences in these situations are documented and profound. • Buying hearing aids can be confusing with great price variations.  It pays to research and work with someone who will take the time to make certain you are well informed with the entire process. • When buying hearing aids, make certain you receive a minimum 30-day trial period. • To achieve the best results from a hearing aid fitting, it is critical you work closely with a licensed hearing professional for the proper testing, selection, fitting, and coaching during the adjustment phase.  Getting used to hearing aids takes time so be patient! • Today’s hearing aids have options for wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth.  See this link for more information - • Don’t confuse today’s hearing aids with cheaper and similar looking “sound amplifiers” you can buy direct without the assistance of a hearing professional.  They are not intended for hearing loss. I’m thrilled with all the positive press, as you can imagine.  There are still too many people who choose not to wear hearing aids, and I believe we’ll continue making progress as technology and acceptance continues to grow.  With communication so very important in today’s culture, the effects of hearing loss are having an even greater impact. 2009-11-09T19:20:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/disposable_hearing_aids_are_they_right_for_me/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/disposable_hearing_aids_are_they_right_for_me/#When:19:17:00Z While hearing aids can reduce the complications of hearing loss, such as struggling to hear conversations with friends, they can also come with some complications of their own. Some people find it difficult to replace the small batteries these devices require, particularly if they have limited vision or manual dexterity. For some, the solution may be the use of disposable hearing aids. Potential Advantages Fans of disposable hearing aids claim they have several advantages over conventional designs, including: * No need to replace batteries. A disposable hearing aid’s batteries are a permanent part of the casing; when they die, you simply replace the device. * Low maintenance. Because they are only worn for a short time (usually around two months), disposable models do not need to be adjusted over time. * Easy replacement. If you lose or damage a conventional hearing aid, it can be expensive to replace. In contrast, disposable hearing aids usually cost under $100. However, this kind of hearing aid is not for everyone. They also have their downside. Potential Disadvantages Some people who have experimented with disposable hearing aids ultimately decided that conventional models are worth it, citing problems such as: * Poor fit. Disposable models are not custom fitted; instead they have a flexible design to help them fit the majority of adult ears. For some users, however, the fit is simply uncomfortable. * Standardized settings. While disposable hearing aids can usually be adjusted to some extent, their settings are mostly one-size-fits all. For people with severe hearing loss or other complications, these models may not provide adequate help. * Frequent replacement. Disposable hearing aids aren’t designed to be long-lasting, so they do die eventually. Some people simply do not want to buy several hearing aids per year. Before you spend money on a disposable hearing aid, discuss the matter with a qualified audiologist. He or she can help you decide if it is right for you. 2009-11-09T19:17:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_denial_is_your_worst_enemy/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_denial_is_your_worst_enemy/#When:17:58:00Z Family, Relationships, and Hearing Loss – Listen up! Everyone is Affected. Are you someone who has hearing loss but has chosen not to explore hearing aids?  Or, are you close to or live with someone who has untreated hearing loss (meaning the person has chosen NOT to use hearing aids)?  Hopefully, the following information will provide motivation. If you read the statistics about hearing loss, the most glaring fact is that of the estimated 30 million people who have hearing loss, only about 22% actually wear hearing aids.  Alarming?  You bet.  Even more alarming are current studies showing the negative effect that untreated hearing loss has on family, friends, and everyone else who comes in contact with those who have chosen not to treat their hearing loss. Communication is the foundation with how relationships of all types successfully exist.  Effective communication allows both parties to convey thoughts and emotions.  A relationship is bound to fall apart if you take away the ability to talk, hear and respond. So, if hearing loss is present, one of the key reasons people choose to not wear hearing aids can be summed up in one word – denial.  Personally, I’ve spoken to thousands of people in my 20 year career as an audiologist and I’m always amazed at the number of people who choose to “live with” their hearing problems and provide a number of excuses.  Denial is a powerful deterrent and should never be given into when it comes to your health and well being. When someone is truly in need of hearing help, and yet they make the choice to not wear hearing aids, it can be viewed as a selfish choice given how their poor communication and hearing affects those around them.  