Archive for the ‘hearing loss’ Category

ReSound’s wireless hearing aid, the Alera, is now available with a tinnitus treatment option.

Tinnitus causes ringing in the ears and affects about 15% of the world’s population.  It is the most prevalent physical condition reported by military service members and veterans.

The Bluetooth Alera TS combines an advanced hearing aid with a Tinnitus Sound Generator. The technology is used to administer sounds that make the disturbing tinnitus noise less noticeable, drawing your attention away from it. Over time, it can help retrain your brain to not notice the tinnitus even when you aren’t wearing the instrument.

“This kind of sound therapy when combined with informed counseling is recognized as a highly effective way of managing tinnitus,” said Michael Piskosz, M.S., ReSound.

The cause of tinnitus is unknown, but more than 80% report a significant or satisfactory improvement in tinnitus symptoms after using the Tinnitus Sound Generator feature, studies show.

The Alera also uses accessories to play sound wirelessly from your television, phones and computer directly into your hearing aids. It is available in custom, receiver in the ear and remote microphone styles and is available in three different technology levels.

“These people now have a flexible solution, and no longer have to live with tinnitus interrupting their daily lives,” Piskosz said.

To learn more about the Alera TS or to have a free demonstration, call a Hearing Aid Express office today.

There are more myths surrounding hearing loss and hearing aids than most professionals can even keep track of. If you aren’t careful where you get your information, you could end up confused or even causing more damage to your hearing. That’s why it’s important to find a hearing professional you trust. In the meantime, here is one common hearing loss myth we want to set the record straight about.

Myth: It’s accurate to describe your hearing loss in a percentage.

Maybe you have heard a friend say something like this: “My doctor told me I have a 30% hearing loss in my right ear.”

Fact: Hearing loss isn’t measured in percentages. It’s measured by frequencies and pitches. When you lose your hearing, you lose the ability to hear certain sounds or frequencies. When you get a hearing test, hearing professionals check to see which frequencies (and to what degree) you hear and determine the ones you don’t. Your ability to hear one frequency could be much worse than that of another frequency.  Describing a hearing loss with a single percentage wouldn’t take into account that you may have a hearing loss in more than one frequency. It also doesn’t take into account that the degree of loss could be different in those frequencies,  making it an inaccurate description of your hearing loss. Hearing professionals usually refer to a hearing loss using these terms:

n Normal hearing, 0  to  <25 dB

n Mild hearing loss, a 26 to 40 dB hearing loss

n Moderate hearing loss, a 41 to 70 dB hearing loss

n Severe hearing loss, a 71 to 90 dB hearing loss

n Profound hearing loss, great than 91 dB hearing loss

This chart is called an audiogram. To check your hearing, you will sit in a sound booth with earphones. During one portion of the test, a hearing professional plays tones at various pitches from soft to loud to determine at what point you can first detect each sound. The results of your hearing test are recorded on a graph called an audiogram.

On the top of the audiogram are the pitches that are important for understanding speech.   On the side, you will see the loudness level.  As the numbers increase, so does the volume of the test signal.  The further down the symbols are on the graph, the louder the sound had to be turned up before you could just barely hear it.  In other words, the lower the symbols are on the graph, the more hearing loss you have at that pitch.

It seems like your significant other or close friend just isn’t behaving normally. They are withdrawing. They don’t seem to be interested in conversation. They just don’t seem to want to take part in activities that used to interest them.  They often don’t respond appropriately to questions or while engaging in conversation.  For awhile you have suspected they have a hearing loss, but you just aren’t sure what to do.

It isn’t abnormal for someone with a hearing loss to isolate themselves.  The best way to show you care is to accompany them to a professional hearing consultation, where a hearing test is performed.

According to the Better Hearing Institute, someone might have a hearing loss if they…

• Require frequent repetition.
• Have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.
• Think that other people sound muffled or like they’re mumbling.
• Have difficulty hearing in noisy situations, like conferences, restaurants, malls, or crowded meeting rooms.
• Have trouble hearing children and women.
• Have their TV or radio turned up to a high volume.
• Answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
• Have ringing in their ears.
• Read lips or more intently watch people’s faces when they speak with you.

Or if they:

• Feel stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying.
• Feel annoyed at other people because they can’t hear or understand them.
• Feel embarrassed to meet new people or from misunderstanding what others are saying.
• Feel nervous about trying to hear and understand.
• Withdraw from social situations that they once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing.

Or if they:

• Have a family history of hearing loss.
• Take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).
• Have diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.
• Have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single exposure to explosive noise.

If you suspect you or someone you care about has hearing loss, contact the professionals at Hearing Aid Express for a free consultation and demonstration of the latest technology. We are here to help.

Did you know there is a program in Texas that provides specialized amplified phones – for free – to Texans who have a hearing loss?  It’s called the Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program, or STAP.  The program is part of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

A paragraph from their website explains what it is: “The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) is a statewide program that provides financial assistance for the purchase of specialized assistive equipment or services for Texans having a disability that interferes with their ability to access the telephone network.”

