What causes sudden hearing loss?

                What causes sudden hearing loss?

          We are well aware of hearing loss caused over time, but what about the people affected with sudden hearing loss? What causes your hearing loss to suddenly dissipate with no prior ear illnesses or warnings? It is scary to think about waking up one day with your hearing in one or both ears being gone. Ear specialists split this condition into two separate categories.

The first cause of sudden hearing loss occurring in the middle of the ear is called conductive loss. Conductive hearing loss is relatively easy to diagnose and also easy to fix. The most common explanation for this type of sudden hearing loss is from the head cold. Fluid builds up around the bones in your ear creating infections and causing you not to hear as well. Normally you will experience this within both ears at the same time rather than just the one. Once the fluid drains from your ears you will be able to hear normal again. Another more serious condition from conductive loss would be a severe blow to your head or a sudden loud sound. This would cause dislocation or a break in one of the tiny bones in the middle of your ear. Fortunately it can be corrected through surgery with no permanent damage to your hearing.

Reasons we attend to avoid hearing aids.

      The Misguided Reasons We tend to Avoid Hearing Aids:

     A large majority of people report an increased quality of life through the use of hearing aids, but there is still over 27 million Americans who could benefit from a hearing device yet do not have one. Yes, part of the reason is the cost but a major reason is the stigma behind wearing a hearing aid. Some may fear looking older by wearing a hearing device but the truth is hearing aids are adaptable and provide a life-changing experience.

Remain optimistic while keeping an open mind to new opportunities by allowing yourself to hear fully. Refuse to allow untreated hearing loss to negatively affect your life by creating depression, career setbacks and even memory deterioration. Take a hearing test so you can get back to living a life free of hearing strain and miscommunication.  

Mike Wheeler and his daughter, Juliet, make a difference while giving the gift of hearing to children and adults in Africa.

Making A Difference while Giving the Gift of Hearing

Mike Wheeler and his daughter, Juliet, sponsor and bring their knowledge and devotion along with "So the World May Hear" to Zambia Africa. Over 1600 Hearing Instruments were fitted for both children and adults on this trip to Africa in 2011.

Insurance Coverage Concerns with Hearing Aids

        Insurance Coverage Concerns with Hearing Aids

Hearing is such an important part of an individual’s health and lifestyle that it’s concerning consumers that insurance companies don't make it easier to cover hearing aids. Hearing aids can be expensive and range in the thousands per device which can make it difficult for anyone experiencing a hearing loss to purchase hearing aids at a reasonable cost.

Some reasons suggested to the challenge of hearing aid assistance through insurance is the percentage of the elderly who accumulate hearing loss is so high that it would be financially viable for insurance companies to cover hearing aids on an insurance plan. The cost is too much and the percentage of people who need hearing aids is too high. So what can be done to make it more affordable for people to purchase hearing aids? Surely there has to be some compromise between all parties involved in order to make it profitable AND affordable without having the policies of younger people compensating for the large costs of the elderly.

 Eligible adults and children are mostly covered through Medicaid and some nonprofit organizations may provide assistance if you meet their guidelines. Still, we have a far way to come for full assistance.

Ways to Keep Your Hearing Aid Lasting Longer

Ways to Keep Your Hearing Aid Lasting Longer

·        When not in use, store your hearing in a cool, dry place.

·        Handle your hearing aid with care.

·        Change the filters often so they don't accumulate wax or dirt.

·        Clean battery cabinet and change the batteries frequently to prevent hearing aid from suddenly running out.

·        Always clean and remove  earwax from your hearing aid to prevent malfunction or permanent damage.

·        Clean hearing aid using a small brush or cloth. Don't insert tools into sound outlet so you don't damage the receiver.

·        Don't wear your hearing aid while you are swimming, in the shower, or while using a hair dryer or hair spray.

Warnings From the FDA and BHI to Consumers on Do-It-Yourself Hearing Care

Warnings From the FDA and BHI to Consumers on Do-It-Yourself Hearing Care

The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is warning customers about purchasing over-the-counter, one size fits all hearing aids instead of consulting a hearing professional. Your hearing loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is extremely advised to use a hearing care professional when purchasing hearing aids rather than trying to purchase hearing aids on your own.

Hearing devices purchased over the counter or through the internet without the proper consultation of a professional may not be accurate in fitting the specific needs and comfort of the individual. Hearing aids of today are more technical and need to be programmed in order to fit the specific requirements of the person’s hearing loss in order to provide high levels of benefit and satisfaction.

The FDA argues that over the counter hearing aids advertising one size fits most can cause an allergic reaction, ear canal irritation or a bleeding ear canal. Also, the sound pressure level of the hearing aid may be set too high and cause permanent hearing damage. They also proclaim that not seeing a hearing care professional could mean missing a medical condition that of draining ear, sudden hearing loss or other conditions that may cause permanent damage if left untreated.

The FDA requires anyone needing even a small amount of hearing assistance to see a medical professional or sign a waiver. The FDA regulates anyone selling hearing devices to be a professional licensed by the State. The main purpose for FDA rules regarding hearing aid policies is to protect the consumer’s safety and ensure efficient products are being provided.

The Importance of Upgrading Your Hearing Aid

The Importance of Upgrading Your Hearing Aid

Even if your hearing aid works very well, it can still become dirty and worn over time. Your Hearing level and even the shape of your outer ear can change with age and extensive use of a hearing aid. Hearing aids are progressing very frequently so what could it hurt to get an upgrade on your hearing aid?

Some useful hearing aid upgrades could be:

·       Cleaning the casing, microphone and other parts of the hearing aid that collect dirt and moisture

·       Fixing mistakes that might have been made when originally fitting your hearing aid

·       Repairing the casing or other parts

·       Adjustments to the hearing aid to help fit your ear better with less feedback

Hearing loss worsens over time so be sure to upgrade your hearing aid to not only improve your hearing but to maintain optimal hearing.

