|
         |
HEARING AIDS PRESERVE GRAY MATTERAccording to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, a decline in a person's ability to hear is related to a degeneration of brain cells. Researchers pointed out that hearing aids increased the listening capability for older adults in the study (ages 60-77), which allowed them to more successfully comprehend speech and decreased the atrophy of gray brain matter. Researchers found that brain matter density was lower in people with hearing impairment. They also noted, "Interventions such as hearing aids should be considered, not only to improve hearing, but also to preserve the brain." The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and was published August 31, 2011 in The Journal of Neuroscience . PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM LOUD NOISESProtecting yourself from loud noises is extremely important to preserve normal hearing. Even music lovers and musicians should routinely wear ear protection. Hearing protection devices designed for industrial and recreational noise exposures are not suitable for listening to or performing music, because conventional earplugs attenuate the higher frequencies. Thus, the music would be perceived as "muffled." Special musician earplugs have a flat frequency response offering a natural sound, but adequate protection to prevent a noise-induced hearing loss. SUMMER WEATHERSummer weather is tough on hearing aids. At my office alone, factory repairs triple during the summer months. That’s on account of increased activity, perspiration from heat and higher humidity, all of which add significant amounts of moisture to hearing aids. This increased moisture affects the tiny components of the hearing aid, resulting in loss of sound clarity, distortion, and sometimes outright failure. We recommend to our patients the Dry & StoreTM conditioning system which removes moisture while sanitizing and deodorizing the hearing aids, resulting in a reduction of needed repairs.USING YOUR CELLULAR PHONEUsing your cellular telephone while driving can be hazardous, even deadly. If you must drive and talk on the cellular phone, consider an ultra-light headset with a customized ear mold. It can be worn comfortably in your ear all day long, allowing you to keep both of your hands free and on the steering wheel. Be smart. Wear an ultra-light headset, and drive safely. SURELY YOU'VE HEARD THE SAYINGSurely you’ve heard the saying, "If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is." That is the case with many hearing aid ads. Allow me to clear up some of the more common misleading advertising. For instance, if the ad reads: "Hearing Loss? It may be wax." Fact is it is very rare for long standing hearing loss to be caused by wax. We regularly check inside your ears for wax or other problems, and we will gladly show you inside your ear canal if you wish. If you see "$400 Off MSRP" (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) this so called "sale" is still much higher than my everyday fair pricing. When you come to Asheville Audiology Services, you’ll find our hearing aids are reasonably priced for the level of technology and personal service you receive. There’s a reason our patients report that the advanced hearing aids they bought and wear were worth every bit of the cost to hear their best. EVEN IF YOU WEAR AIDS COMMUNICATION IS STILL A CHALLENEGE FOR SOME PEOPLEEven if you wear hearing aids, communication is still a challenge for some people. I often counsel my patients on effective communication especially after they are fit with new hearing aids. Just because the hearing aid has improved your hearing doesn’t necessarily mean you have become a good listener. I advise patients and their loved ones to never take a conversation for granted. I also recommend the following for improving communication:
THE YEAR 2006 OPEN EARThe year 2006 saw significant advances in hearing technology, especially with the introduction of "Open-Ear, Open-Fit" behind-the-ear (BTE) instruments. Years ago, the BTE was the most popular style until the virtually invisible completely-in-the-canal (CIC) instruments were introduced. Indeed, the CIC aids have developed into much more powerful and sophisticated miniature hearing devices with advanced feedback reduction technology. But 2006 saw a soaring popularity with the BTE. These miniature instruments have a tremendous amount of power and can make millions of calculations in milliseconds as you go from one listening environment to another. There were over a million of these tiny instruments fit last year, a 43.8% increase from 2005. In my practice, the BTE has always been a popular hearing aid, and now even more so.SOUNDPORT BLUETOOTH
Now available at Asheville Audiology Services, the new custom-fit Soundport BluetoothTM Earset. Soundport is designed for non-hearing impaired people, using compatible cell phones, who want a comfortable, clear, customized wireless communication system. It’s an extremely small and lightweight system that is hands-free! The custom earpiece fits securely while providing clear telephone communication. Soundport offers you the freedom and safety to work and drive without having to hold the phone next to your ear or having to deal with a less efficient wired connection that includes a microphone. Only $199.99 Additional features include:
|
 |
