Hearing Aid Blog

A Good Hearing aid fit is Vital

December 28, 2009

There are two reasons to make sure a hearing instrument fits well – one acoustic, the other anatomical.

The acoustic reason – A loosely fitting hearing instrument can cause feedback (whistling). This happens when the instrument does not fit snugly and the amplified signal finds its way back to the microphone. For comfortable, interference-free hearing, a snug fit in the ear canal is essential.

The anatomical reason – A hearing instrument that does not fit snugly can work its way out of the correct position when its wearer is chewing, yawning or simply talking. This is because the shape of the ear canal is influenced by movements of the jaw. You can feel this by putting the tip of your finger into the ear, then slowly opening and closing your mouth.

Lyric Hearing

December 12, 2009

LYRIC® HEARING
Invisible. Effortless. 24/7.


We are proud to be one of the select offices in the United States to offer Lyric Hearing to its patients. Lyric was featured on Good Morning America as a new hearing technology that is not only tiny and invisible, but also delivers exceptional sound quality without daily hassles.



Watch A Video on How Lyric Works >>

Lyric is the first extended wear hearing device that is 100% invisible. It is comfortably placed in the ear canal by a Lyric trained hearing professional and can be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to 4 months at a time.1 No surgery or anesthesia is required.

Unlike many other hearing aids, Lyric is positioned completely inside the ear canal, so it uses your ear’s natural anatomy to funnel sound to your eardrum. This unique design and placement helps reduce background noise and feedback and provides exceptionally natural sound quality. Because it remains in the ear canal 24/7 for months at a time, you don’t need to worry about daily hassles like putting the device on or taking it off, or changing batteries, so you can forget about your hearing loss and spend time connecting with friends and loved ones.

Lyric Benefits

  • 100% Invisible
    • Once placed, Lyric is 100% invisible
  • Effortless Hearing, 24/7
    • Lyric can be used during your daily activities, such as exercising, showering, talking on the phone, and sleeping.
    • There are no batteries to change, no maintenance is needed, and no daily insertion or removal is required.
  • Natural Sound Quality
    • Lyric’s placement deep in the ear canal allows the outer ear (the pinna) to direct sound into the ear canal naturally, resulting in reduced background noise and feedback, and exceptional sound quality

A recent study shows that of the patients surveyed, 99% preferred Lyric over their previous hearing aids,2 95% preferred Lyric sound quality over their previous hearing aids,3 and 96% would recommend Lyric to a friend or loved one4.

Please call us today to make an appointment to see if Lyric is right for you. Receive a Free Lyric Screening and Risk-Free 30-day Trial.

For more information about Lyric, please visit www.lyrichearing.com.

1 Individual replacement needs may vary.
2 Based on a telephone survey of 67 patients who have worn Lyric for at least 30 days.
3 Based on a combination of results from three surveys totaling 86 patients who had worn Lyric for at least 30 days
4 Based on a telephone survey of 90 patients who have worn Lyric for at least 30 days.

Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a trained Lyric professional to determine if Lyric is right for you.

The Gift of Communication

December 10, 2009

Give the Gift of Communication for the Holidays with the Hamilton Caption Telephone, Model 800i.  Every patient can use a little help on the phone and the 800i provides just that- A 40 dB amplified phone with large real time captions.  This great phone includes a large screen with adjustable font PLUS it is direct dial- no need to call a relay.  (high-speed internet connection required) All for ONLY $99.00!

CapTel® 800i

Degree of Hearing Loss Varies from Person to Person

December 9, 2009

Between the two extremes of hearing well and hearing nothing, there are many degrees of impairment. The terms used to describe the degree of hearing loss are mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Most hearing losses are mild to moderate.

Mild hearing loss:  Unable to hear soft sounds, difficulty perceiving speech in noisy environments.

Moderate hearing loss:  Unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds, considerable difficulty in perceiving speech, particularly with background noise.

Severe hearing loss:  Speakers must raise their voice. Group conversation is possible only with considerable effort.

Profound hearing loss:  Some very loud sounds are audible but hearing conversation without a hearing instrument is impossible.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Speech Perception

Hearing loss in the inner ear (sensorineural hearing loss) mainly affects high frequency sounds. These high-pitched sounds such as “s,” “f,” “sh,” “t” play a key role in our ability to understand speech clearly. This is why a person with this type of hearing loss will often say, “I can hear but I don’t understand what’s being said.” Hearing loss drastically reduces the ability to understand speech.

The Hearing Test

The performance of the ear is tested with a special measuring instrument, the audiometer. The object of the test is to precisely register the extent of the hearing loss. This can only be done when there is no background noise to distort the result. Since the extent of the damage may be different in each ear, they need to be tested separately. In order to do this the sound signals are transmitted via headphones. Both the perception of the sound and the understanding of speech are tested. The key observations are “when do I begin to hear the sound” and “when does the sound become unpleasantly loud.” This test is usually carried out for several frequencies (or pitches), at a range of different loudness levels. The result is presented in the form of a sound-audiogram. The audiogram is a special graphic representation of the evaluation of a person’s hearing ability. The audiogram enables us to establish the degree, type, and progression of a loss of hear. Regular checks give a clear picture of any changes in the hearing system.

