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One in Seven Middle-Aged Adults Has Hearing Loss
03-21-2011Researchers in Madison, Wisconsin have discovered that 14% of middle-aged Americans have some sort of hearing loss. For those aged 48 to 59, that percentage jumps to around 20%, and for those 80 years old and older, the percentage skyrockets to 90%. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health research study included 3,285 subjects from 21 to 84 years of age.
Siemens Motion 501
04-13-2010I've had three different hearing aids in my life, and the Motion 501 ITE is the best and most comfortable out of all of them. It isn't very hidden on my ear, but it is quite stylish. My hearing loss isn't severe, so I wasn't in need of something too strong. If you have severe hearing loss this many not be the one for you. I have it on the second to highest setting and it is perfect for me. If you are looking for an everyday hearing aid I would recommend this one.
How to be a smart hearing aid buyer
03-18-2011A hearing aid is a device used to help hard-of-hearing people to hear sounds better. Hearing aids are very important to people who need them, as they give them a sense of our environment. People are often unaware of how treating hearing loss could improve their quality of life.
Many people have a misconceptions about hearing aids and believe there is no solution to their hearing problem. Consumerrespots.org conducted a national survey of 1,100 people who bought hearing aids in the past three years, and lab-tested the features of 44 hearing aids to learn more about the following challenges:
• High prices
• Mediocre fitting
• Lack of information
So what is the solution?
Be a smart hearing aid buyer and get informed.
Accept that you have a challenge: once you realize you really need hearing aids, you already have the positive mind and attitude to go shopping for one.
Select a hearing-aid provider
You can get hearing aids from an otolaryngologist that employs an audiologist that performs hearing testing, fits and dispenses hearing aids, clinics in civilian hospitals, retailers, hearing aid stores, independent hearing aid providers, veterans affairs (if you qualify) and now with our Physician Hearing Services program, at your eye doctor (if he is part of our program).
The advantage of visiting an eye doctor that is part of PHSI are:
Better prices
Better care
ENT referral (in case you need special care)
Treat your vision and hearing at one convenient location
State-of the art equipment
Free hearing loss examination
Reliable hearing aid providers
Get a thorough evaluation
On your first visit, your hearing aid provider will do an audiometry testing, where you will indicate if you can hear different tones, pitches and volumes. You might also listen to speech while a noisy recording plays, or go through other methods of hearing testing.
Be sure to talk about all of your challenges, concerns, your needs and your lifestyle. Make sure to tell the dispenser if you talk on the phone frequently, if you have an active social life, or you visit noisy places frequently. Remember: the dispenser does not know details, so make sure to tell him/her.
Be a smart buyer
Insist on getting what you need and want. Talk to the dispenser about different hearing aid options. Choose the one that is more convenient to your lifestyle and discuss different styles and brands. Ask about latest hearing aid trends, the pros and cons of wearing each specific style and how to take care of them in order to prevent damage and repairs.
Ask about extra visits not covered by the hearing-aid price, length of warranty, the cost to replace a lost or damaged aid, the cost of batteries, the length of the trial period during which you can exchange or return your aids, and the return fee, if any. Make sure your contract allows you to return your aids and get all or most of your money back if you're not satisfied.
Ask if the style you chose can be readjusted if your hearing loss gets worse. Learn all the different features of your hearing aid. Try to put it on by yourself, insert and remove the battery, and learn how to use it while talking on the phone. Negotiate on price: you might succeed and save extra money.
Understand the product
There are different types of hearing aids. You should decide which type is best for you.
1. Behind the ear open-fit
Comfortable, barely visible. No earmold, so less plugged-up feeling. However, sweating might cause malfunction. Limited manual controls.
2. Behind the ear with earmold
Most versatile and reliable. Fits widest range of hearing loss. The con is that it is very visible. Vulnerable to sweat and wax. Plugged-up feeling from earmold unless vented.
3. Completely in the canal
Almost invisible, It might have short battery life. Too small for directional microphone. Ear might feel plugged up unless aid is vented. Vulnerable to wax and moisture.
4. In the canal
Barely visible, same issues as with completely-in-the-canal models, though less severe. If the ear canal is large enough, might have telecoil or directional microphone.
5. In the ear
More room for features such as telecoil, directional microphone, volume control. Less of a plugged-up feeling It is still visible and can be vulnerable to wax and moisture.
Hearing Loss and Dementia
03-30-2011Researchers are calling for “critically needed” “rehabilitative strategies” for confronting a newly discovered association between hearing loss and the progression of dementia.
How to be a smart hearing aid buyer
03-18-2011
Many people have a misconceptions about hearing aids and believe there is no solution to their hearing problem. Consumerrespots.org conducted a national survey of 1,100 people who bought hearing aids in the past three years, and lab-tested the features of 44 hearing aids to learn more about the following challenges.
What are the differences between ophthalmologist, optometrist, and an optician?
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