Many older adults haven’t experienced the benefits of hearing aids

If you’re in your 60s, 70s or above, the odds of you having hearing loss are, sadly, pretty good. One in four people in their 60’s live with hearing loss. Two of three people in their 70s do. And nearly four of every five people 80+ deal with hearing loss.Yet despite all the evidence linking untreated hearing loss to issues like falls, social isolation and even dementia, only one in three older adults do anything about their hearing loss.If you’re one of those who choose to ignore your hearing loss, you owe it to yourself to hear the difference wearing hearing aids can make. And there’s no reason why you shouldn’t, as you can try the latest hearing technology risk-free for at least 30 days.Not sure where to start? Call Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today to set up your first hearing consultation! 

Do’s and don’ts of good ear health

Our ears need to be taken care of just like our eyes and our teeth. To ensure they stay healthy for as long as possible, keep these 10 things in mind.

Do’s

1. Do get your ears and hearing checked regularly.
2. Do go to a professional to have excessive ear wax removed.
3. Do use earplugs to protect your hearing around loud sounds.
4. Do dry your ears after showering or swimming.
5. Do stay physically active. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and circulation system healthy, which helps keeps your ears healthy.

Don’ts

1. Don’t put cotton swabs in your ear canal.
2. Don’t crank up your headphones.
3. Don’t ignore pain or drainage from your ears — go to a doctor.
4. Don’t smoke. Smoking is known to affect hearing through the circulation system.
5. Don’t assume hearing loss is just for older people. Hearing loss is an increasing danger to younger individuals due exposure to loud sounds via ear buds.

For more tips, reach out to Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers. We are here to help!

Signs your child may have hearing loss

"Put your listening ears on!" frustrated parents often say. But some kids aren't deliberately tuning out Mom and Dad -- they really can't hear them.If you suspect your child has a hearing problem, get it checked out, experts advise.Even minor hearing loss can affect a child's ability to learn and also lead to other problems."A child with just minor hearing loss can be missing 50 percent of the classroom discussion," said Jackie Clark, president of the American Academy of Audiology."There are children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability when really what they need are hearing aids," Clark said in an academy news release.Hearing difficulties can also lead to behavioral problems, lack of focus and even depression.Most infants have their hearing tested, but can develop hearing loss in subsequent years due to illness, genetic traits, exposure to loud noises or ear infections.Ear infections are common, affecting five out of six children in their first three years, audiologists say.The total number of children in the United States with some type of hearing loss is unknown and many cases go undiagnosed. Children with hearing loss often don't realize they have a problem, and parents and teachers may not know the signs, according to the academy.Possible indications of hearing loss in children include:

• difficulty following through with assignments and not seeming to understand the task;
• not keeping up in school;
• misunderstanding questions and either not responding or responding inappropriately;
• asking you to repeat things, or watching your face intently as you speak, trying to understand what you're saying.

Speech that differs from that of other kids the same age also can signal a hearing problem. Other indications: difficulty pronouncing simple words, inability to repeat a phrase, and language delays.Kids who don't hear well on the phone, who speak loudly when not required, have chronic ear pain or complain of unidentifiable noises may also benefit from a hearing test, the experts said."Often parents and teachers overlook the fact that a child's behavior may be a sign of hearing loss," Clark said."If parents suspect an issue, they should have their child evaluated by an audiologist. Audiologists have the tools and training to identify hearing loss, degrees of hearing loss, and can recommend solutions," she added.More informationThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on hearing loss in children.

SOURCE: American Academy of Audiology, news release, July 30, 2018

Photo by pan xiaozhen on Unsplash

7 facts that may surprise you about hearing aids!

Despite the fact that many people use hearing aids, many of us may not fully understand what they actually do or how they work. We've uncovered seven facts you should know about these useful devices.1. Hearing aids are not just for the elderlyAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 466 million people across the world suffer from disabling hearing loss – 34 million of these are children. It’s estimated that by 2050 more than 900 million people will be affected by disabling hearing loss. The WHO says that 1.1 billion young people – between the age of 12 and 35 – are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise in recreational settings.2. Hearing aids can adjust automatically to surrounding noiseOur ears do an amazing job of picking up important sounds – such as your dinner date’s conversation in a busy restaurant or a bored colleague muttering under his breath at a meeting. Hearing aids can do exactly the same, and technological advancements have made them versatile in all sound environments.3. Hearing aids will not cure your hearing lossA hearing aid will not return your hearing to normal. And while a hearing aid won't cure your hearing loss, it will help you to hear conversations, the TV or the radio. A hearing aid will definitely improve your quality of life.4. You should not buy hearing aids onlineSure, if you search online you might find a hearing aid that is more affordable than the quote you received. However, it’s impossible to know whether the device will work for you – in the same way that prescription glasses are tailored to your eyesight, hearing aids are tailored to your hearing needs. An audiologist needs to test your hearing and find the right hearing aid for you.5. You may need a hearing aid even if you have mild hearing lossWe all have different needs when it comes to hearing, and while some people with mild hearing loss don't require a hearing aid, others find that it makes a huge difference to them. If you are concerned or confused, book an appointment with an audiologist who will be able to help you figure out what you need.6. You may need to wear two hearing aids even if you only experience hearing loss in one earYou use both ears to hear, which means wearing two hearing aids may improve your hearing even more. According to the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association, wearing two hearings aids “lets you figure out where sounds come from. This is called localisation. It helps in noisy places and makes sounds more natural. Wearing two aids may make it easier to understand what others say.”7. Hearing aids can be used in any lifestyleAs technology continues to improve, it means that no matter what type of lifestyle you currently enjoy, you'll be able to find a suitable hearing aid. Nowadays you can find hearing aids that are water resistant or waterproof. Just because you need to wear a hearing aid doesn't mean you have to change your lifestyle.Source: www.health24.com