What do the horizontal numbers in the audiogram mean?

The frequencies (pitches), measured in Hertz (Hz) are marked on the horizontal axis. The pitch of the sound increases from left to right. Lower numbers mean lower-pitched sounds (e.g. bass voices, drums) and high numbers correspond to higher-pitched sounds (e.g. birdsong, soprano voices).

What do the digits on the left-hand side of the audiogram mean?

The hearing loss for each frequency measured can be seen on the vertical axis. The higher the number, the louder the sounds. The level is measured in decibels (dB).  0dB indicates the softest sound normally heard by the healthy ear.  120 dB is the loudest sound usually considered tolerable by human beings.

Analog, Digitally Programmable, Digital?

Every hearing instrument has at least one microphone which picks up sound from the environment, an amplifier which transforms the signal to compensate for hearing loss and a receiver that directs the signal, which is adapted for the hearing loss, into the auditory canal. This is similar to a hi-fi system although these hearing systems are much smaller and adapted specifically to the needs of the hearing-impaired individual.  Thanks to increasingly small micro-processors, digital technology has been introduced in to the most modern hearing systems. Digital hearing instruments are programmed by a hearingcare professional via computer. Acoustic signals are transformed into a binary code at high speed and with great precision. Complex calculations provide the ultimate flexibility in providing individualized solutions to hearing loss. Additional hearing system features can be offered: e.g. various hearing programs, automatic program selection, noise cancellers, and adaptive directionality. Remote control operation is also possible.

Hearing Aids and Cell Phones

November 6, 2009

Provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

What is that buzzing noise in my cell phone?

People who wear hearing aids or have implanted hearing devices may experience some difficulties when trying to use cell phones. That buzzing noise you hear is interference due to radiofrequency (RF) emissions from your phone. RF interference does not occur for all combinations of digital wireless telephones and hearing aids. However, when interference does occur, the buzzing sound can make understanding speech difficult, communication over cell phones annoying, and, in the worst case, render the cell phone unusable for the hearing aid user.

Fortunately, the compatibility of cell phones and hearing aids is improving. Some cell phones have lower radiofrequency emissions or use different technologies that can reduce the unwanted effects on hearing aids.

What should I look for in a cell phone?

Rules set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) make it easier for you to choose a cell phone right for you. The FCC requires cell phone manufacturers to test and rate their wireless handsets’ hearing aid compatibility using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C63.19 standard. These ratings give an indication of the likelihood that a cell phone may interfere with hearing aids; the higher the rating, the less likely the cell phone-hearing aid combination will experience undesired interference.

Labeling on the outside packaging of cell phones will tell you if they are hearing aid compatible (HAC). Hearing aid users should read and understand these ratings when choosing a cell phone.

What do these ratings mean?

Cell phones that are rated “good” or “excellent” for use with hearing aids set in microphone (M) mode will have a rating of M3 or M4. The higher the “M” rating, the less likely you will experience interference when the hearing aid is set in the microphone mode while using the cell phone.

Cell phones are also rated with hearing aids or cochlear implants that have a T-coil. Those rated “good” or “excellent” for use with hearing aids set in T-coil mode will have a rating of T3 or T4. The higher the “T” rating, the less likely you will experience interference when the hearing aid is set in the T-coil mode while using the cell phone.

Hearing aid manufacturers use a similar rating system. The hearing aid ratings and the cell phone ratings can be combined to help identify combinations that will provide you with a positive experience. So, a hearing aid rated M2 and a wireless device rated M3 with a combined rating of 5 and would likely provide “normal” use. A ratings combination of 6 would likely provide “excellent performance”. Every individual’s hearing aid technology and settings are unique; therefore, these ratings do not guarantee performance.

Because these HAC ratings do not guarantee performance, you should “try before you buy” any wireless device if possible. You should try different brands and models to see which phone works best for you. Also, be sure to closely examine the return policy for the device and the service provider’s policy on early termination of contracts before signing up for service.

How do you know if you should get hearing aids

October 10, 2009

A good rule of thumb is if your friends and family think you need hearing aids, you probably do.  Of course, an audiologist will be able to tell you for sure, but usually, family and friends are the first to notice a hearing loss.  They usually notice before the person with the hearing loss notices.  This is because they are doing all the work – acting as human hearing aids, so to speak.  When you find that your hearing loss is affecting your daily life you should pursue hearing aids.  If you find yourself frequently asking “what?” or “huh?” having difficulty hearing when there is background noise, and are accusing others of not speaking clearly, you need hearing aids.

Expectations from a hearing aid

HEARING AIDS CAN:

1.  Make soft sounds louder, thus making them easier to hear.

2.  Allow you to hear in some situations that used to give you trouble, such as conversations.

3.  Help you hear high-pitch sounds better, thus helping you to understand speech better.

4. Help you feel more at ease in social situations by making it easier to hear what is being said.

HEARING AIDS CANNOT:

1.  Allow you to hear extremely soft sounds.

2.  Cure distortion in your hearing.  Distortion is usually due to a problem in your inner ear.  A hearing aid will mechanically equalize the sounds you hear, but not correct the damaged inner ear.

