Question: My hearing aids have worked for many years, but recently they haven’t been as effective. Is it time for a cochlear implant?

Answer: You may want to consider a cochlear implant if you have severe hearing loss or if you have trouble understanding speech while wearing your hearing aids. If your hearing aids are no longer effective, a cochlear implant may help you hear better. Check with a hearing specialist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for further evaluation.

Question: What could be causing my hearing abilities to change?

Answer: After a person passes into his/ her forties, hearing ability begins to decline. Most often, this is caused by changes in the inner ear. It can also be attributed to genetics and noise exposure.

Question: How does a cochlear implant work?

Answer: This small electronic device is most often used for people with severe hearing loss. Instead of amplifying sounds, as does a hearing aid, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged inner ear and stimulates the auditory nerve. The cochlear implant generates signals and sends them through the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain then recognizes the signals as sound.

This device works using parts that are implanted as well as external parts. The sound processor, worn externally, works as a miniature computer. The internal part, the electrode array, is inserted into the cochlea of the inner ear by an ENT surgeon.

Question: How long does the procedure take?

Answer: The procedure can take from 90 minutes to 2 hours for each implant. Usually the patient is given a general anesthetic during the operation. It is typically an outpatient procedure, which allows the patient to go home the same day as the surgery.

Question: How many cochlear implant procedures have been done?

Answer: According to the US Food and Drug Administration, approximately 219,000 people have cochlear implants worldwide. In the US, this is roughly 43,000 adults and 28,000 children who have the devices.

Question: Will I hear the same with the implant as I did with hearing aids that were working well?

Answer: If you are considering a cochlear implant, it is important to understand that hearing with the implant and normal hearing are not the same. Those who have experienced both describe sounds as being very different. Some people compare the implant sound to an electronic voice or even the voice of Mickey Mouse. Of course, these descriptions vary across patients.

Question: Should I have only one or both ears implanted?

Answer: While many patients opt to have only one ear implanted, the occurrence of bilateral implants is increasingly common. You may opt for a bilateral implant so that sound localization improves. Patients who have the implant in both ears have reported that detection of where sound is coming from is easier.

It’s accepted by millions of individuals every year that their eyesight has worsened and they will need to wear glasses or contacts daily. However, when it comes to losing one’s hearing it is interpreted as a completely different situation. For whatever reason, hearing loss is stereotyped as being something that occurs to only very old individuals who are slowly beginning to weaken.

When you think of individuals wearing glasses or contacts you do not focus on one age group wearing them. Conversely, when you think of hearing aids your mind automatically shoots to an image of your grandfather in his recliner going “what, I can’t hear you!” For many individuals facing hearing loss they are afraid to admit their situation in fear of being seen as this stereotype. In actuality, roughly 28 millions Americans (to put this more simply, roughly 1 in 10 individuals) have to deal with hearing loss as they age.

So when does hearing loss tend to become apparent in older adults? The answer is sooner than you may think. At about 55 years of age is when most Americans will start to experience some type of age related hearing loss. What often occurs is that hearing slowly starts to diminish in both ears and that the loss gradually worsens over time. This hearing loss is usually permanent. By age 65 hearing loss is one of the most prominent health problems, falling only second to arthritis. However, 60% of those who suffer from hearing loss still are refusing to get treated and wear a hearing aid. Often times these individuals blame others for their hearing issues, claiming that there are too many people talking at once, someone is mumbling, or that background noises are too loud.

Doctors who work with the patients who do admit that they have hearing loss admit that these patients go through a suffering-like process in the path to accept their problem. Often times these patients begin with denial, then get angry, and then often get saddened before they truly accept that they are becoming hard of hearing. If you think that you may be becoming hard of hearing check with your doctor and get tested. Make yourself aware of the various products and devices that are in the hearing aid market today (you may be surprised that many devices are far from what you saw your grandfather wear years ago). Hearing loss affects millions of aging adults every year, be proactive in taking the needed steps to stay healthy and don’t be one of the millions every year who leaves their hearing loss untreated.

