Hearing Aid Satisfaction

Fit and Follow Up:  Key Components in Hearing Aid User Satisfaction

Buying hearing aids is not like buying a flat screen TV.  Hearing aids are not just electronic devices, but rather a rehabilitative treatment that requires long-term commitment to their use. Understanding this fact, and that fit and follow up are equally as important as the hearing aid itself, will go a long way toward your satisfaction with your purchase. That is why the hearing professional you choose is so important (see our Hearing Aid Lafayette Indiana location).  His or her skills at programming, fitting and follow up counseling are keys to your successful adjustment to hearing aids.

 Fitting:  The programming of your new hearing aids should not only reflect the results of your audiogram, but should take into consideration your personal preferences to ensure your hearing is natural sounding and optimal.  Tests should be completed during the fitting phase to verify that speech understanding has improved. In other words, improvement in overall communication effectiveness should be the ultimate goal of the fitting process.

Follow up:  Follow up care also plays a crucial role in your level of satisfaction.   In the July 2009 Consumer Reports article, ‘Hear Well in a Noisy World,’ the author points out how critical it is that the Audiologist explains what you should expect during the adjustment period.  He or she should also:

·       Demonstrate how to insert and remove the battery

·       Review how to clean and store the aid

·       Help you practice putting the aid into your ear

·       Help you practice using all switches and controls

·       Help you practice using the telephone while wearing it.

Additionally, your Audiologist should set a follow up appointment within a few weeks of receiving your hearing aids and outline a routine care and maintenance schedule. This maintenance schedule should include clearly-defined daily cleaning processes, suggestions for extending battery life, 6-month “clean and check” appointments and an annual hearing test to gauge your hearing health and whether or not your hearing aids need to be reprogrammed.

Should you have any questions, please contact our Hearing Aid Lafayette Indiana location to speak to Audiologist Sandy Bratton at 888-888-DIZZY (3499).

Hearing Aid Tips

Protect Your Investment in Hearing Aids: Five Essential Tips

If you’ve shopped for hearing aids recently or already own a pair, you know that these devices are not cheap, although well worth their cost for the enhanced quality of life that comes with an improved ability to hear.   With the cost of hearing aids, it pays to protect your investment by following these “Must Do” tips (from our Hearing Aid Indianapolis location):

Tip #1:  Be aware of the temperature.

• Avoid excessive heat and cold. Do not leave your hearing aids in a hot car in the summer or a cold car in the winter.  
• Do not dry your hair with a hair dryer while wearing hearing aids.  
• Humidity and hearing aids do not mix. If you live in a humid environment, purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier. 

Tip #2:  Avoid moisture and water.

While a humid environment can damage hearing aids, moisture from perspiration as well as submersion in water can interfere with the functionality of a hearing aid. 

• Do not wear hearing aids while swimming, showering, taking a bath, during strenuous exercise that causes you to perspire or while in the sauna (unless you wear an extended-wear, deep canal device).
• Remove your hearing aids at the hairdresser or barber.
• Use an umbrella or hooded raincoat when it is raining.
• Make sure your hair and ears are completely dry before inserting your hearing aids.
• Remove your hearing aids at night and open the casing door to allow air to ventilate the interior.  

Tip #3:  Avoid shock and vibration.

• Hold the hearing aid over a cushioned surface when changing the battery.
• Store your hearing aid in the cushioned case it came in.  
• To avoid accidents, sit down to insert or remove your hearing aid. 

Tip #4: Regularly clean the outer shell of your hearing aid.

• To clean an in-the-ear hearing aid externally, wipe it off with a dry cloth.  Then brush across the receiver opening with the wax brush that came with your hearing aid.* Do not push anything sharp into the microphone port.  * If you did not receive a wax brush, consult your Audiologist. To clean wax guards, follow the instructions given to you by your Audiologist.
• To clean behind-the-ear hearing aids externally, wipe off the hearing aid with a dry cloth.   To clean the ear mold, remove it from the ear hook of the hearing aid and wash it in warm, soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly and shake out the excess moisture.  Allow the ear mold to dry overnight. 
• At least every 6 months, take your hearing aids to your Audiologist for a thorough “clean and check” and to change out microphone protectors and BTE tubing that is becoming brittle.