3.  Allow you to hear well in ALL situations of background noise.  An advanced hearing aid noise setting will enhance speech and reduce background noise; however noise will likely continue to be the most difficult listening environment.  Lip-reading will compliment the sounds you hear in all situations.

4.  Amplify only what you want to hear.

Who do you really need two hearing aids?

With some exceptions, if you have hearing loss in both ears, you should have hearing aids in both ears.  There are three primary reasons for this:
1.  The brain needs input from both sides of the head for balanced hearing.
2.  The brain needs balanced hearing to be able to localize sounds.
3.  The brain needs balanced hearing to hear voices in noise.*
* Difficulty hearing in noise is one of the most common complaints we hear.  A single hearing aid will be of benefit in a quiet listening situation.  However, in a noisy situation such as a restaurant, dining room, work environment, or car, the brain needs input from both ears to pull out a specific speech signal from the background noise.  Hearing aids cannot do this alone! Advanced technology hearing aids often employ a circuit to help reduce noise; however, your brain will not perceive this benefit from only one ear.
Expectations from a hearing aid
A hearing aid CAN:
1.  Make soft sounds louder, thus making them easier to hear.
2.  Allow you to hear in some situations that used to give you trouble, such as conversations.
3.  Help you hear high-pitch sounds better, thus helping you to understand speech better.
4. Help you feel more at ease in social situations by making it easier to hear what is being said.
A hearing aid CANNOT:
1.  Allow you to hear extremely soft sounds.
2.  Cure distortion in your hearing.  Distortion is usually due to a problem in your inner ear.  A hearing aid will mechanically equalize the sounds you hear, but not correct the damaged inner ear.
3.  Allow you to hear well in ALL situations of background noise.  An advanced hearing aid noise setting will enhance speech and reduce background noise; however noise will likely continue to be the most difficult listening environment.  Lip-reading will compliment the sounds you hear in all situations.
4.  Amplify only what you want to hear.

With some exceptions, if you have hearing loss in both ears, you should have hearing aids in both ears.  There are three primary reasons for this:

1.  The brain needs input from both sides of the head for balanced hearing.

2.  The brain needs balanced hearing to be able to localize sounds.

3.  The brain needs balanced hearing to hear voices in noise.*

* Difficulty hearing in noise is one of the most common complaints we hear.  A single hearing aid will be of benefit in a quiet listening situation.  However, in a noisy situation such as a restaurant, dining room, work environment, or car, the brain needs input from both ears to pull out a specific speech signal from the background noise.  Hearing aids cannot do this alone! Advanced technology hearing aids often employ a circuit to help reduce noise; however, your brain will not perceive this benefit from only one ear.

Life of a Hearing Aid

September 18, 2009

It’s surprising that hearing aids don’t need repair or replacement more often.  The electronic components are exposed to heat, perspiration, wax, humidity, rain and daily handling. This can cause parts to wear out, corrode, or lose power.

The life of a hearing aid is usually said to be about 5 years, but can vary from 3-7 depending on a variety of factors.  If you’re thinking about replacing your hearing aids, consider the age of your present aids, improvements in technology, whether your hearing has changed and whther you have a back-up set.  If you have an older hearing aid that needs repair, consider replacing it with an instrument with updated technology.

Feel free to call us if you would like to review the condition of your present aids.  And remember, a cleaning and readjustment of your present hearing aids will often prove significant without the need for new ones.    Our phone number is 301-977-6317.

Cheap Hearing Aids

September 13, 2009

Recent research done at Michigan State University indicated that although consumers with hearing loss might think they are saving significantly more by purchasing inexpensive catalog or over-the-counter hearing aids,  they most likely will be disappointed – or could be taking risks.

There is a high cost variability of hearing aids, and because most consumers do not have or have only partial insurance coverage for hearing aids, people often look for inexpensive options.  Low-cost options are typically marketed on the Internet and in mail-order magazines as listening devices – often for bird watchers or deer hunters.

“These low-cost amplifying devices can look tempting to individuals with hearing impairment because of the significant cost differences,” on researcher, Punch said. “But our research found that the low-cost aids generally don’t meet the fitting requirements to help a hearing-impaired person and could potentially damage a person’s hearing.” 

The research is important to consumers, Callaway says. “Aside from being of extremely poor quality, very low-cost hearing aids (those under $100) have the potential to damage your hearing because they send very loud sounds into the ear.

“Based on the research, the best advice for consumers is to talk to an audiologist. Because hearing aids have complex technical features, they need to be fitted and customized to the individual.” 

The study measured how well the electronic features of the devices could compensate for commonly occurring types of hearing loss, employing methods that audiologists use to fit conventional hearing aids – a process audiologists call prescriptive fitting. Specifically, the researchers found that only a few of the aids they studied met the basic fitting requirements, and, for the few that did, that was true only for a specific degree of hearing loss. 

Although the Food and Drug Administration officially regulates hearing aids, those regulations are not enforced for low-cost amplifying devices that are sold through mail order and on the Internet.

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