Archive for January, 2009

Though writer Shanna Bartlett Groves’ novel “Lip Reader” is a work of fiction, it was inspired by something very real: her own experience with hearing loss.

An article in the Kansas City Star last week put the spotlight on Groves, who at the age of 27 learned she was going deaf. Several things — pride and fear, mostly, she says  — kept her from facing her hearing loss, so she refused to buy hearing aids.

Two years ago, however, Groves started writing “Lip Reader.” About a 12-year-old girl named Sapphie and how she deals with several family members who suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss, “Lip Reader” was written in the hope that it would also help readers understand hearing loss. Sapphie’s family is very similar to Groves’ family. She has four family members who are “profoundly hard of hearing.” The setting of the novel, Oklahoma, was a deliberate choice, as that’s where Groves grew up.

“Lip Reader” isn’t yet published, but Groves has been receiving valuable feedback from visitors to her blog, which is invitation-only so that she could keep it to just family, friends and members of the hearing-impaired community. Thanks to her readers’ comments, Groves has been able to make improvements to the story and characters.

It’s likely that Groves will self-publish “Lip Reader.” The article points out that there aren’t many books about hearing loss, and “Lip Reader” will teach readers about hearing loss and maybe even give them some new insights on the matter.

As seen in today’s Austin American-Statesman: Hearing Aid Express is holding a 5-Day Special Event at two of our Austin-area locations. You definitely don’t want to miss this, especially if you’re looking to find out more about hearing aids and what can be done to help you with your hearing loss.

From January 26 through January 30 at our Austin (8127 Mesa Dr., #B-207; (512) 346-6884) and Cedar Park (200 S. Bell Blvd., #C-1; (512) 249-9367) Hearing Aid Express locations, you’ll be able to do the following:

• Hear the difference yourself by wearing a pair of hearing aids
• Digital demonstration using real-world simulations
• FREE hearing aid care kit with purchases made during the event
• FREE cleanings, adjustments and personal programming

At this Hearing Aid Express event, you can also find out more about the “be” hearing aid by ReSound. This hearing aid is different — really different. The first (and only) hearing device engineered with Invisible Open Technology means it’s virtually invisible in the ear. And you’ll hear an amazing difference with the microscopic cutting-edge sound processor inside of the hearing aid. It makes traditional hearing aids a thing of the past.

We hope to see you at this amazing event! Call today to schedule an appointment, as space is limited.

A recent article in The Guardian talked about how a recent study found that for those 55 and older, hearing loss is quite common. In fact, 12 out of 100 people between the ages of 55 and 74 suffered from hearing loss. Though these hearing problems caused them “moderate or severe worry, upset or annoyance,” only 3 out of 100 used hearing aids.

Published in the Health Technology Assessment, this study was done by Medical Research Council’s Hearing and Communications Group researchers. This group is based at the University of Manchester.

Furthermore, 70% of people who needed hearing aids were fitted with one, and a third of those people remarked that they noticed “big improvements” in terms of hearing in a noisy environment.

Researchers who conducted this study noted that taking a hearing test would prove to be a good value for the money, should older people take one. So if you’re suffering from hearing loss, you should most definitely consider taking a hearing test.

Though this study was conducted in England, it goes without saying that the same is true in America: All too often, people suffering from hearing loss and hearing problems do not seek help. By taking a hearing test, those suffering from hearing problems may find that their lives are improved tremendously thanks to the ability to once again hear sounds clearly with a hearing aid.

Hearing aid myths: we’ve all heard at least one. Like that a hearing aid will actually make your hearing get worse because your ears will depend on it. Or that the smallest hearing aids are always the best. Or even that a hearing aid will damage your hearing.

All of those are hearing aid myths — and those are just a few examples. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center has published some excellent information that puts to rest these often-believed hearing aid myths.

One of the hearing aid myths St. Jude’s tackles is this one: Hearing aids will damage your hearing. Definitely a myth, clarifies St. Jude’s, as they explain how as long as a hearing aid is fitted properly, worn correctly and maintained, it will not damage your hearing.

Another hearing aid myth they debunk is: “My hearing loss isn’t bad enough for a hearing aid.” Pointing out that many people suffering from hearing loss don’t realize the extent of their hearing loss, St. Jude’s says that hearing loss and listening needs are different for everybody. Still, they say, hearing aids can help you hear the things you’ve been missing.

“The smaller hearing aids are better,” is one more hearing aid myth that St. Jude’s talks about, saying that finding a hearing aid that fits your needs is most important. With so many styles of hearing aids — and with all of them, not just the small ones, being “state-of-the-art” — it is simply essential to find one that works well for you.

If you’re experiencing hearing loss and are seeking information about hearing aids, be sure and get the facts. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or hearing specialist questions. You can also take a look at Hearing Aid Express’ Frequently Asked Questions page, or you can even take a hearing self-evaluation.