July, 2015 - In This Issue:
Audiological Consultants Of Atlanta



Our goal at ACA is to help each patient maximize his or her communication potential, whether in the comfort of a home or in public venues. This month we will discuss several topics including "looping" and the auditory world that it can open for the hard of hearing patient. To date, there are very few public facilities in Georgia that have installed a loop system. We encourage all who are interested in educating theatre owners, houses of worship, or any public venue on the merits of looping to contact us at ACA. Let Georgia lead the way in creating better communication.

   

PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT LYRIC!

 

   ACA is excited to announce that we have

   received the newest updated version of Lyric, the 

   Lyric 3.1 which has a clearer and crisper sound 

   quality.  We are the first to receive this upgraded generation and look forward to hearing your comments about the improved reliablility and sound quality.

 

We are hearing more and more about Lyric, the truly 100% invisible extended wear device that generally can't be seen from any angle of the ear and has such a natural sound quality.  Lyric was originally introduced by InSound Medical in Newark, California.  Sonova sucessfully acquired InSound Medical in January, 2010 and currently Lyric is part of the Phonak Hearing aid product line. It is the only extended wear hearing device on the market.   

 

Audiological Consultants of Atlanta has been fitting patients with the Lyric hearing device since 2008 with great results and extraordinary  patient outcomes. This Lyric concept in hearing is so unique in it's ability to stay in the ear up to 2-3 months at a time with no daily insertions or removals and no batteries to change. And because of Lyric's placement, only 4mm from the eardrum, the sound quality is so natural and most people forget that they are even wearing a hearing aid; it makes people feel "normal" again.

 

Inquire about Lyric and see if you are a candidate for extended wear hearing. ACA has fit more Lyric devices than anyone in the nation and are among the top three providers in the world. We are happy to send you additional information. 

 

STRESSED OUT?  

TREATING HEARING LOSS MAY HELP


T he intensive listening effort demanded by untreated hearing loss can be extremely stressful. Experts believe that even if you have just a mild hearing loss that is not being treated, cognitive load increases significantly. Research shows that when left unaddressed, hearing loss is frequently associated with other physical, mental, and emotional health issues that diminish quality of life. Withdrawal from social situations, a lessened ability to cope with day to day issues, and reduced overall psychological health are just some of the conditions associated with unaddressed hearing loss. Often, people with untreated hearing loss feel angry, frustrated, anxious, isolated, and depressed. A 2014 s tudy showed that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of depression in adults of all ages, but is most pronounced in 18 to 69 year olds.  

 

The good news is that for the vast majority of people with any degree of hearing loss, hearing aids are very helpful. And we know that the use of hearing aids improves the ability to communicate more effectively.

 

When people with hearing loss use hearing aids, their mental health often rallies and depressive symptoms are often reduced. Many people regain emotional stability; have an easier time joining in groups and become more socially engaged; experience a greater sense of safety and independence; feel more in control of their lives; and see a general improvement in their overall quality of life. Many even report

improvements in their relationships at home and at work.

 

Getting a hearing test and using professionally fitted hearing aids, when recommended by an audiologist, is an important way for people with hearing loss to ease the stress associated with intensive listening and to safeguard their mental health and quality of life.

 

HOW NOISE AFFECTS OUR HEARING

 

We hear sound when delicate hair cells in our inner ear vibrate, creating nerve signals that the brain understands as sound. But just as we can overload an electrical circuit, we also can overload these vibrating hair cells. Loud noise damages these           
delicate hair cells, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss and often tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The cells that are the first to be damaged or die are those that vibrate most quickly-those that allow us to hear higher-frequency sounds clearly, like the sounds of birds singing and children speaking.

 

Sound volume is measured in decibels, with the softest sound a normal hearing human can hear measuring at 0 dBA. Any sounds above 85 dBA for 8 or more hours are considered unsafe. Most firecrackers produce sounds starting at 125 dB peak SPL, presenting the risk of irreversible ear damage. Repeated exposure to loud noise, over an extended period of time, presents serious risks to hearing health as well. If you have to shout over the noise to be heard by someone within arm's length, the noise is probably in the dangerous range. Here are other warning signs:

  • You have pain in your ears after leaving a noisy area.
  • You hear ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) in your ears immediately after exposure to noise.
  • You suddenly have difficulty understanding speech after exposure to noise; you can hear people talking but can't understand them. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEARING LOOPS!  

 

What is a Hearing Loop?

A hearing loop is a wire that usually circles a room or part of a room and is connected to a sound system. The loop transmits the sound electromagnetically. The electromagnetic signal is then picked up by the telecoil feature in a hearing aid or cochlear implant. To use a hearing loop in conjunction with a hearing aid or cochlear implant, you must activate the telecoil feature by pushing a button, flipping a switch on the device or using an additional accessory that has a telecoil feature that can connect with your hearing aid. Using a telecoil and hearing loop together is seamless, cost-effective, unobtrusive, and needs no additional equipment. Hearing loops are also called audio-induction loops, audio loops, or loops. If your hearing aid doesn't have a telecoil, you will need a headset plugged into a loop receiver to achieve the same effect. Magnetic induction loop technology began some 70 years ago and is very popular in other countries.  

 

Why are hearing loops needed? Don't hearing aids enable hearing?

Hearing in very large areas like an auditorium or theatre may still be a challenge.  A hearing loop magnetically transfers the sound signal directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants by using an activated "telecoil" in your device allowing hearing to be easier.  

 

How many hearing aids have the telecoil (t-coil)  feature for receiving hearing loop input?

The Hearing Journal reported that 69% of all hearing aid models come with telecoils and in 2014, the Consumer's Guide to Hearing Aids reported an increase stating that 71.5% had telecoils. 

   

Are there advantages to using hearing loops for home TV listening and in public settings?
Loops can be used and installed in a home setting or a public venue.

In certain cities and states, loops are installed in many or all public venues.

 

 With increased education and information on the value of looping, more and more facilities are investigating the possibilities for the hard of hearing.


It's a special hearing aid. 
It filters out criticism and amplifies compliments!
Locations:
Buckhead:  404-351-4114
Sandy Springs:  404-256-5194
Marietta: 678-560-0011
Roswell:  678-461-6366
Duluth:  770-476-3005
Griffin:  770-229-6666
CALL TODAY