Treating hearing loss can have an impact on income

Research by the non-profit Better Hearing Institute (BHI), looking into the “impact of untreated hearing loss on household income”, resulted in many interesting findings.For instance, it found that the use of hearing aids in people with hearing loss “reduced the risk of income loss” by between 65 and 100 percent, depending on the severity of hearing loss; that people with untreated hearing loss had double the unemployment rate as hearing-aided peers; and it revealed the findings in today’s Hearing Fact Friday.If those aren’t enough reasons to get your hearing checked, you’ll find six more here. Plus, you can watch a story of three men who refused to let vanity get in the way of living a better life.To contact Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers to set up a hearing evaluation today, please click here. 

The history of hearing aid design

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes, and those who look back on the evolution of hearing aid design would most likely agree. Large, cumbersome hearing devices don’t mix well with this ever changing, multi-tasking world we live in -- and thanks to major advances in technology, today’s devices are smaller, sleeker-looking and more proficient at mimicking the human sense of hearing than those that were first marketed more than 120 years ago. Let’s take a look at their metamorphosis.Ear trumpets and conversation tubesIf a cupped hand can boost the volume of sound to your ear, just think what a long, cup-shaped funnel could do. That may have been the inspiration behind the invention of ear trumpets and conversation tubes, non-electric assistive listening devices that have been around since the middle of the 18th century. In fact, a page from Montgomery Ward’s 1894 catalog features illustrations for three different models of ear trumpets and ear tubes, one promising to “suit the most obstinate case of deafness.”Of course, ear trumpets didn’t really amplify sound -- they actually just collected it from the immediate surroundings and dialed it right into the ear canal. As humorous as the cartoon depictions of these devices now appear, they were relatively successful in improving the user’s ability to hear. Here’s why:

• The cup-shaped design effectively limited background noise when sound was delivered directly into the device.
• The long, angular trumpet and/or tubing provided a certain amount of personal space. You needed to stand beside a person using an ear trumpet, but you didn’t have to put your lips inches from his ear. Likewise, conversation tubes were made in different shapes and sizes in order to accommodate a variety of listening situations.
• The devices were portable and didn’t need any special apparatus to make it work -- such as batteries or cumbersome backpacks.

Body aids

Even though ear trumpets and conversation tubes were popular well into the 20th century, the invention of the carbon microphone at the turn of the 20th century ushered in a new hearing aid design.

• Carbon hearing aids were the first electrical hearing aids. These devices used carbon granules packed in a cylinder to produce a scratchy sound which only benefited those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The part of the device which covered the ears resembled a headset, with wires that connected to a bulky battery and microphone the user would carry or attach to their clothing.
• Vacuum tube hearing aids used carbon battery technology; however, smaller vacuum tubes (1 ½” to 1 ¾” long) amplified the output of the carbon hearing aid. These tubes made it possible for the hearing aid to fit inside a shirt pocket, even though they still needed two large batteries to power them.
• Transistor hearing aids made their debut in the early 1950s after Bell Labs invented the transistor (1948). The single, smaller battery reduced the overall size of the hearing aid and provided prolonged battery life.

Ear-level hearing aids

Then along came the integrated circuit and hearing aid manufacturers found ways to miniaturize the process even further. The microchip paved the way for ear-level hearing aids -- those which could now fit discreetly behind the ear. Placing the microphone at ear level helps simulate natural sound and for the first time, users could wear two devices and achieve bilateral hearing amplification. When the zinc-air battery appeared on the scene in the late 1970s, battery life doubled. Zinc-air batteries are now considered the industry standard, replacing their silver oxide and mercury predecessors.In the past 60 years, hearing aid design has made its most dramatic changes, and now house powerful, miniaturized circuitry in comfortable and efficient models that are small and discreet. The following types of ear-level hearing aids each have their own benefits depending on the individuals severity of hearing loss, lifestyle and budget.

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) - The first BTE made its debut in 1956. Now even smaller in size today, they still resemble the first models. The components for the microphone, receiver, amplifier and battery are housed in a crescent shaped compartment which fits snugly behind the ear. Tubing connects the device to an earmold which fits in the ear canal.
• Receiver in the ear(RITE)/ Receiver in the canal (RIC) - You might think a hearing aid couldn’t get any smaller once technology allowed for the entire device to fit inside the ear canal, but you’d be wrong. Even this type of hearing aid has become progressively smaller and more effective since its origins in 1983. The first models protruded from the ear. Today’s models are often so small they are virtually invisible to others standing beside you.
• Completely in the Canal (CIC) and Invisible in Canal (IIC) hearing aids first appeared in 1993. These custom-made devices are created from ear molds of each individual’s ear canal, so they fit perfectly and deliver maximum benefit. Their size and location make them virtually undetectable to others, one of the main features which makes them so desirable among users.