 Tip #5: Use Hair, Shaving and Cosmetic Products carefully

Perfume, hair spray, bath powder, shaving cream, cosmetics and hair gel can all clog the microphone of your hearing aid

Should you have any questions, please contact our Hearing Aid Indianapolis location to speak with Audiologist Michelle Koley at (888) 888-DIZZY (3499)

Hearing Aid Technology Tips

How to Combat Background Noise, the Screeching of Feedback and that “Talking in a Barrel” Feeling

Background interference got you down?

To improve your ability to hear and understand in background noise, try using some basic communication strategies.  For example, ask to be seated away from the kitchen if you are going to a noisy restaurant, or choose an eatery that has good acoustics. (Carpeting on the floor goes a long way in absorbing some of the sounds.)

Technology Tip: Advances in hearing aid technology have recognized that two microphones work better than one.  Adaptive Dual Microphone technology recognizes the origin of background noise and automatically reduces it while focusing on sounds you want to hear.  Learn about the BalanceMD Hearing Aid Indianapolis location. 

Does your own voice sound odd?

If you are new to wearing hearing aids, your own voice may sound strange…like you are talking in a hollow barrel.  Even your own chewing can sound loud! 

This effect is called occlusion and is caused by the ear mold completely filling the ear canal. Vibrations made by the sound waves of your voice are trapped, making it sound louder.  In most cases, creating a vent through the hearing aid to unblock the ear solves the problem by allowing the vibrations of your voice to escape.  Some hearing aids come with a pressure relief vent to equalize the air pressure in the ear, but these vents are often too small to reduce the occlusion effect. Thus, it may be necessary to have your Audiologist create a larger passage in the hearing aid.

Technology Tip:  Open Fit technology can effectively eliminate occlusion.  This type of hearing aid keeps the ear canal open by using a small tube with a speaker instead of a traditional ear mold.  Learn about the BalanceMD Hearing Aid Lafayette location.

Does your hearing aid squeal?

Everyone has heard it.  That “fingernails-on-a-blackboard screech” coming from your hearing aid when you place it near a phone or take it out of your ear.  It’s called feedback and is the result of amplified sound leaking from the ear canal into the hearing aid microphone. It happens when there is a crack in the hearing aid venting, a loose fit or an accumulation of earwax in your ear canal.

Don’t try to fix your hearing aid yourself by tapping it on a hard surface. You are likely to cause damage with that method!   Instead, schedule an appointment with your Audiologist to see if your hearing aid needs to be repaired, refitted or if earwax needs to be removed.  

Technology Tip: Many of today’s digital hearing aids feature “feedback management” systems that automatically identify feedback before it occurs and cancel it automatically. 

Canes and Walkers Require Fitting

One device does not fit all!!

by Stephanie Ford, PT

According to TodayinPT.com:  “The United States Census Bureau report issued in 2008 indicates that more than 10 million adults used a cane, crutches or a walker to assist with ambulation.”  Assistive devices for walking can help people stay active in their homes and community, with a better quality of life, and keep them from falling.  However, that depends on if these devices are being used appropriately and efficiently.

As a Physical Therapist for over 20 years, I have come across many instances of people using the wrong assistive device for them, or using the appropriate assistive device for them but incorrectly.   I’ve witnessed it both in my practice as well as out in public (because I can’t help but analyze people’s walking pattern when out in public).   Many people don’t realize that not all assistive devices are appropriate for everyone.  I often have a client come in with a “hand me down” cane from a relative or friend that is too short or too tall for them, it’s the wrong device for them, or they are not using it safely because they weren’t trained how to use it correctly.  When someone is thinking about using an assistive device to help with their mobility, it’s important that the correct device is chosen specifically for them, it is adjusted for their height accordingly, and they are taught to use it appropriately.   That’s what Physical Therapists do.

