ACA newsletter - 3rd Edition

May, 2015 - In This Issue:

BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH

COMMUNICATION TIPS

HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

HEARING AID BATTERIES

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We hope you have been enjoying our news. Every month we hope to share information that will help you communicate more effectively and assist you in understanding the communication process. Our website has an abundance of information, statistics, articles and videos to guide you towards more productive interactions with your friends and family. Most of what we share here will have a direct link to our ACA website. ENJOY!

MAY- Better Hearing and Speech Month

Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and share how audiologists play a role in providing life-altering treatment for those who experience problems understanding or hearing. It is important for us to educate you about the possible "Signs of Hearing Loss":

Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
Feeling that people mumble.
Turning an ear in the direction of sound in order to hear it better.
Understanding conversation better when you look directly at the person. Seeing their facial expression and lip movements can help someone understand another better if there is a hearing problem.
Listening to the TV or radio at volume levels higher than other people normally listen to.
Experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Feelings of isolation and frustration when in a group.

If any of these signs are displayed, a person can take action by visiting an audiologist for a hearing test. An audiologist is a health professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with hearing problems.

In most cases hearing loss is treatable. Audiologists can teach patients to concentrate on listening to certain sounds. Hearing loss can often be overcome using either hearing aids or other assistive learning devices.

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COMMUNICATION TIPS

Face the person directly.
Avoid noisy situations.
Spotlight your face.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Use facial expressions.
Rephrase if you are not understood.
Keep hands away from your mouth.
Be patient if the response seems slow.
Talk to the person and not about him or her.

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HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

At Audiological Consultants, we advocate the use of hearing aids as treatment for hearing loss that is not medically reversible. However, some patients with hearing loss sometimes are in need of additional help in specific listening situations, such as on the phone, with the television, during worship services, meetings, lectures, movie theaters or tours. Hearing assistive technology devices can provide this additional help. All of our offices stock a wide variety of assistive devices such as those shown below, including TV listening systems, telephones, telephone amplifiers, smoke alarms and alerting devices. Our audiologists can demonstrate these and other devices and help you select the most suitable device for your particular hearing loss needs.

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HEARING AID BATTERIES

How long do hearing aid batteries typically last?

A standard hearing aid battery lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days, depending on the hearing aid type, battery type and capacity, and the amount of hearing aid use.

How do I know if I should change batteries?

* Change your batteries if sounds become distorted or you have to turn up the volume more than usual.

* Some hearing aids will also make a small beeping sound (or be voice activated to inform you) when the battery is low. Be sure to switch batteries immediately when you hear the signal.

* Hearing aid batteries often lose power very suddenly, so it's smart to carry an extra set of batteries with you at all times.

* To protect against discharging your backup batteries, keep them away from coins, keys or other metal objects.

What's with the seal on hearing aid batteries?

Always purchase unopened battery packages. Make sure the seal on a new battery is unbroken. A hearing aid battery begins to discharge as soon as the protective seal has been removed.

Are there ways to minimize battery drain?

* When you're not wearing your hearing aid, turn it off or open the battery door to minimize battery drain.

* If you won't be using your hearing aid(s) for an extended period of time, remove the battery entirely.

* Avoid storing in extreme temperatures to keep from draining battery power and shortening battery life.

What are some good hearing aid battery care tips?

* Store hearing aid batteries at normal room temperatures.

* Do not refrigerate.

* Wash your hands thoroughly before changing batteries. Grease and dirt on the batteries may damage your hearing aid(s).

* Leave the battery compartment of your hearing device(s) open at night so moisture can escape. Doing so will keep the battery from corroding and damaging your hearing aid(s).

* Remove dead batteries immediately. A completely discharged battery may swell and become difficult to remove.