The best hearing aid design?

Today’s hearing aids come in all shapes, sizes and colors with features as varied as the millions of users who now wear them. Which one is best? Undoubtedly, the one that has been selected for you by your hearing healthcare professional - Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers. Together we can identify the manufacturer and model that’s best for you depending upon the severity of your hearing loss, the listening situations you encounter on a daily basis and what you’re able to pay for hearing devices. Ready to start your journey to better hearing health? It all begins with a hearing evaluation, call us today!Source: www.healthyhearing.com

Yanny vs Laurel (and hearing aids)

Have you heard? Maybe “what do you hear?” is the better question.Everyone is talking about the Yanny vs Laurel controversy. From the same soundbite recording, some people hear the word “Yanny” and some people hear the word “Laurel”.It is a sort of “ambiguity illusion.” Think about those “trick” pictures or optical illusions where you may see an old woman or young woman, two people talking or a chalice, or a duck or a bunny. By using shading, the artist allows two pictures to reside in the same space.Yanny vs Laurel is similar but for our ears. The correct word is “Laurel.” The “trick” was found when a high school student was doing research for their literature class. They looked up the word “Laurel” online and played the pronunciation. They heard “Yanny”. They posted it online and since, everyone has been asking “What do you hear?”

Everyone’s hearing is different and unique

Our ears collect sound, send it to the brain and the brain interprets the sound. Scientists explain that the frequencies people are “tuned into” will impact what they hear. In addition, our brains will fill in gaps to help us figure out what we are hearing.“‘If I cut your ears off and put someone else's on your head, sounds would sound different,’ Howard Nusbaum, a psychologist who studies speech science at the University of Chicago, told Gizmodo. He explained that differently shaped ears focus sounds differently. You might actually hear sounds differently than the person next to you.”Everyone’s life experience, perspective, background and, therefore, their brains are unique. When we combine these unique pieces it is no wonder that the Yanny vs Laurel debate rages on.

Individualized hearing care makes a difference 

So, what does this have to do with hearing aids? With so many unique variables and possible desired outcomes, it re-enforces the need to see a professional about your hearing needs. Only a trained hearing professional will work closely with you to understand why and how you hear the unique way you do (Yanny or Laurel), and ensure you get the solution and care you need to hear the way you want and should.

'I Completely Turned My Back On Music'

The list of aging rock 'n' roll musicians who have damaged their hearing after a long career on stage is growing.

Huey Lewis and the News canceled its 2018 tour last week after Lewis told fans that he "can’t hear music well enough to sing."

Eric Clapton told the BBC this year that he is going deaf.

And in March, Roger Daltrey, the front man of The Who, told concertgoers that he is "very, very deaf," and relies on hearing aids while performing.

But the issue of noise-induced hearing loss is a problem for classical musicians, too.

"I completely turned my back on music," says violist Betty Hauck, who retired from professional music at the age of 65 because she could no longer hear well enough to perform. "I didn't want to have anything to do with music whatsoever. If I couldn't play up to the level I was used to, I wasn't going to do it."

Hauck’s long career included playing at the White House for the Kennedys. She’s played in a string quartet with Yo-Yo Ma, and performed in the Middle East.

But one day, while playing a Bach cantata at the Emmanuel Church in Boston, Hauck says she couldn’t follow along with the music.

"I quit on the spot," she remembers. "I didn’t want to put any of my colleagues in the very awkward position of telling me that it was time to stop playing."

Hauck can't say for sure if it's her career in music that led to her moderate-to-severe hearing loss. But there is a known connection. Researchers say years of exposure to an orchestra can take their toll.

According to one German study, professional musicians were nearly four times more likely to experience noise-induced hearing loss. Another found that nearly 60 percent of classical musicians have damaged hearing.

"It turns out classical music is more damaging than rock 'n' roll," says Marshall Chasin, an audiologist who works with musicians in Toronto.

Because even though the intensity of a rock 'n' roll set might be greater, Chasin says classical musicians are more likely to practice for long hours and teach other musicians, in addition to regular performances. "If you take the dose that they get — the number of hours per week playing — for a classical musician, it’s much, much greater."

“I started grieving. And as a result of that, I discovered the sweetness on the other side.” - Betty Hauck

For Betty Hauck — and for most musicians — the hearing loss was gradual.

And she was not prepared to deal with it.

Hauck practiced with hearing aids for a while, and then used them during performances. But eventually, they weren’t enough. Hauck gave up music. She didn’t touch her beloved viola, which she had owned since 1969.

"I was depressed and I was in denial about what a huge loss it had been," she says. "I had decided I was going to treat my hearing loss as a neutral event, kind of take a Buddhist approach and think it’s neither good nor bad. It’s just something that’s happened to me."

