Scottish percussionist and composer Evelyn Glennie lost nearly all of her hearing by age 12. Rather than isolating her, it has given her a unique connection to her music.
Hearing Aid Blog
Medicare to help with Hearing Aids? Doubt it.
November 17, 2009
Last week, Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) introduced a bill to require Medicare to cover hearing aids. Highlights from the article:
Brown will try to get this included in the health care legislation
Other countries already provide hearing aids to people in similar government plans
AARP Director of Federal Relations says many senior citizens already have Medicare Advantage plans to that cover hearing aids
A cosponsor of the House version does not think Brown will succeed in having the provision included in the health care bill because of the possibility of Medicare cuts.
The Senate version of the bill is S 1837 (introduced in October 2009), and it has no cosponsors. The House version of the bill is HR 504 (introduced in January 2009), and it has only five cosponsors. Unless there is a big push by people who would benefit from these bills, they don’t stand much chance of passage due to lack of cosponsor
Late October, Senator Sherrod Brown (OH) introduced a bill to require Medicare to cover hearing aids. Highlights from the article:
Brown will try to get this included in the health care legislation
* Other countries already provide hearing aids to people in similar government plans
* AARP Director of Federal Relations says many senior citizens already have Medicare Advantage plans that cover hearing aids, which is not entirely true, because it only covers a portion of the cost)
* A cosponsor of the House version does not think Brown will succeed in having the provision included in the health care bill because of the possibility of Medicare cuts.
The Senate version of the bill is S 1837 (introduced in October 2009), and it has no cosponsors. The House version of the bill is HR 504 (introduced in January 2009), and it has only five cosponsors. Unless there is a big push by people who would benefit from these bills, they don’t stand much chance of passage due to lack of co-sponsorship.
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.
Noise Exposure and Convertible Cars
It is known that noise exposure can cause temporary and/or permanent damage to hearing ability. Repeated and prolonged exposure increases the chance of causing damage. In a study completed by Michael, Opie, & Smith, the noise levels while driving a convertible car were measure to analyze the potential for noise induced hearing loss. In the study they used 7 different convertibles and compared the noise level at different speeds and with the windows up and down. The results suggest that when the windows and roof of the convertible are down, the level of noise is such that it has the potential to cause damage to hearing. Interestingly, at a speed of 50 mph the noise level was higher than at 70 mph. The mean noise level was 85 dB – 90 dB. The noise level can be exaggerated by road surface and traffic load. The article suggests that hearing protection can be worn, although the potential for damage can be reduced by rolling up the windows.