Canes:  A single point cane is meant for light support and is appropriate for someone with increased speed of walking.  The small based and large based quad canes are more appropriate for people who need a little more support and don’t walk as quickly.  If someone with a quick pace tries to walk with a quad cane, it often gets tangled up in their feet and could trip them, or it ends up behind them as they walk, which doesn’t serve its intended purpose. 

Walkers:  A rolling walker versus a standard walker without wheels can come in handy so that people can walk with a more continuous stride and not have to lift the walker between steps.  However, if people have poor balance, that rolling walker may be harder for them to control, and they end up walking with it way too far in front of them.  Again, that defeats its purpose.  Rollator walkers are 4 wheeled walkers with seats.  These come in handy for long distance walking if someone needs to rest.  However, again, the walker can get away from people easily if their balance is too poor. 

It’s very important for any assistive device to be fitted for each person’s height.  If it’s too tall, it interferes with a person’s stride.  If it’s too short, it will cause the person to bend over too far when walking. 

Many times people begin using a walker or cane on the advice of their doctor, family or friends.  However, if they have not been trained in the appropriate technique of walking with the device, it can be more dangerous than helpful.  There is a specific sequence when walking with a cane and appropriate  ways to use either canes or walkers to step up on a curb or negotiate regular steps.

So, if you are considering using a cane or walker to help with your mobility, ask your doctor if you can see a therapist to determine the appropriate device for you.  It should only take a few visits and could make a big difference for you to keep moving safely.

Untreated Hearing Loss and Depression

Untreated hearing loss can increased risk of depression

New evidence shows a strong link between the debilitating and dangerous symptoms of depression and hearing loss. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study showing those older than 50 who suffer from hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, emotional instability and paranoia. Studies done in Italy and Australia both showed similar results.

“When left unaddressed hearing loss can lead to isolation and other emotional conditions that can affect both quality of life and mental health,” said Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute.

Even more alarming, the NCOA study showed those who suffered from hearing loss were also less likely to join social activities.  Because depression affects nearly one in every 12 people in America and can lead to much more grave situations, it’s important to realize and respond to the link between depression and effective treatment of hearing loss.

The impacts of hearing loss treatment on mental health shouldn’t be underestimated as shown by researchers in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. They found in just three months of hearing aid use every single patient in the study showed significant improvement in psychosocial and cognitive condition.

“By raising awareness of the connection between untreated hearing loss and depression we hope to make a difference in people’s lives and mobilize individuals to address their hearing loss,” said Kochkin.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends seeking help for a complete hearing evaluation if a loved one consistently has:

• ·       Difficulty understanding speech, especially when background noise is present
• ·       Isolates themselves from social gatherings and public situations
• ·       Watches television or listening to the radio at a much louder volume than normal
• ·       Often asks for people to repeat themselves

While it can be difficult to seek treatment when depressed and to encourage those who may be suffering to find help, mental health is important to keep a close watch on because it affects so many other areas of a healthy lifestyle. The evidence is clear that those who suffer from even mild hearing loss are at greater risk from a wide range of negative emotional experiences. The first step is to seek corrective treatment from a hearing careprofessional.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Depression_mental_health_and_hearing_loss_pr0913.cfm

Hearing Aid "Side Effects"

How to Combat Background Noise, the Screeching of 

Feedback and that “Talking in a Barrel” Feeling

Background interference got you down?

To improve your ability to hear and understand in background noise, try using some basic communication strategies.  For example, ask to be seated away from the kitchen if you are going to a noisy restaurant, or choose an eatery that has good acoustics. (Carpeting on the floor goes a long way in absorbing some of the sounds.)

Technology Tip: Advances in hearing aidtechnology have recognized that two microphones work better than one.  Adaptive Dual Microphone technology recognizes the origin of background noise and automatically reduces it while focusing on sounds you want to hear.

Does your own voice sound odd?

If you are new to wearing hearing aids, your own voice may sound strange…like you are talking in a hollow barrel.  Even your own chewing can sound loud!