Here is what it means:  If you are a Texas resident and have a hearing loss, the STAP program will provide you with a voucher that you can use to purchase a specialized amplified telephone.  It doesn’t cost you anything, and you are eligible whether or not you wear hearing aids.

Hearing Aid Express is a registered vendor with the STAP program, and can help you get your amplified phone.  Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the program:

Who is Eligible for a Free Amplified Phone?

The STAP (Special Telecommunications Assistance Program) program is available to Texas residents who have a certain amount of hearing loss. Each household is eligible for one device every five years.

How Do I Find Out if I am Eligible?

We need a copy of a recent hearing test. If you haven’t had your hearing tested recently, Hearing Aid Express can screen your hearing in our offices for free to see if you qualify.

Who Pays for the Amplified Phones?

The STAP program, part of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services under the Public Utility Commission of Texas, is funded by taxes assessed on people’s telephone service. A portion of these taxes is used to fund the STAP program and pays for the amplified telephones and other equipment.

Do I have a Choice of Phones?

At Hearing Aid Express you do. We have corded and cordless phones and even phones that work with caller ID.

When Do I Get My Phone?

Once the STAP program receives and processes your application, they will mail a voucher to you. When you get your voucher, call us or bring it in to one of our locations. We will exchange your signed voucher for a Free Amplified Phone.

Are There Other Products Besides Phones?

Yes!  The STAP program has a wide variety of products available for hearing impaired Texas residents. Hearing Aid Express carries phones, ring signalers and wireless Bluetooth neck loops for people with hearing aids to connect to their cell phones and more.

What Should I Do Next?

Call us toll free at 800-348-2018 or come in to one of our stores. Be sure to bring proof of Texas residency with your current address on it (such as your driver’s license or a utility bill). We will help you fill out the STAP application and mail it in for you.

For more information about the STAP program you can visit their page on the Public Utility Commission’s website at: www.puc.state.tx.us/relaytexas/Overview.aspx

To find out how to get a free amplified phone go to: http://www.hearingaidexpress.com/free-amplified-phone.php.

The check list of things to do when flying seems to be constantly changing. Travelers are often warned about what they can or can’t bring in their checked luggage. Most travelers also know you may pass through an X-ray, metal detector or be manually checked by airport security officials.

The process, at times, seems daunting, especially if you have trouble hearing.

The Transportation Security Administration travel guidelines assure travelers that bringing your hearing aids shouldn’t be a problem.

Here is the most up-to-date information regarding hearing aids from TSA. You can find more information at, www.tsa.gov.

• It is not necessary to remove hearing aids at security checkpoints.

• It is best if you wear your hearing device while going through the metal detector.

• According to Otolaryngologist and Otolaryngology surgeons, hearing devices such as hearing aids are not affected by X-ray inspection, the walk-through metal detector, or the hand-held metal detector.

• If the screening process is unclear to you, ask the Security Officer to write the information down.

• If you can read lips or are hard of hearing, ask the Security Officer to look directly at you and repeat the information slowly.

• If you need to communicate with the Security Officer, inform her/him of your disability and the way in which you can communicate. TSA Security Officers are trained to provide whatever assistance they can to persons with hearing disabilities.

• If you are concerned or uncomfortable with going through the walk-thorough metal detector, you can ask for a full body pat-down of your person and a visual and physical inspection of the exterior component while it remains on your body.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season whether traveling or not – Hearing Aid Express.

Texans listen up: if you have a hearing loss, free help is available.
 
First, if you do have a certain level of hearing loss, we can help you get a free  amplified  telephone through the state’s STAP (Special Telecommunications  Assistance Program) so you don’t have to strain to hear  those important conversations. 

STAP is part of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and is funded by taxes assessed on people’s telephone service. A portion of these taxes is used to fund the STAP program and pays for the amplified telephones. The program pays for one telephone per household every five years.

To be eligible for the program, we need a copy of a recent hearing test. If you haven’t had your hearing tested recently, we can screen your hearing in our offices for free.
       
If you have a certain level of hearing loss, we will help you fill out your STAP   application and mail it in for you. If you are  eligible, you will receive a voucher from the state. Bring us that voucher and you will be able to select the phone that’s best for you.       
 

We have corded and cordless phones. Some are designed to us with caller ID while others are not. We even have Bluetooth neck loops designed to work with compatible cell phones.

Stop wondering if you have a hearing loss. Call the hearing professionals at Hearing Aid Express today.

Do you have a hearing loss, but aren’t ready to wear hearing aids all the time to improve your hearing in both ears?

Panasonic has released a new product that may be just right for you. 

Panasonic’s JZ is a new type of hearing aid that is stylish, comfortable and easy to use. Designed to look like a small music player, it allows you to hear better from both ears using only one device. It’s like getting two hearing aids for the price of one.