But it wasn’t a neutral event.

It took three difficult years for Hauck to accept the loss of her hearing, her career and the music that had been such a big part of her life.

She began working with an auditory trainer, and meeting other people who had also suffered hearing loss.

"I started grieving," she says. "And as a result of that, I discovered the sweetness on the other side."

Today, at 72, Hauck is playing again. She performs small concerts at churches or at retirement homes for people who struggle to enjoy music after they experienced some kind of hearing loss.

Losing your hearing can make listening to music physically uncomfortable. Any song with more than one instrument can be impossible to make out. So when an audience sits in front of Hauck in a quiet room, as she plays a single viola, there’s a chance they can hear her.

“I may be playing out of tune. I may not be at my peak of playing. I don’t strive for that,” Hauck says. “But I love it when people tell me they haven’t been able to listen to music and enjoy it, and when they hear me play they can. That just gives me such joy.”

Sourece: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/04/17/classical-musicians-hearing-loss (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Hearing aids are a well-established treatment option for tinnitus

If you’ve done research on tinnitus, you’ve probably discovered that, unfortunately, there is no cure for it. There is, however, assorted therapies and tools to help manage ringing in the ears.One tool is hearing aids. The American Tinnitus Association lists hearing aids as one of just a few tinnitus options, and notes that a survey of hearing healthcare professionals found 60 percent of their patients with tinnitus reported experiencing relief when wearing hearing aids.One reason for their effectiveness is an ability to mask the effects of tinnitus. All new Starkey hearing aids include our proprietary Multiflex Tinnitus Technology, which has been proven to provide tinnitus relief.Contact Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today to learn what your options are!

What are the best earplugs for concerts?

How exciting is it when you are standing in a crowd chatting with your friends, waiting in anticipation and then suddenly the venue goes dark, the stage lights come up and you hear the first note of your favorite song?For a music lover, not being able to have this experience — the ability to enjoy listening to live music — is devastating.And why might you not be able to enjoy listening to live music? Because you have hearing loss or tinnitus caused by going to too many concerts without hearing protection!

Spoiler alert — concerts are loud! 

It’s not news to tell you that concerts are loud. The average concert, depending on the venue acoustics and type of music, is about 100 dB A or louder.* The amount of time you can be in an environment that is 100 dB A before it can cause damage to your auditory system is 15 minutes! I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been to a concert that lasts only 15 minutes.That’s why it is very important to protect yourself if you want to enjoy loud music.

Earplugs are the answer 

The most affordable, in-a-pinch solution are disposable foam ear plugs. Nowadays, they are usually available for purchase right at the venue. When inserted correctly, they can be effective at protecting your hearing and, depending on the specific brand, can offer anywhere from a 22 to 32 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).So why do most people still not wear them? Often because they alter the rich sound quality of music. Or, as my now-hard-of-hearing concert-going friends used to say, “But it doesn’t sound as intense with earplugs.”

Noise protection without the sound distortion

Luckily, there’s a solution. The best ear plugs for concerts are called musician plugs. Not because they necessarily provide more protection than disposable foam plugs, but because they provide protection while preserving music fidelity. Musician plugs are custom fit and have filters inside that flatten the frequency response so that music is minimally effected as it goes through the plug into your ear. Starkey Hearing Technologies offers musician plugs with three different filters designed for music: 10 dB, suggested for singers or string music; 17 dB, for acoustic music, jazz, clubs, bars or stadiums; and 26 dB, for rock concerts, heavy metal, or very loud DJ’s.

Pick one or the other – just protect your hearing!

So, in short, for comfort and sound clarity while still protecting your hearing, I recommend musician plugs. You chose the filter based on the music you listen to, or get multiple filters and switch it depending on the type of concert you are attending. The process includes seeing a hearing professional to get an ear impression so that custom devices can be made for you. And yes, they are more expensive than foam plugs.If cost is a concern or you are not interested in going through this process, over-the-counter foam ear plugs will provide adequate protection and they are certainly much better than damaging your hearing — and losing your ability to enjoy future live shows.Taking care of your hearing is important! Call Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today to schedule an appointment or to learn more. *The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines dB A as a weighted scale that describes the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear with a correction for frequency.

Why earwax doesn’t worry our hearing aids

Hearing aids are constantly exposed to moisture, wax and other foreign materials. As with any high-tech device, exposure to these harsh environments can understandably degrade and eventually interfere with proper functionality. These issues may be accelerated for hearing aid wearers with more active lifestyles.That’s why almost all hearing aids now feature technology that repels moisture — delaying or avoiding its detrimental effects. This technology is called a “nano coating.”