For example consider the findings of a recently released British study that surveyed 1,500 people with hearing loss over the age of 55: • Almost 50% said that relationships with their partner, friends, or family had negatively suffered because of their hearing loss. • 34% reported to have lost touch with friends and family members, and in several cases saw marriage to fall apart as a result of the hearing loss. • 69% said their hearing loss seriously hinders their ability to take part in everyday conversation. • 52% feel “left out” and ignored in social situations. Given the amazing advances in hearing aid cosmetics and digital technology, various payment plans available, and the trial period given by reputable hearing aid distributors, there is simply no reason NOT to give hearing aids a try.  The “I can hear just fine” argument can only go so far.  Everyone’s quality of life is affected by hearing loss, and there’s simply no excuse to explore a solution. So remember, friendships, a good quality of life, happy marriages, and hearing aids all go together. Steve 2009-10-05T17:58:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearingplanet_donates_hearing_aids_to_warren_center/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearingplanet_donates_hearing_aids_to_warren_center/#When:21:01:00Z Warren Center Receives Donation of 22 Hearing Aids from HearingPlanet, Inc. “We are so grateful.” says Warren Center Clinical Director of Audiology Amanda Samoluk, Au.D., CCC-A.  Samoluk is responding to the donation of 22 hearing aids from HearingPlanet, Inc. of Tennessee.  HearingPlanet located the Warren Center and its Regional Hearing Aid Bank program on the web and thought it was the perfect place to give a few hearing aids. The Regional Hearing Aid Bank, ReHAB for short, is designed to provide hearing aids to those members of our community who are unable to afford them. It utilizes donated behind-the-ear hearing aids which can be refurbished and reprogrammed for use by another person. The ReHAB program is designed particularly for members of the community who are unable to be served by the Veterans’ Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation program, insurances or other third-party providers and whose annual income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level. There is an application process and a waiting list for these services. Currently the Warren Center has a three year waiting list for a ReHAB hearing aid. Hearing loss is the most common neurological disability in the United States. And the impact of hearing loss on the personal and professional lives of the deaf or hard-of-hearing and on society is profound. The number of adults in the United States with hearing loss is rising, especially in the late-deafened adult sector as the baby boomer population reaches retirement age. Noise pollution – the increased volume levels in the work place – has become more prevalent and manifests as premature hearing loss. And we’re living longer than ever before. As the elderly population grows, so does the need for hearing-restoration technologies. Hearing aids and emerging technology will contribute to keeping the severely deafened individuals of this age group in the work force until retirement. About Warren Center The Warren Center for Communication & Learning is Bangor’s oldest not-for-profit professional speech and hearing center. It provides evaluations, therapies and technologies in the areas of speech, language development and hearing to the children and adults of, Eastern and Central Maine. 2009-08-19T21:01:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearingplanet_helps_musician_rediscover_the_world_of_sound/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearingplanet_helps_musician_rediscover_the_world_of_sound/#When:18:07:00Z As an Audiologist, easily the greatest part of my job is hearing success stories every week from patients we’ve helped with hearing aids.  When you help someone recover some sense of their hearing, the results can be life-changing.  And with almost every story we receive from our patients, they usually end with the phrase, “Please share my story with others in the hope it will move someone to take action about their hearing loss.” It’s proven that people wait 5-7 years, and sometimes longer, before taking the steps to improve their hearing.  We recently interviewed and released a story to the media about Stan Slovin, a patient of ours in NJ.  His story is very typical of people we help every day.  You can read his story here. So, to share their stories and abide by our patient’s wishes, the various comments below are from patient emails received the past couple weeks from people like Stan who have been helped by today’s hearing aids.  If you are thinking of trying hearing aids, hopefully their words and experiences will provide motivation. “Hi, Merideth - I am really happy with my Seimens aids. I can now hear birds, rain, and the stereo in the house is great.  I can also enjoy the (xm) radio in my GMC Denali now that it doesn’t sound like an old A.M radio any more - it’s great.  I would like to thank you very much as these hearing aids have changed my life.” “Good Morning, Alex.  I picked up my hearing aids Wednesday – so far, so good.  At home I have two cats, one meows very quietly, so I thought she never meowed, but the other cat is so loud and talks constantly.  I learn something new everyday.  I don’t think I’ve had to ask one person to repeat while speaking with them.  It’s great!” “Good evening, Toby - For the first time in years, I used the phone several times without removing my old hearing aids and the real nice surprise was using a bud type radio, while the hearing aid was installed!  I’m still vain for an old guy, but I think this is a model I can enjoy.  I’m very pleased!” “Dear Hearing Planet. Thank you for enhancing the quality of life for me and the people around me.  Before I decided to get hearing aids, I found I was not responding in meetings, and missing information. I never seemed to ‘get’ the name of persons that were introduced.  Finally I embarrassed myself and others by answering inappropriately when asked a question.  