What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are devices that are worn in or around the ear in order to improve a person’s hearing. The hearing aid will help amplify sound and/or modulate sound for the wearer.

In general, there are two kinds of hearing aid designs: receiver-in-canal (RIC) and completely-in-canal (CIC). RIC hearing aids have a device that rests in the ear canal that helps amplify and modulate sound. A small tube and small computer loop around the back of the ear. With CIC hearing aids, by comparison, the entire device and set-up is contained entirely within the ear canal.

Signs of Hearing Loss

There are a number of warning signs when it comes to hearing loss that you should note. These include:

• Muffled hearing
• Ringing in the ear
• Difficulty understanding what people say
• Ear pain or discomfort
• Listening to music louder than usual
• Turning TV volume louder than usual
• Itchiness of the ear
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Fluid leaking from the ear

Many of the above symptoms are experienced by people over the age of 50, though anyone can develop these at any age. If you notice any of the above, it’s important that you meet with a medical professional as soon as possible. You may be in need of a hearing aid.

Getting Tested for Hearing Loss

In order to determine if a hearing aid or another treatment is right for you, it’s important that you undergo a hearing test. There are many different kinds of hearing tests and hearing loss diagnostics that can be performed to figure out the exact cause of your hearing loss and how it can best be addressed.

What Happens During a Hearing Test

There are several steps to the hearing test process. First your audiologist serving Gilbert will conduct a full rundown of your hearing history. He or she will ask what sort of hearing problems you’ve experienced, how long they have lasted, and other pertinent questions. This will then be followed by a visual examination of the structures of your ear.

Next will be a series of audio tests. The air conduction test will determine the softest tones that you can hear in each ear using a pair of earphones. After that, a bone conduction test will be performed, which is similar to the air conduction test but performed with a device placed just behind the ear against your skull rather than headphones. A speech test will also be performed in which you will repeat words that you hear played at successively lower frequencies. This will determine how clearly you can discern voices.

Learn More About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

You shouldn’t delay getting a hearing test performed, especially if you haven’t had your ears checked in a while. To learn more about hearing aids and the many other services we provide, contact our Gilbert, AZ audiology and hearing loss center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person.

Batteries may produce the following potential problems or hazards:

• Pollute the lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned.
• Contribute to heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid waste landfills.
• Expose the environment and water to lead and acid.
• Contain strong corrosive acids.
• May cause burns or danger to eyes and skin.

The most appropriate way to dispose of your button hearing aid batteries is to bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site. The city of Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert have hazardous waste collection events periodically. Check with your local government office for details. Until then….keep them out of the trash and landfills.

Just a reminder that all of the hearing aid batteries we sell at the office are mercury free and better for the environment (except for size 675). During your birthday month, you can purchase one carton for $35 and get a second free, which is about a year’s supply of hearing aid batteries.

Great summary of various methods to remove ear wax.  Some insurance companies will cover the cost of wax removal if done by a professional.  We would be happy to check on your benefits to see if you have any coverage.  If not, our wax removal fee is $40 and our wax removal kit sells for $8.  Call 480-497-0780 to schedule your wax removal appointment if these home remedies haven’t worked.

Causes of Hearing Loss

There are a number of different causes of hearing loss. One cause involves damage to the inner ear and the structures within the ear. Trauma to the ear drum can also lead to hearing loss or poor hearing quality. If you suffer a severe ear infection, that can have a major impact on your hearing, and even just excess earwax can make the world sound muffled. A Gilbert hearing loss specialist will examine your ears carefully and figure out how best to improve your impaired hearing.

Most Notable Signs of Hearing Loss

Some of the most common symptoms of hearing loss are common sense, really. You may be suffering from hearing loss if you experience any of the following:

• Dull or muffled hearing
• Inability to understand words
• Poor comprehension of others during conversation
• Ringing in the ears

If you should notice any of these symptoms, be sure to bring them to the attention of an ear care expert or your physician.

Other Possible Signs of Hearing Loss

The sounds you hear may not be the only sign of hearing loss. If you notice persistent or acute ear pains, fluid leaking from your ears, or vertigo and poor equilibrium, all of these can be signs of hearing loss. Be sure to meet with your doctor or any health care specialists who offer audiology services if you notice any of these symptoms.

What You Can Do to Prevent Hearing Loss

In order to prevent hearing loss, it’s a good idea to avoid loud noises. When listening to music or watching television, consider a reasonable volume. This is especially important to consider when wearing earbuds and headphones. If you’re going to loud concerts or work in a field where loud noises are common, be sure to wear earplugs. Just these simple steps can go a long way to ensuring good hearing for years to come.

Treatments for Hearing Loss

If you are suffering from hearing loss, there are many different treatments out there to meet your needs. For severe or moderate hearing loss, Gilbert hearing aids may be a good option. Some less severe cases of hearing loss can be addressed through other therapies and treatment options. We can discuss all of your choices for ear care during a consultation at the practice.

Learn More About Hearing Loss Issues

If you would like to learn more about hearing loss, ear health, and other issues related to the overall quality of your hearing, be sure to contact our Gilbert audiology and hearing loss center today. Our entire team is eager to meet with you in person and discuss the best possible treatment options for your needs.

Wi Series App for the iPad

This application provides and introduction to the new Wi Series product line. It provides videos and interactive audio comparisons to engage and educate hearing care professionals and hearing loss sufferers about new methods for hearing in historically difficult situations.

Lifestyle Solutions App for the iPad

This application allows you to describe your individual hearing lifestyle to help select the hearing aid product(s) best suited to your needs. It includes overviews of the product features and functionality, along with descriptions of the available styles that are easy to view and compare.