Our nano coating is modeled after nature

Starkey Hearing Technologies has engineered an invisible, proprietary nano coating called Surface™ Nanoshield. Derived from the lotus plant, which rolls water droplets carrying dirt off its leaves, Surface Nanoshield modifies the surface’s interaction with moisture, sweat, earwax, oils and other fluids, helping to prevent these substances from sticking to or penetrating the hearing aid.Why is this important? While not the most glamourous subject to talk about, your ears are host to numerous fluids such as wax, sweat, dirt and even water, depending on the weather. Having our nano coating on your hearing aids is vital to the life of these important devices.Of course, direct contact with fluids is never recommended for hearing aids — do not shower or swim with your hearing aids. But some contact is unavoidable. Summer months and time spent at the gym may cause your body to sweat. Surface Nanoshield is both hydrophobic (water resistant) and oleophobic (oil repellent), which means it protects your hearing aids from water, sweat and wax seeping into the device.

Rigorously tested for lasting durability 

At Starkey, we test Surface Nanoshield using a salt fog test, which is widely used in the consumer electronic industry. Hearing aids with Surface Nanoshield are placed in a salt fog environment for 48 hours at a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit to simulate how they may perform long term in a humid and sweaty environment. This is followed by 48 hours of drying time. Surface Nanoshield consistently withstands this aggressive test, ensuring it will deliver the protection and reliability you need.

Hear Clear earwax protection system 

In addition to Surface Nanoshield, Starkey hearing aids feature an innovative earwax protection system called Hear Clear. Hear Clear uses disposable wax guards that prevent earwax accumulation in the hearing aid receiver.While proper maintenance and cleaning is important to the longevity of your hearing aids, you can feel confident knowing that every Starkey hearing aid comes with the protective technology needed to keep you hearing better all day, every day.Call Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers to learn more or schedule your first hearing consultation.Photo by Bahram Bayat on Unsplash

Better TV sound for those with hearing loss

You’re watching a movie on your television. It’s a pivotal scene and all you can think is, “What did that person just say?” It's no fun having to reach for the rewind button just to keep up with the plot.Most of us have experienced some sort of audio frustration with our televisions, whether it’s not being able to hear dialogue clearly or feeling overwhelmed by big booms from overly loud special effects. People dealing with hearing loss can have a particularly difficult time and that can sap the enjoyment of watching movies and television shows.According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over 37 million American adults report some trouble hearing. When it comes to your television, there are ways you can improve the audio experience. Check out these tips for tweaking your TV sound using audio settings and helpful gadgets.

Using closed captioning

Closed captioning is a versatile tool that can help people with extreme hearing loss still follow along with their favorite entertainment programs. Even if you don’t have major hearing loss, it can be useful for when you need to keep the volume down, or when you’re watching international programs where you may have difficulty deciphering accents.

Adjust your TV sound settings

Every television manufacturer offers a slightly different set of audio controls, but you should be able to make some helpful adjustments by exploring your settings. Look for a setting labeled “sound” and see if you can try different audio modes or access expert settings that let you adjust the balance or change the equalizer.You may also find an automatic volume setting, sometimes called a night mode, that keeps sound levels the same even when you switch channels. This can help you avoid sudden changes in volume when you’re channel-surfing. Don’t be afraid to play with your TV’s sound settings. You can always return it to the default audio setup if you prefer.

Upgrade your speakers

The built-in speakers on most televisions can be serviceable, but they probably won’t blow you away with clarity and a full spectrum of sound. A good set of external speakers can make your living room feel more like a theater. You don’t have to go for a full surround-sound experience. A simple soundbar system can transform the way you hear your TV.

Wear wireless headphones

One way to deal with difficulties in hearing your TV speakers is to bring the sound closer to your ears with wireless headphones. Look for headphones that are specially designed for entertainment systems. These use a transmitter on one end to send the sound wirelessly to the headphones.This solution can have the added bonuses of blocking out external sounds and keeping the TV from bothering other people in your household. You can watch movies, shows, or play video games without waking the kids or keeping your spouse up.You can also find specialty headsets that resemble stethoscopes and are geared for people with hearing loss. These are sometimes called TV hearing aids or TV assisted listening devices.

Connect directly to your hearing aids

Some hearing aids allow you to connect your television audio to your hearing devices, but the availability of this option can depend on the brand you use. Check with your hearing-aid manufacturer to see if it offers a media streamer accessory. Essentially, this turns your hearing aids into a convenient wireless headset.Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean losing the enjoyment of your television. You just need to find the combination of settings and tech accessories that lets you experience the full fun of your favorite movies and shows. Contact Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today for more advice and to schedule a hearing evaluation today!Source: Komando.com

Is there a link between confusion & hearing loss?

Hearing loss is one of the most common health concerns in the world. An estimated two-thirds of adults over the age of 70 and one-third of adults younger than 60 have hearing loss. Recent research suggests that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to experience symptoms of cognitive decline. A Johns Hopkins study found that cognitive diminishment was 30-40 percent greater in seniors with hearing loss.

Hearing is a partnership between your ears and your brain

When you listen to someone speak, your brain processes the incoming sounds so you can understand and make sense of what you hear. Normally, our brains are great at multi-tasking and doing more than one job at a time. Researchers refer to this as cognitive load. But when hearing loss is left untreated, the incoming signals are not clear, and the brain has to work harder to process them, increasing cognitive load and listening fatigue.With sensorineural or nerve-type hearing loss (the most common type), the auditory nerve or inner ear responsible for sending incoming signals to the brain is impaired and the incoming signal gets garbled. This is why many people with hearing loss will say that they can hear when you’re talking, but they have difficulty understanding what you’re saying.When our brain requires more resources to decode the incoming signals, there are fewer resources available for other brain functions. In other words, if you have untreated hearing loss, your brain is so busy trying to decipher incoming sound that other tasks such as memory and comprehension can suffer.