As we age, there’s no doubt we will experience deterioration of many biological functions. One of the most common to fade as we age is our hearing. In fact, hearing loss at younger ages is becoming even more common. The “Journal of the American Medical Association” recently reported a rise in hearing loss among teens. You’ve heard all the suggestions for protecting your hearing: avoid loud music, don’t use cotton swabs in your ear, take caution around lawnmowers and other loud equipment, etc. but what if you heard there was a magic pill to alleviate the potential for hearing loss? Would you take it? Well, we can certainly not attest to the existence of a medical panacea. We can, however, tell you how certain supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals can potentially preserve and improve hearing functions.

Folate

Folate is found in green, leafy vegetables. Those who don’t consume enough folate in their diet may be associated with age-related hearing loss, according to a 1999 article in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” We can assume then, that an increase in folate may reverse this association.

Vitamin B-12

We all need sufficient amounts of B-12 in our diets to maintain proper neurological functioning. However, vitamin B-12, is known also for its potential to prevent age-related hearing loss. There are even cases of  improved hearing abilities in elderly people who have taken B-12.

Antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidant vitamins, such as Vitamins A, C and E. Not only are these vitamins important for the functioning of our bodily systems, but they specifically impact hearing as well. Some researchers posit that increased intake of antioxidants may increase hearing abilities as well.

Magnesium

In addition to being a supplement taken in pill form, magnesium is found in many types of food. Science Daily reports that if you have been exposed to loud noise, magnesium may help improve your hearing.

With the great variety in the cell phone market today, the choice of which phone to get is difficult. If you wear hearing aids, the choice can be just as difficult, though in a different sort of way. Once you think you’ve found the phone of your dreams, your bubble is burst by its incompatibility with hearing aids. The good news is that as technology advances, the number of hearing aid compatible cell phones is increasing. Before you head to the store in search of your next phone, do a little homework to save yourself some time.

Hearing Aid Modes

Hearing aids are designed to operate in one of two modes – acoustic coupling or telecoil (inductive). Aids that are operating in the acoustic coupling mode receive and amplify all sounds surrounding the user. This means both desired sounds and unwanted noises. Aids operating in telecoil coupling mode have the ability to avoid this unwanted noise. This is done by turning off the microphone and receiving signals via the magnetic fields from by telecoil-compatible telephones. The hearing aid then converts the magnetic signal into sound. The telecoil mode also reduces feedback that occurs often in the microphone mode when the receiver of the phone is placed to the hearing aid.

Compatibility Concerns

Even with telecoil-compatible telephones, some combinations of cell phones and hearing aids can be incompatible. This often occurs when the phone emits high levels of radio frequency (RF) emissions or if the electromagnetic signal is too weak. 
RF emissions are generated by the cell phone antenna, backlight, and other internal components. If these levels are too high, the caller may hear a buzzing noise that interferes with clear reception when in the hearing aid microphone mode. If your hearing aids uses telecoil reception, the cell phone you choose needs to emit a strong electromagnetic signal. Weak electromagnetic signals cause the reception of conversations to be too soft to hear or understand.

Federal Compatibility Ratings

Acoustic Coupling: Each nationwide wireless service provider (Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile) must meet at least an M3 rating for 50 percent or ten of the handset models it offers to consumers, whichever is less, per digital air interface.

Inductive Coupling: Each wireless service provider must meet at least a T3 rating for one third or ten of the handset models it offers to consumers, whichever is less, per digital air interface.

Exceptions: Beginning September 8, 2012, wireless service providers and handset manufacturers that are not small entities under Small Business Administration standards, and that have been offering handsets over a digital air interface for at least two years, will no longer qualify for a de minimis exception.

Something to think about

Many hearing aids are designed with RF immunity. This terminology means the inner workings have an amount of shielding from RF emissions. You can get the M rating for your aid from your audiologist; this rating can help guide you in selecting your new cell phone.

If you’re one of the millions of individuals who suffer from hearing loss you know first hand how difficult and uncomfortable hearing aids can be.  Devices are commonly large, visible, and often don’t work as well as intended. However, Siemens recently introduced a new hearing instrument that promises customizable sound and comfort levels while at the same time being hidden from view.