Sound Check App for the iPhone

This is a hearing screening application that allows anyone to quickly evaluate your hearing to determine if it is within normal limits or approaching the range of potential hearing loss. Screening results are automatically saved to track changes over time or to discuss further with Dr. Jessee. Sound Check includes learning materials and links to websites with detailed information on hearing loss and how to get help.

T2 Remote for iPhone or iPad

This is the first mobile application that allows users to control their hearing aids with a simple touch on their iPhone or iPad, adjusting the hearing aid memory or volume to the desired setting.

Contact our office today at 480-497-0780 to schedule an appointment with Dr.Jessee to discuss these and other new useful tools for managing your hearing loss.

There are a few things to keep in mind when caring for your hearing aids.

1. Always make sure your hands and fingers are clean and dry when handling your hearing aids.

2. Water and solvent cleaning agents can damage the computer circuitry.  You can use a specific cleaning agent, like Audiologist’s Choice spray to help clean ear molds and ear buds.  When using the spray, make sure you spray a cloth first and then wipe the hearing aid.  Never spray your hearing aids directly when any liquid.

3. It’s important that you clean your hearing aids daily to help improve their performance and prevent repairs. It’s always best to use a soft, dry cloth to clean your hearing aid and/or a brush to remove wax buildup. You should brush your hearing aids morning and night to help maintain them.

4. Most repairs are due to wax or body oil buildup.  Hearing aid dryers are helpful at drying wax and oil so they can easily be removed with a brush.

5. Hearing aids, like most people, don’t like extreme temperatures.  Don’t leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight.

6. You should do your best to prevent moisture from getting into your hearing aids.  It’s best to avoid saunas, steam baths, vaporizers or showers when wearing your hearing aids. Do your best to protect your hearing aids during rain and snow, although most new models are water resistant.  If your hearing aids do get wet, remove the batteries, open the battery door and place them in a hearing aid dryer or leave them in the air to dry at room temperature.  Never use a hair dryer or oven to “dry” hearing aids.

7. If you see wax buildup inside an opening in your hearing aid or ear mold it’s best to bring it into the office for a professional cleaning.  Don’t risk damaging your hearing aid by sticking an object into your hearing aid.  Always use just a soft cloth or brush to remove debris.

8. Earmold tubing can harden and discolor with age.  When this occurs, the tubing can be changed in the office.  Please call us at 480-497-0780 to ensure the appropriate staff is available to assist you.

9. It’s also best to avoid contact with hair spray or make up.  The fine particles and easily cause debris to build up and cause the hearing aid to malfunction.  Try to remove your hearing aids before using any personal care items.

Your hearing aids should be professionally cleaned and your programming checked every 3 to 6 months to ensure optimal performance.  If you’re interested in purchasing a hearing aid dryer, they retail for $49 and are available during normal business hours.  Audiologist’s Choice spray retails for $8 a bottle.

If the volume drops and you’ve changed the batteries, make sure you contact our office for a professional cleaning and an appointment with Dr. Jessee, if needed.  Your hearing is important and we want you to hearing as well as you can with your hearing aids.

I’ve pulled together a few quotes from our satisfied patients as to why they love their hearing aids.  Schedule an appointment today so that you can be included in our Love Club….those Good Sound Audiology patients that love their hearing aids!

“Good Sound Audiology was a very good thing for me. Since my first visit I was able to hear so much better. I work with the public and missed so much of what was said. I now do not nod and smile like I understand. The very best thing is now I can talk with my grandchildren and actually hear what they are telling me.”

“I did not want a hearing aid because of problems people I know that have hearing that do not wear them. Mine work very well and I am glad I got them. I wear all day at work and at home also. Thank you Doctor Jessee.”

“I was amazed when I went to see Fiddler on the Roof.  I was able to hear everything and it was wonderful.  My hearing isn’t as good as it was when I was young, but it’s definitely better than it’s been in a long time.”  -Spencer H., Mesa, AZ

If you’d like to visit our Success Stories link, then you can check out all of the great comments and photos from those patients that love their hearing aids!

I’ve compiled a list of resources I found online as well as information provided to me from the NIDCD or the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders.  The NIDCD is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).   NIH—the nation’s medical research agency—includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of resources, but there are a few.  Don’t forget to ask about financing plans and interest free payment plans that might also help.  The good news is that most insurance companies, including Medicare usually pay for your complete hearing evaluation once per year.

ARIZONA:

Community Hearing Aid Program

http://communityhearingaidprogram.org/index.html

623-748-8814

Children’s Rehabilitative Services (only for children ages 0-21)

602-542-1860

Sertoma Club

http://www.sertoma.org/Page.aspx?pid=335

FEDERAL: Department of Veterans Affairs (202-745-8578).  If you are a veteran, go to your local VA hospital since most hearing loss can be attributed to your time in the service even if it wasn’t documented when you were discharged. For the Phoenix Metro area:

Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center 602-222-6550 or 1-888-214-7264

NATIONAL: Hear Now (800-648-4327)

Internet: www.sotheworldmayhear.org OR

http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/hear-now.php

Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project

www.lionsear.org Type “Affordable Hearing Aid” in the search box  OR:

http://www.lcif.org/EN/our-programs/humanitarian-efforts/hearing/index.php

You need to apply for the AHA program through a specific lions club, but the application and information is available at the above link.

Audient Alliance (1-877-283-4368)

Internet: www.audientalliance.org

STATE RESOURCES:

Community Information and Referral Network

602-263-8856

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

1400 West Washington Street

Room 126

Phoenix, AZ  85007

Exec. Director: Sherri L. Collins

602-364-0990 T

602-542-3323 V

800-352-8161 T/V in AZ

602-542-3380 FAX

Email: acdhh@acdhh.state.az.us

Website: www.acdhh.org