Hearing aids can help

The good news is that hearing aids can help. Hearing aids are the most common and most effective treatment for sensorineural (nerve) hearing loss. In addition to improving communication, hearing aids can help reduce mental fatigue, decrease feelings of isolation and depression, and improve memory, attention and focus by making hearing easier and less effortful.

Waiting is not worth it

Hearing professionals recognize the significant benefit of treating hearing loss early. It is often referred to as a “use it or lose it” phenomenon. The longer your hearing loss is left untreated, the harder it is for your auditory nerve to send clear incoming signals to your brain, making understanding what you hear more difficult. Generally, the sooner you treat your hearing loss with hearing aids, the better your treatment outcome will be.We'd be happy to talk to you today about your hearing loss. That is what we are hear for! Please call Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers to book your first hearing evaluation. 

Common signs of hearing loss

Are you experiencing signs of hearing loss?

 

• Asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the TV or radio to volume levels others find loud
• Having trouble understanding conversation in noisy places
• Feeling like other people mumble or slur their words
• Having trouble hearing women's and children's voices
• Having trouble hearing on the telephone
• Feeling more irritable or depressed
• Avoiding social situations that were once enjoyable
• Having difficulty following a fast-moving conversation
• Missing important information in meetings
• Being told by others that you have hearing loss

 20 percent of Americans, 48 million, report some degree of hearing loss. It's no uncommon to experience these symptoms. If any of these sound familiar, please don't wait any longer! Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers is here to help! Contact us here today.

Sisters hear better together!

The relationship between sisters is quite unique. Your sister is your first best friend. Someone who loves you unconditionally and understands you more than anyone else. You go through life together sharing secrets, clothes, advice – and for sisters Kelsey and Nicole (Coley) Novak – hearing loss. Both Kelsey, 26, and Coley, 25, have hearing loss as a result of Morquio syndrome, a rare and progressive genetic condition that affects a person’s bones and spine, organs and growth development. Individuals with Morquio are expected to experience hearing loss within the first 10 years of life.In 1999, when Kelsey was in second grade, and Coley in kindergarten, family members and teachers began noticing their hearing loss. Dependent on reading lips, the sisters would miss instructions for assignments if their back was turned. After completing hearing tests and confirming that amplification was needed, both Kelsey and Coley were fit with their first pair of Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids.

Finding comfort with Starkey

Over the last 19 years, each sister has had four pairs of hearing aids, three of them from Starkey Hearing Technologies. When asked why they continue to choose Starkey hearing aids, Coley said, “Starkey has been so good to my family and me. They are always willing to work with us and help us with whatever we need. They make us feel like we are all one big family looking out for one another! It is so cool to be a part of something so great!” At Starkey Hearing Technologies’ Hearing Mission on February 3, Kelsey and Coley were fit with SoundLens Synergy iQ Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aids. SoundLens Synergy iQ fits deep inside your ear canal and is personally customized for all-day comfort. And though tiny, these hearing aids come loaded with advanced features that allow for hands-free connectivity.

Making lasting connections 

Throughout the day, the girls met other patients from around the country, hearing their stories and sharing their own. Both girls expressed that connecting with others through shared hearing loss experiences was their favorite part of the day. Additionally, the sisters had the chance to meet some notable Starkey friends and supporters; including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar; actress and deaf and hard of hearing activist, Marlee Matlin; Pittsburg Steelers wide receiver, Antonio Brown; Minnesota Twins manager, Paul Molitor; and Minnesota Timberwolves center, Cole Aldrich.“We have worked with them for many years. Their smiles and positive attitudes remind me every day why we do what we do here,” shared Starkey Hearing Technologies Hearing Aid Consultant Ray Woodworth, BC-HIS. “Hearing connects people and gives them happiness like I see in them. It’s a privilege to be able to help people like the Novaks.”Known for that same positive attitude in their hometown of New Prague, Minnesota, the Novak sisters have committed many years to volunteering in the school district’s classrooms, completing a variety of tasks such as correcting papers, assisting with technology and, most importantly, helping the students. Teachers in the community say students instantly respect, trust and like the sisters – that they are able to easily connect and create a genuine bond.

Exemplifying sisterhood

“Having hearing aids helps a lot with my daily life. The first thing I do in the morning is put my hearing aids in, and the last thing I do at night is take my hearing aids out,” Kelsey said. “They allow me to hear the students and teachers I am working with, so I know what they need help with.” When asked how having each other at one’s side has affected their hearing journey, the sisters conveyed that they feel lucky to have someone going through the same thing, that they can go to each other with questions.“Just knowing I am not going through this alone has made a huge difference for me. We can talk to each other and understand what each other means even when nobody else understands, Coley shared. “For example, we say, ‘Has your hearing aid talked to you yet?’ as our way of asking if your hearing aid is working, and others get confused,” she continued with a giggle.When it comes to sisterhood, Kelsey and Coley epitomize its significance of sharing special experiences, supporting one another and having a connection like no other. A connection that is only enhanced through better hearing.