Panasonic’s JZ will help you hear the sounds from your everyday life, including your friends and family, your television and stereo. It will fit easily inside your purse or pocket so you can carry it with you.

Because the Panasonic JZ looks more like an MP3-style music player,  your friends and family won’t even suspect you have a hearing loss. This style is also a good alternative for those who spend a lot of time reclining,  but still want to hear better.  It’s size makes it easy to use and adjust for those whose ability to manipulate small buttons just isn’t what it used to be.

With this new style of hearing instrument adjusts easily to up to four different sound environments. That means with a quick,  push of a button you will be able to hear better in various sound situations such as watching television or talking with friends and family.
 
The JZ comes with noise reduction, wind suppression and feedback suppression technology. It is also rechargeable or can use AAA batteries and comes in three      colors — red, blue and silver.

If you are unsure if you have a hearing loss, take this quick survey. If you respond ‘yes’ to some of these questions you may have a hearing loss.

DO YOU?

 Have any difficulty hearing on a phone?

Find that friends and family often tell you the television is too loud?

Find yourself straining to understand conversations?

Have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy background such as a crowded room or restaurant?

Stop wondering if you have a hearing loss. Call the hearing professionals at Hearing Aid Express today.

In Texas, there are three groups of people who are legally allowed to dispense hearing aids: Audiologists, Licensed Dispensers and Medical Doctors.
While all Licensed Dispensers (including Board Certified Dispensers) fit hearing aids, not all Audiologists do. Some of them practice audiology in other ways, such as aural rehabilitation, balance treatments or screening newborn children.
Audiologists and Doctors of Audiology have to be licensed in Texas to dispense hearing aids. In addition to their schooling they also take continuing education classes to help keep their skills fresh.
Audiology has traditionally been a Master’s Degree program. In the past few years it has been transitioning to a Doctoral program. Audiologists who complete the Doctoral program earn their AuD, or Doctor of Audiology designation. Hearing Aid Express is pleased – and proud – to have Doctors of Audiology as part of our team.
We have Audiologists in all three of our major markets – Austin, Dallas and Houston.

We have launched new pages on our website to introduce you to these hearing care professionals. It’s all part of our continuing effort to bring you the most appropriate hearing help delivered by caring, competent professionals.

United States presidents, famous actors and actresses, Miss America and athletes have all suffered from hearing loss.

It isn’t a condition that many of us plan for. In many instances it happens gradually and over time. You may wake up one day and realize that your hearing just isn’t as good as it used to be.

It happens to millions of Americans, more than 35 million to be exact. That number happens to include, former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan; actors Sally Fields, Burt Reynolds and Robin Wright. It is also a condition that has impacted the lives of Hall of Fame football player Mike Singletary, race car drivers Al & Bobby Unser and rocker Bono.

Hearing loss didn’t keep them from important meetings with foreign delegates or even from the music they loved.

If you think you suffer from hearing loss, life doesn’t have to be a struggle. Hearing aids can often help. Many of today’s devices can also go unnoticed.

They can be so unnoticeable that even former Miss America Deidre Downs can wear them and feel confident in social situations.

“Wearing hearing aids again gave me the ability to better participate in life – school, family, and friends. Hearing aids have diminished the impact hearing loss has on my life. I finally feel like I can hear as well as a normal hearing person,” she has said.  “My friends, family and classmates no longer have to constantly repeat themselves. I don’t have to use closed captioning on TV anymore and I rarely miss pieces of conversations – even in noisy restaurants. It’s been an unbelievable life change for me, my family and my friends.” 

If you have a hearing loss, don’t let it keep you from communicating with family and friends or from participating in your life. Visit Hearing Aid Express today for a free hearing test and consultation.

Imagine this scenario:  you’ve just finished getting an eye exam. As you suspect your doctor tells you that you will need a pair of contacts or eyeglasses to correct your vision.

You know you need to see well, and you realize your ability to see impacts nearly everything: your freedom, your safety and your day-to-day living.

“Can I get just one contact lens,” you blurt out to your physician, wondering if it would just be less expensive. After all, you reason, isn’t one corrected lens good enough?

As absurd as this question is it’s the same scenario that is playing out in hearing clinics across the country.

Just like impaired vision, the conditions that have caused damage to one ear have very likely caused damage to both ears. While you most certainly wouldn’t consider getting just one lens in a pair of eye glasses, many are opting for just one hearing aid when most of the time they really need two.

Having two hearing aids helps you hear more clearly so you can pinpoint where sounds are coming from.

Here are 7 more reasons why you should consider wearing 2 hearing aids:

1.You will have greater understanding in noisy environments.
2.You will experience smoother tone quality.
3. You will be able to hear more sounds.
4.Using both ears to hear helps you preserve the hearing ability you have in both ears.
5.Because you won’t have to work as hard to hear, creating an easier listening experience.
6.Hearing in both ears creates a sense of balance
7.You won’t be as shocked by loud noises.
 

If you think you or someone you care about has a hearing loss, call Hearing Aid Express today for a free hearing exam.