Siemens Eclipse

For almost 50 years Siemens has offered state-of-the-art hearing technology with their various in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. However, this new product is suspected to change the way ITE devices are developed throughout the market.  The Eclipse was developed using new positioning techniques that allow for the hearing device to be placed in ones ear canal, versus the traditional visible hearing aid. The device being placed so close to the eardrum allows for the occlusion effect (often a main reason for why one’s hearing and speech gets distorted with previous ITE products) to no longer be a factor. With the Eclipse, speech is said to be at a higher comprehensive level and have better balance of sound. The device has a cylinder, comprised of foam (coming in three different sizes), which allows for it to be placed deeper in the ear canal than traditional hearing devices. This not only allows for the hearing aid to be better hidden from view (often times, a factor that deters those suffering from hearing loss from getting a hearing aid in the first place) but also, allows for better sound enhancement overall. In addition, the device was developed using the best and newest hearing technology within the BestSound Technology family known as “XCEL.” This technology was developed by Siemens and promises top of the line sound management capabilities, allowing consumers to easily control their hearing preferences and become quickly acclimated to their new device.

Another great advantage of this new in-the-canal device is that it can be “installed” and removed quickly, painlessly, and without threat of causing any damage to one’s inner ear. This allows the consumer to enjoy the heightened efficiency of this new product while also being able to maintain proper hygiene and technology issues that may arise (such as replacing a dead battery). The device can be purchased for two different hearing levels, light and mild loss, further ensuring that the consumer’s needs are tended to at the correct level.

The creation of this device started with development of the Agenda 2013 initiative, which included a plan to construct a product that would be able to be placed directly next to the eardrum. Thus far, the initiative seems to be a great success and is gaining momentum from various hearing loss groups, such as from the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) who recently presented the Eclipse at the AudiologyNOW! Congress. If you, or someone you know, suffers from hearing loss make sure to keep an eye out for the Eclipse in coming months as it may be the product you, or your loved ones, have been looking for.

Siemens Eclipse hearing aids are available in two different performance levels for people with light and mild hearing loss. This  hearing aid can be placed discretely deep in the ear canal and it is possible to position the Eclipse directly in front of the eardrum. Siemens Eclipse uses XCEL technology that manages the balance between speech amplification and background noise.

Because Siemen Eclipse is hidden deep in the ear canal, this hearing aid is extremely comfortable.  Eclipse is tiny in size, so it is hidden in your ears, however it also delivers excellent sound quality.

Siemen Eclipse is Nearly Invisible
•  Ultra discreet completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing instrument
•  Siemens Eclipse is almost invisible from the outside
•  Specially designed Soft Dome is very comfortable and easily exchangeable
•  Soft Dome is available in two colors—red for the right ear and blue for the left
•  BestSound™ Technology—XCEL

PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION AND PRICES 718 205-0664

Many with hearing loss search for their own personal hearing panacea- the device to fix all that ails them.  The device should be small, give them near perfect hearing ability, and be low-cost. Starkey may have come close to pleasing these hungry customers with its new AMP device. Starkey gives you a reasonably adjustable hearing aid in a small package for an attractive price.

While not yet fitting for losses beyond a mild-moderate level, it has adjustability within the currently marketed range of loss. The feedback manger does just what they say, along with a quality background noise management feature that helps the wearer focus on what they want to hear.

The unit can be adapted to fit comfortably with each individual. Stanley utilizes sleeves to adapt the aid to each person, making is a true “modular” device.

Compared to other aids offering similar quality services and upgrades, the AMP’s price is a value. At $1500 a set, this could be your new hearing solution.

Starkey markets the product as “The Hearing Aid for people who are not ready for a hearing aid.” You don’t have to wear it everyday, and this flexibility gives you time to get used to a hearing aid. If you only need a hearing aid in certain situations, such as a sales meeting or classroom, this is the perfect aid for your lifestyle. It provides just the”boost” you need while being discrete enough to go unnoticed by even the most observant busybody.

As always, use care when choosing your hearing professional. This is someone you should trust with evaluation, product suggestion, fitting, and servicing your hearing needs. For any hearing aid to be successful, you need to have a quality professional who is knowledgable in multiple aspects of hearing health and products. The proper professional combined with the proper expectations can result in hearing happiness.

Good results take time and patience. Start with a quality aid, such as one from Starkey‘s long line of quality and affordable hearing devices.