Why heart health is a good reason to treat hearing loss

Studies confirm that two-thirds of adults 70 and older have hearing loss. This same age group also risks heart failure, which is the leading cause of hospitalization among older adults in the U.S.

Now, a new research letter has found that 75 percent of adults 70+ with heart failure also have hearing loss. Why is this important to know?

Because to manage heart disease, patients must frequent noisy hospitals and follow numerous instructions from physicians. If they struggle to hear well, their ability to manage their heart disease could be jeopardized.This is just one more reason why audiometric screening and treatment of hearing loss is recommended for older adults.Call us today to set up your first hearing consultation! 

At age 24, I went partially deaf

Sitting at my cluttered desk at an advertising firm in Manhattan, I heard a subtle ringing in my ears. But within seconds, it sounded like a blaring, monotone fire alarm. I flinched, covering both ears with my palms. When I realized no one else noticed the noise, I literally bolted from my office building to catch a cab to the ER.

Doctors took vials of blood, scanned my skull from every angle, and gave me a hearing test. I was pronounced deaf in my left ear — the ringing was my brain's way of attempting to process sounds — but there was no explanation. I hadn't suffered a trauma. I had no trace of a virus or a tumor. I'd never even had an ear infection. I was 24.

Going deaf is surprisingly very loud. Especially in the first few weeks, my ear would pop, crackle, and ring for hours on end, a side effect called tinnitus. New York City, the vibrant place whose hum I loved, went from being the city that never slept to being the city that never shut up. Its loud noises drove me mad — I never knew which side they came from. The ringing eventually died down, but it comes back when I'm in loud places like a subway platform or at a concert.

Before my ear failed me, live music was one of my greatest pleasures, but it became unbearable. Two songs into a concert, my ears would ring sharply, my head would spin, and I'd have to leave. Yoga poses like headstands and tree pose became impossible because they triggered vertigo — a nauseating spinning sensation that happens when you go deaf — so I quit my practice. I became a hermit, dodging questions I couldn't hear and conversations I was too nervous to participate in. At night in my bedroom, I taught myself sign language, preparing for the day the world might become suddenly silent to me. It was a dark time.

But as the months went by, I stopped having emotional meltdowns. And I started to believe my doctors when they said the chance of my right ear's developing sudden-onset hearing loss would be like lightning striking twice. Because my right ear works so hard, I'll become hard of hearing faster than most people do as they age, but hopefully that's a couple of decades away.

I still get mortified asking new people to stand on one side of me and then explaining why they have to, but now I think of it as a great litmus test — the good ones don't make a big deal about my disability. And now I venture into bars to listen to live music. As the electric guitars start up, I reach into my purse and pull out earplugs. I sway to the music like everyone else, grateful to still hear it. Now I see my deafness as one detail that's part of me — and not my whole story.

Could It Happen to You?Sudden-onset hearing loss is random and rare, but loss is common as we age. Do this to protect your ears.

> Turn it down. Using earbuds? Keep music at 60 percent of the max volume. Or try noise-canceling headphones.>> Take breaks. Prolonged exposure to loud noises raises your risk for hearing loss. Duck out of loud areas every 10 minutes or so.>> Try earplugs. Noise-filtering plugs don't muffle sound and do lower the risk from Spinning class or concerts.

This story is similar to many others! Don't delay on helping your hearing health. Contact Chicaogland Hearing Aid Centers today to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation.*Shared from Cosmopolitan.com 

Jean's hearing journey

It took a while to do something about my hearing loss

My family members were constantly pointing out my hearing loss. I think it was just their way of encouraging me to get my hearing tested. But I wasn’t ready. I waited for years, thinking I was getting by just fine. My daughter always seemed to be pointing out that I wasn’t following a conversation. She would also point out if I replied to someone incorrectly.The reminders became more frequent, and I eventually had to admit that I was having difficulty understanding words, especially high-pitched, soft voices. I would nod and agree as if I was following the conversation, but I wasn’t really, and often responded inappropriately. I work as a nanny, and I was always asking the children I care for to repeat themselves. The children would get frustrated when I wasn’t able to hear them. I was also concerned that I couldn’t hear the baby upstairs when she woke up from a nap. She would wake up without me knowing, and I wasn’t able to hear her until she became frustrated and cried.

I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long

I eventually listened to my daughter and had my hearing tested. Turns out she was right all along! I did have hearing loss! A high-frequency hearing loss in both ears that could be helped with hearing aids.It’s been ten years since I started wearing hearing aids. And looking back, I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long. I waited because I was worried that other people would see my hearing aids, but no one even notices! Not even children, and children notice everything! Even when I see my family doctor for routine exams, I often forget I am wearing them, and have to be reminded to take them out so he can look in my ears.