I am now more social, enjoy my grandchildren more, am a better partner in my marriage—and bonus—I can hear the birds, frogs and the laughter of children for the first time in years.” I know it’s a bit self indulgent of us but these success stories are tremendously motivating to our team, Steve. 2009-07-30T18:07:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_transformation_into_a_personal_communication_system/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aids_transformation_into_a_personal_communication_system/#When:18:03:00Z In today’s world of Iphones, BlackBerries, Ipods, etc., all too often the hearing aid wearer has been left out in the cold. No more!!! Thanks to new connectivity available now in today’s hearing aids even those with hearing loss can use the latest and greatest tech gadgets to stay in touch or entertained. The following video came to our attention from YouTube.  It has 2 key messages to take away from it.  One, you’ll see how far technology has now progressed with hearing aids and two, please note the extreme importance of working with a local Hearing Professional to get the most out of your hearing aids’ capabilities.  This relationship cannot be overstated.  Given the sophistication and complexity of today’s digital hearing aids, we at HearingPlanet strongly believe that the expertise of a local hearing professional is critical to programming the hearing aids and their accessories to your unique lifestyle.  Believe me, it’s worth taking the 7 minutes to watch it. One additional important note about the technology discussed regarding Phonak hearing aids and their Bluetooth accessory, the iCom.  The gentleman in the video is wearing Phonak’s premium model, the ExeliaART.  It is truly a wonderful hearing aid with some unique features, however, don’t let the cost he paid alarm you.  It is possible to buy Phonak’s entry-level and mid-level technology and still use the iCom accessory successfully.  This was done to make the technology and benefits of going wireless more affordable to everyone.  If you want to read more about the iCom click here Other hearing aid companies in which we have seen our patients benefit from using Bluetooth accessories with their hearing aids are Siemens, Unitron, and Sonic Innovations.  Give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss these options with you. Steve Hearing Aid Tech 2009-07-07T18:03:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_loss_a_big_impact_on_your_pocketbook/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_loss_a_big_impact_on_your_pocketbook/#When:21:13:00Z In these times of layoffs and uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to make sure your performing at your best on the job.  The past 3 days I’ve spoken with three patients in the process of obtaining hearing aids for the first time.  All three shared an important similarity – they were still working and described their hearing loss as affecting not only their home and personal life, but also having a significant impact on their success at work.  One man was in sales and he was misunderstanding his clients, another described the embarrassment he felt missing crucial information in management meetings, and the other man (in his late 30s) had been demoted from a higher paying assembly line job to an office job because he couldn’t hear instructions from his supervisor. All three instances reminded me of a study by The Better Hearing Institute in 2007 on the effects of potential lost income that results from untreated hearing loss.  Link here.  As much as $23,000 per year may be lost if hearing loss has been diagnosed but left untreated (i.e. hearing aids not used).  Interestingly, all three men had known about, or suspected, their hearing loss for several years, but delayed taking action.  The urging of family members, today’s economic times and job security, and the firm promptings of their employers were the deciding factors for the three people to take action and be fit with hearing aids. The Better Hearing Institute also follows in that study that with, “The use of hearing aids would appear to mitigate income loss by 50%.” Wow!  The study is incredibly detailed and is a solid reminder that hearing loss doesn’t just affect the obvious situations. The idea of income loss had never been studied up to then, and is one of a number of factors hearing loss adversely affects in our lives.  Hearing loss affects not only the person experiencing the loss, but those closest to us – our family members, friends, co-workers, and everyone else we come into contact.  I’m reminded of this every day.  If you’re reading this, and are considering hearing aids, go ahead and reflect on how your hearing problems may impact so many other things and people around you.  Don’t hesitate to share those experiences by commenting on this post. Steve 2009-05-20T21:13:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/sonic_touch_a_tiny_hearing_aid_with_cool_features/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/sonic_touch_a_tiny_hearing_aid_with_cool_features/#When:17:43:00Z Last week our Sonic Innovations regional rep, Ken, visited our office to train us on their latest open-fit hearing aid – Touch.  There are some fascinating hearing aids on the market, but this was something to see.  First, Ken compared Touch to other open-fit behind-the-ear models currently available and it was easily the smallest and most discreet hearing aid we’ve seen yet.  Click here Knowing that the Touch’s size and multitude of skin and hair tones will appeal to consumers cosmetically, it was critical that the hearing device also perform well and show durability.  Based on what we’ve seen, Sonic has accomplished both.  From a technology standpoint, the Touch uses Sonic’s proven Velocity processing and feature platform.  