What good is a hearing aid without batteries? None, of course. But seriously, your hearing aid needs a quality power supply to provide you with effective service. Slight fluctuations in your battery output can affect performance, volume, and noise control. These subtle changes to your battery’s effectiveness can mean a great deal to a quality hearing life. This article will give you with the information you need on hearing aid batteries as well as some tips for prolonging their life.

How long can I expect my hearing aid battery to last?

The typical hearing aid battery can last you between 3 to 22 days. This variance depends on the type of battery, the type of hearing aid, the battery’s capacity, and how often the aid is used.

Make sure to purchase battery packages that are unopened; the seal on the new battery should be unbroken. Once this seal is removed, the battery begins to discharge.

How do I know when to change the hearing aid battery?

Check the sound when you turn the volume up more than usual. If the sound distorts, it maybe time to change the battery.

If your hearing aid has an alert that sounds a small beeping alarm when the battery is low, be sure to switch batteries immediately when you hear the alarm. This will help maintain optimal functionality. In fact, you’ll want to carry an extra set of batteries with you at all times. Hearing aid batteries can lose power rather quickly; a back up set is a smart decision.

Are there ways to limit the drain on my hearing aid battery?

To limit the drain on the batteries in your aid, take the aid out or open the battery door to keep from draining the battery when not in use. If you decide to carry a set of back up batteries, be sure to keep them away from coins, keys, or other metal objects. Also be sure to avoid storing your battery in extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Exposure to either extreme can drain your battery’s power and shorten battery life.

Hearing aid battery care tips:

• Store hearing aid batteries at normal room temperatures.
• Do not store batteries in the refrigerator.
• Wash your hands before handling batteries; dirt and oils from your hands can damage your hearing aid if they get on the batteries.
• Allow your hearing aid’s battery compartment to dry out at night. Moisture buildup can corrode and damage the hearing aid.
• Remove and properly discard dead batteries as soon as possible. Batteries that are completely discharged sometimes swell, causing difficulty in removal.

Proper care and cleaning of your hearing aids makes a remarkable difference in their performance and longevity. This article will detail tips for handling, cleaning, and storing your hearing aids, as well as tips related to hearing aid batteries.

If you want your hearing aid to work properly, you’ll need to take good care of it. This includes regular cleaning of the device’s shell, microphone, and receiver. Here are 10 ways to care for your hearing aid:

The Shell

If you have an in-the-ear hearing aid, wax will most likely build up in the bends of the shell. If you have a behind-the-ear aid, debris from dirt and oils will build up in any of the grooves. For either type, buildup of wax or debris on the shell can cause it to be uncomfortable, stop fitting properly, or not work correctly. These tips will help you care for the shell, or any surface of the hearing aid:

1) Refrain from using a dripping wet cloth to clean your aid.

2) Do not use chemical cleaners on your hearing aid.

3) A tissue is the best medium for cleaning the aid’s shell. If the wax is stubborn, you may dampen the tissue.

4) If the build-up is still not coming off, a brush (usually included when you purchased the aid) can be used to sweep the debris away.

The Microphone

Be most careful when cleaning the microphone components of your hearing aid; it is one of the aid’s most delicate parts.

5) Don’t ever poke anything in the microphone’s port.

6) Position your hearing aid with the microphone port face down while cleaning. This way, any debris will fall out, not into, the mic.

7) Use the brush here also for sweeping away debris.

The Receiver

If you’re hearing aid isn’t working, and you’ve checked the battery, a likely cause could be wax buildup in the receiver. This is the hole in the shell that has rubber tubing around it. When the tube has wax buildup, sound cannot effectively travel from the speaker to your ear.

8 ) Clean the receiver daily with a brush and tissue while wiping down the shell.

9) Be gentle while cleaning out the receiver; excessive force can damage the aid.

10) If there is wax in the tubing, use the wax pick. Insert the small wire loop in the opening until you feel resistance and stop to scoop it out. Continue until no resistance is felt and the opening is wax free.

Maintaining clean hearing aids will ensure optimum performance for longer periods of time. As always, check with your audiologist or hearing aid provider for further assistance with caring for your aids.