Hearing your best is worth the investment

It was actually my family doctor who referred me to an audiologist to have my hearing checked. The hearing evaluation was quick and easy and the hearing test was covered by my insurance. If you are like I was, and still on the fence about having your hearing tested or wearing hearing aids, I hope you reconsider. You will not regret the decision. Hearing your best is worth the investment.Things in life are so much more enjoyable now that I am not struggling to understand conversations. I recently became a grandmother, and I cannot imagine not being able to hear my granddaughter’s sweet coos. Visiting my son and his family out of state makes the time I do get to spend with them even more precious. I feel so fortunate that I corrected my hearing loss before my granddaughter’s arrival. Now, I don’t miss hearing her babbles and coos.

Buying American is important to me

I have always worn Starkey hearing aids. I was originally fit with Starkey Zons. I wore those hearing aids for seven years. When I began researching hearing aids online, I became interested in Starkey Hearing Technologies because the company is based in Minnesota, which is where I live. I am always mindful of buying local as much as I can. Starkey Hearing Technologies is American owned and operated. It’s important to me to use my money to support a company that provides jobs for thousands of families in the United States.I also love that Starkey Hearing Technologies gives back locally and around the world. Starkey Hearing Technologies has an international charity, Starkey Hearing Foundation, that offers free hearing healthcare to people in need in the U.S. and around the world.

Technology has come so far

I was recently fit with the new Halo hearing aids, and I cannot believe what a difference they make! I thought I was hearing well with my first set of hearing aids. I had no idea new technology could make such a big difference. With my new hearing aids, I can hear even better in busy places; I can follow conversations more easily in restaurants.With my old hearing aids, I would still have some trouble understanding what I heard in noisy places. My family knew to sit very close to me and make sure they got my attention before they began speaking if we were somewhere with a lot of background noise. I often felt tired and frustrated after being somewhere noisy, probably from working so hard to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.

I am thrilled to be hearing better

With my Halos, I can hear the sweet voices of the children I care for more easily. With my first set of hearing aids, it was still a challenge to understand their little voices. My audiologist explained to me that their voices are higher in frequency and that is where my hearing is the worst. My new Halo hearing aids make the children’s voices easier to understand. They seem clearer. It makes me happy that I do not need to ask them to repeat themselves.

I no longer worry about missing anything

It was always hard for me to hear and understand them in a car when I was driving and they were sitting in the backseat. But now I can. I don’t feel as worried about missing something that they say with my new hearing aids. I am so thrilled with my new set of Halo hearing aids. I honestly can’t believe how much better I am hearing. My Halo hearing aids also help me hear soft spoken voices at church meetings. I can also hear my daughter when she speaks to me from another room. I couldn’t do that with my old hearing aids. I am so excited about how well I am hearing with my new Halo hearing aids.Ready to do something about your hearing loss? Click here to contact Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today.

Hearing loss affects memory

Dr. Arthur Wingfield, Professor of Neuroscience at Brandeis University, has been studying the relationship between memory and hearing acuity for years. He’s discovered that even if people with untreated hearing loss catch and register speech, their ability to remember the information is compromised.Dr. Wingfield attributes this memory struggle to, in simple terms, the brain’s resources being stretched thin. He notes that people with even mild hearing loss “put in so much effort just to perceive and understand what is being said, that you divert resources away from storing what you have heard into your memory.”Dr. Wingfield recommends adults get their hearing professionally tested each year — and to take it seriously and treat it professionally if hearing loss is found.Thank you Dr. Wingfield for your advice!Be proactive and make annual hearing tests a part of your health routine. Click here to contact Chicagoland Hearing Aid Centers today!

Tech Tips!

If you’ve recently updated to TruLink 4.0, you may have noticed a cool new feature called Noise Manager. This new feature, located in the Personalize section of TruLink (see below), lets you control and personalize noise management settings on-demand.

Here’s how to use Noise Manager:

1. From the TruLink home screen, tap on “Personalize” in the bottom right-hand corner.
2. Tap on “Create Custom Memory” to create a unique memory for the noisy, windy crowded location you’re at.
3. Enter a unique memory name, such as “Fav Loud Diner.”
4. You will now see screen featuring SoundSpace and Noise Manger.
5. Tap on the gray arrow for “Noise Manager.”
6. First, you can adjust the Microphone Direction to help focus where the microphones pick up sound. Simply tap the head in the middle to change from Directional, Dynamic, Adaptive or Omni.
   1. Directional: Amplifies sound from in front of the listener more than from behind
   2. Dynamic: Engages an Omni or Fixed Directional response as needed based on the location of the sound; automatic switching between the two
   3. Adaptive: automatically switches using Acuity Directionality with null steering and Speech ID to protect speech at all angles around the listener for accurate and transparent sound
   4. Omni: picks up sound with equal gain from all sides or directions.
7. Second, tap the right-side large gray arrow to the right of the head icon to head to “Use in Wind” to make listening more comfortable in wind
8. Third, tap the right-side large gray arrow again to move to “Use in Noise.” Adjust this feature to make listening more comfortable in noisy areas.
9. Fourth, tap the right-side large gray arrow again to move to “Use in Crowd,” where you can make listening more comfortable when in background noise.

Call us today if you this doesn't make sense and you want to walk through it!