This effect is called occlusion and is caused by the ear mold completely filling the ear canal. Vibrations made by the sound waves of your voice are trapped, making it sound louder.  In most cases, creating a vent through the hearing aid to unblock the ear solves the problem by allowing the vibrations of your voice to escape.  Some hearing aids come with a pressure relief vent to equalize the air pressure in the ear, but these vents are often too small to reduce the occlusion effect. Thus, it may be necessary to have your Audiologist create a larger passage in the hearing aid.

Technology Tip:  Open Fit technology can effectively eliminate occlusion.  This type of hearing aid keeps the ear canal open by using a small tube with a speaker instead of a traditional ear mold.

Does your hearing aid squeal?

Everyone has heard it.  That “fingernails-on-a-blackboard screech” coming from your hearing aid when you place it near a phone or take it out of your ear.  It’s called feedback and is the result of amplified sound leaking from the ear canal into the hearing aid microphone. It happens when there is a crack in the hearing aid venting, a loose fit or an accumulation of earwax in your ear canal.

Don’t try to fix your hearing aid yourself by tapping it on a hard surface. You are likely to cause damage with that method!   Instead, schedule an appointment with your Audiologist to see if your hearing aid needs to be repaired, refitted or if earwax needs to be removed. 

Technology Tip: Many of today’s digital hearing aids feature “feedback management” systems that automatically identify feedback before it occurs and cancel it automatically.

Selecting the Right Hearing Aid for You

Finding the Perfect Fit: The Art of Hearing Aid Selection

With the cost of hearing aids ranging from $2000-$7000 a pair, patients often ask us “What’s wrong with the less expensive ones?”

The answer is nothing.  In fact, budget hearing aids could be the perfect choice for you. The only way to find out which is best for your hearing lifestyle is to partner with an Audiologist who understands both the art and science of selecting and fitting hearing aids.

The advanced technology of today’s hearing aids means you have more features from which to choose. These added features, while providing added benefits, also make a hearing aid more expensive. However, depending upon your unique requirements, more is not necessarily better. 

Think of it this way.  If you were a serious athlete planning on running a marathon and you decided to purchase a treadmill to do some off-season training, you might choose a $4500 model on which you could run full speed at varying degrees of inclines, all while the machine kept track of your heart rate and tracked your progress. You would probably also want to have a personal trainer, experienced in achieving the highest possible performance to assist you in getting the most out of your investment and workouts. However, if you just wanted to take an occasional walk and perhaps lose a few pounds, a $500 treadmill might just do the trick.

The same considerations are true when it comes to selecting appropriate hearing aids.  If you are very active, live in a variety of noisy environments and don’t want to be bothered adjusting volume, then you will probably be happier with hearing aids which include advanced features such as directional microphones, feedback cancellation or automatic adjustments. In conjunction with this, you will be most satisfied with your results with the involvement of an experienced Audiologist to tailor the features of the hearing aid to your personal needs and achieve maximum benefit. If you live a quiet life and don’t mind making manual adjustments, then a more economical hearing device might be perfect for you. In short, it is the art of selection and fitting combined with the science of technology that will have the most direct impact on your level of satisfaction.

Our Audiologists are skilled at matching your needs to the most appropriate technology and fitting the devices to provide maximum benefit.  We have been trained to make their recommendations for the type and style of hearing devices based upon five important criteria:

• ·      Your personal lifestyle
• ·      Your level of hearing loss
• ·      The physical characteristics of your ear canal
• ·      Your cosmetic preferences
• ·      Your budget constraints

Our Audiologists ask many questions, because we want to get to know you.  We believe by investing time into understanding what your life is like and what is important to you, we will be able to ensure your optimal hearing while providing you the best value.  You may contact us for a trial of hearing aids in Indianapolis with Audiologist Michelle Koley, or hearing aids in Lafayette with Audiologist Sandy Bratton.  Go to www.BalanceMD.net or call us toll-free 888-888-DIZZY (3499).