Many scientific studies in the past have confirmed the negative impacts associated with hearing loss: depression, anxiety and social isolation. There are positive impacts associated with hearing solutions, as well. A study conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) supplies overwhelming data about how much of a difference hearing devices can make.1
The study surveyed more than 2,000 hearing loss patients who use devices to enhance the sense of sound. Of the sample group, 82% of patients indicated they would recommend hearing devices to their friends, and 70% reported an improved ability to communicate. The data also shows more than four out of five people who use a device to hear better are satisfied with their solution.
“This survey clearly reveals how dramatically people’s lives can improve with the use of hearing devices,” BHI Executive Director Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., said. “In this comprehensive
study of more than 2,000 hearing device users, we looked at 14 specific quality-of-life issues and found today’s hearing devices are a tremendous asset to people with even mild hearing loss who want to remain active and socially engaged throughout their lives.”
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The study also concluded up to a third of patients saw improvements in their romance, sense of humor, and mental,
emotional and physical health. Further, roughly 40% noted improvements in their sense of safety, self-confidence, feelings about self, sense of independence and work relationships.
These results are the most significant of their kind because they show a clear potential solution to many of the draining feelings patients with hearing loss suffer. Many positive responses are attributed to changing technology that has led to smaller and less visible hearing devices, resulting in decreased societal stigma associated with wearing devices in day-to-day life.
New devices are more intelligent and offer many improvements over older generation models. BHI’s Kochkin believes the first step to preserving your future enjoyment in life is to make an appointment with a hearing health professional and get your hearing checked.
[1] Better Hearing Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://betterhearing.org/. Quoted in BHI Survey: Hearing Aids Help Majority of Users to Regain Quality of Life via the Hearing Review. (2011). Retrieved from this link
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Greetings and Happy New Year from all of us at the Family Hearing Center! The New Year is a great time to consider your health and all of the benefits that hearing your best can provide, including improved self-confidence, better relationships with loved ones and greater cognitive health.
If you have any questions about your hearing health, schedule an appointment with our team today.
Speaking of our team, you may notice a few new faces when you come into the office. Dr. Michal Schimmel joins our audiology team after several years with the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Joanna Kolker, our new audiology assistant, got her Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Missouri. Be sure to say hello the next time you stop by.
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Hearing loss affects one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 and one in two people over age 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.1 But it’s a misconception that hearing loss only affects older people; one in five teenagers experiences some degree of hearing loss, reports the Hearing Loss Association of America.2
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This is significant, as left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression, falls and even dementia. But despite this, only 20% of people who could benefit from hearing devices actually wear them.
One reason for not getting hearing devices we hear a lot at The Family Hearing Center is that “hearing devices will make me look old.” But consider this: What makes you look older? Wearing a hearing device or constantly having to ask people to repeat themselves and giving inappropriate responses because you misheard?
It’s surprising that there is so much stigma around wearing hearing devices, given that we don’t give eyeglasses the same treatment, even though both are used to treat a sensory loss.
Also, hearing devices aren’t the clunky products your parents and grandparents once wore. They are designed with aesthetics in mind, and most models are small and sleek. Some models could be mistaken for a pair of wireless earbuds, and others are so tiny and sit so deep within the ear canal they are nearly invisible!
Today’s hearing devices, despite their size, are essentially tiny computers that boast amazing features such as:
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- Bluetooth® compatibility
- Smartphone connectivity
- Telecoils
- Rechargeability
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- Automatic programming
- Background noise reduction
- Directional microphones
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We may not know what the future holds in terms of whether hearing devices will ever be fashionable, but one thing is for sure—hearing devices are becoming more and more remarkable in terms of their capabilities.
The Family Hearing Center is here to help you solve your hearing needs with the latest care available. Call us today at (301) 738-1415 to book an appointment.
1 Hearing Loss and Older Adults. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-older-adults
2 Hearing Loss Facts and Statistics. Hearing Loss Association of America. https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/HLAA_HearingLoss_Facts_Statistics.pdf
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Hearing devices receive daily use in harsh environments, where they are subject to moisture, heat, dirt and earwax. Even though they are built to precise standards, you will need to replace them at some point. Figuring out when is the key to uninterrupted communications.
No product lasts forever. Over time, mechanical problems can develop, or the technology may simply become obsolete. However, there are steps you can take to prolong the life of your hearing equipment. Cleaning on a regular basis can help prevent problems from occurring. Use a soft, dry cloth and avoid liquids, which might cause damage. Change the wax filter, and clean the microphone and any other dirty areas with a soft brush. Be sure to take your hearing devices to a licensed audiologist periodically for checkups; these can detect issues such as power loss, dirty contact vents and plugged vents.
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Servicing and repairs can add up over time. Eventually, these costs will outweigh those required to purchase new hearing devices. You should consider new hearing devices when:
- Your current hearing devices are five or more years old.
- Your hearing devices have visible damage.
- Your hearing devices have already been repaired previously.
- Your hearing loss worsens or is no longer helped by your current equipment.
- Newer, better technology for your type/ extent of hearing loss is available.
If any of these factors apply to your situation, make an appointment with your audiologist as soon as possible.
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The Family Hearing Center at TLC | 2092 Gaither Rd Ste 100 Rockville, MD 20850 | 301-738-1415
www.ttlc.org
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