The features can be found by clicking here - Our patients have used the Sonic Velocity family of products the past year with great success.  Sonic Innovations has long been the benchmark in the hearing aid industry for improving speech understanding in the presence of background noise.  By combining unique directional microphone features and patented noise reduction technology, they truly excel in this area.  As a matter of fact, Bose Electronics just purchased the rights to use their noise reduction processing in their next line of products. As far as durability and reliability, moisture can easily be a true enemy of hearing aid wearers.  Sonic Innovations has gone to great lengths to make sure the Touch is the most moisture resistant open-fit BTE hearing aid on the market.  First, Ken told us how they subjected the Touch to a live test in a humidity/moisture chamber and compared it to several other competitors’ devices.  The Touch operated effectively (250 hours) and lasted the longest in comparison to any other hearing aid in the test.  The nearest competitor operated about 50% as long.  The above link explains the interior and exterior design in detail.  See more info click here We just received word today that Sonic Innovations will be shipping the product this week, so we’re looking forward to gauge our patients’ success. Steve Hearing Aid Features 2009-04-22T17:43:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aid_stimulus_wow_whats_this_all_about/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/hearing_aid_stimulus_wow_whats_this_all_about/#When:21:28:00Z Over the last couple of days we’ve had a number of calls from patients asking about the new “hearing aid stimulus.” Hearing aid stimulus?  It was news to us.  After a bit of investigation, it appears as if some ads are popping up, primarily in newspapers, about a special discount as part of a “hearing aid stimulus?” Well as much as we’d like good old Uncle Sam to help our patients out with the cost of hearing aids, it seems this is too good to be true.  Nothing we can find in the stimulus package (you can read all about it here) pertains to hearing aids.  Unfortunately some retailers like to stretch the truth a bit. What we can tell you is that there seems to be progress on a hearing aid tax credit.  Legislation has been reintroduced to provide a $500 per hearing aid tax credit every five years for the purchase of hearing aids.  It would apply those 55 and older.  You can read more details here.  Please write to your Congress representative in support of this legislation. Bill Other 2009-04-07T21:28:00-06:00 http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/shopping_for_hearing_aids_why_is_this_so_difficult/ http://blog.hearingplanet.com/index.php?/site/shopping_for_hearing_aids_why_is_this_so_difficult/#When:20:35:00Z I frequently talk with patients who tell me they have visited as little as two, and sometimes as many as five, different Hearing Professionals trying to decide which solution or product is best.  Given the cost of hearing aids, lack of product reviews, differing professional opinions, and numerous choices, the real question comes down to, “Who can I trust to help me make this decision?” Since there truly isn’t a “best hearing aid” (see my other blog entry title ‘what is the best hearing aid’), visiting several different Hearing Professionals may lead to even more confusion.  When it comes to your success with hearing aids, 50% is based on the science, the testing process, and the professional’s experience and the other 50% is very subjective to the person wearing the hearing aids. And since hearing aids are a medical device, it’s important not put them in the same category as cell phones, flat screen televisions, digital cameras, etc. when making a decision. When you “shop” for hearing aids, there are 5 things to keep in mind. 1) Visiting several different Hearing Professionals will most likely add to any confusion.  Every professional will have an opinion/recommendation, and sometimes there are truly several products that can address your hearing loss and needs.  We’ve seen hundreds of patients delay doing anything at all because they simply get overwhelmed with choices of hearing aids. 2) Make sure the professional or company you buy from carries more than one hearing aid manufacturer.  This is extremely important.  If the first device you try doesn’t work for your needs, then you want that professional to have choices with other companies to ultimately find your solution. 3) Every manufacturer’s website you review will sound like they have the best hearing aid for you.  That’s how marketing experts make a living!  It bears repeating – there are several good hearing aid manufacturers and there is not a “best hearing aid”.  4) Be careful when shopping the lowest price.  If you are looking for inexpensive hearing aids, there are plenty out there.  Today’s better hearing aids should last 5 years.  Buying hearing aids based mostly on price may have you back in the market in a couple years if the hearing aids weren’t ideal to begin with. 5) Most important - Eventually you will have to trust someone and simply get started evaluating hearing aids.  This is the only way you’ll know how hearing aids will help no matter how much research and shopping is done. In reality, you really should be shopping for a company that is knowledgeable and flexible, and will work hard to understand your lifestyle and hearing needs.  Since there is such a strong subjective component to hearing aids, it is critical that the professional working with you take the time to explain how the features of a particular model will have a positive impact for you. Steve Hearing Aid Features 2009-03-11T20:35:00-06:00