What to Consider When Buying Hearing Aids Online:

       What to Consider When Buying Hearing Aids Online:

·       Certain hearing aids do not always meet your needs, so be sure you are completely sure what hearing aid is right for you before searching online.

·       Consider that hearing aids purchased online aren’t complete with a hearing test in order to match your specific needs nor can you tell if they will be a comfortable fit.

·       No one is there to help with adjustment, reprogramming, or support services when purchasing hearing aids online.

·       Say goodbye to same day hearing aid fixes. Devices bought online will need to be shipped back to the manufacturer if they require certain computer software. You might need to go awhile without your hearing aid.

·       Giving up face to face professionals. It is important to have a good hearing aid professional that you are comfortable with and can go to with concerns or questions on your hearing aid. After all, you will have a long term relationship with this person.

·       Returns, guarantees and trial periods can be fuzzy especially online. Given that you are just another faceless customer purchasing a hearing aid, it is easier for the online company to stick to their guns with no returns, and strict trial periods so be sure you are aware of all the time limits before purchasing your hearing aid online.

Ways the Supplier Can Make Buying a Hearing Aid Feel Wrong

Ways the Supplier Can Make Buying a Hearing Aid Feel Wrong

All it takes is an employee to be in a rush or have an off day to make a drastic mistake when helping a consumer find the perfect hearing aid. Don’t be completely discouraged from finding a proper fit for a hearing aid if you felt the wrath of disregard and got a bad vibe from the one company.  There are people out there who are good at what they do and won’t stop helping you until you find the perfect fit.

Lack of information:

Most providers discuss style and features; however secret shoppers have proven that a significant portion did not. Studies have shown one out of four did not know if their aids had feedback suppression or whether or not they had directional microphones. Both of these features can make or break the decision on a hearing aid for some consumers.

Mediocre fitting:

Shoppers are constantly buying hearing aids that were bought as a misfit. They amplify too little or too much and don’t fit the consumer’s ear comfortably. Be sure the hearing aid representative has the priority to find an aid that fits to you personally. Be clear on what is important to you when finding the perfect hearing aid and don’t settle for less. If you’re unsure about the aid they are trying to give you, make it known you aren’t completely comfortable with it and move on. The representative should be able to work with your specific needs.

Whoa on the prices:

Hearing aids vary greatly when it comes to prices. They can range anywhere from $1200 to $6800 per pair depending on what you consider a priority when purchasing a hearing aid. Decide and stick to your budget when going out shopping. Be sure the hearing aid you purchase has all the features you want and fits to your personal comfort. Ask about what’s included in the hearing aid purchase regarding professional fitting and follow-up services. Get the bang for your buck so you feel satisfied with your purchase without feeling like you’ve been gypped.

Take Precautions When Searching For Hearing Aids Online

Take Precautions When Searching For Hearing Aids Online

A little research is needed before just mailing in your hearing aid for a repair. Stories from consumers who have mailed in hearing aids to only be deceived are happening more often. Here are some tips for ordering hearing aids online so you don’t wind up getting duped.

When you find a hearing aid company online that interests you, make sure to do your research. Email or contact them and ask questions. Don’t ignore the red flags. If it doesn’t feel right, move on to another company.

Do an Internet search on the hearing aid company for reviews or consumer complaints. You may be surprised to see what pops up. Steer clear if there are too many bad reports or complaints of the company being a scam.

Check the company with the Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org or call them to make sure the company is legitimate and has no illegal counts against them.

If all research seems clear of scams and negative input/feedback, be sure to use a credit card for payment. Avoid using a debit card or personal check this way you can easily maintain a chargeback if their half of the transaction doesn’t pan out. Once you have paid with plastic, print a copy of your receipt and confirmation number for your records.

Hard of Hearing Volleyball Player Excels in the Olympics: Progress of Hearing Aids Throughout Time

To further into the previous entry of David Smith ( http://www.hearing-clear.com/2012/07/dont-let-hearing-loss-discourage-you.html ), he has proven that being 80-90 percent hard of hearing does not hold him back from victory in life as well as in sports. The volleyball team is up to be the first men’s team to win four Olympic gold medals and defend their title twice. His only true enemy seems to be the sweat. During the real sweaty of the games, his hearing aids will shut down, leaving him without being able to hear vibrations from the cheer of the crowd and beating of the ball.

David can read lips but it can be very difficult with the team moving around the court. The coach of the team has made a “David Smith Rule” which the team abides every game. If David is going for a ball, the team mates leave it so they don’t run into anybody.

The team is made of strong leveled athletes that can figure it out. They understand each other and work well together. Even growing up, nothing has ever held back David Smith. He attended a normal hearing school and at six foot eight inches, an impressive jump and a well suited physicality, David is extremely successful. He maintained a civil engineering degree from a regular university as well as playing sports.

Hearing aids are allowing anyone with a percentage of hearing loss to live a completely normal life. People are able to follow their dreams and live life to the fullest when they thought hearing loss wouldn’t allow them to. Finding the perfect hearing aid to accommodate your life activities will change your life for the better. All you have to do is make the first step.

Audibel President: Mike Wheeler

On set today with Audibel President, Mike Wheeler while he educates people on hearing loss awareness and the importance of early treatment.

Elderly Hearing Loss

Elderly Hearing Loss

Elderly hearing loss is known as presbycusis, which is a type of hearing loss that is caused by the natural aging process of the body. The older we get, the less effective our ability to hear and see is. Hearing loss is a very common problem in the elderly which is why hearing aid devices are always being tested and amended throughout time.

Our hearing starts to decline at the young age of twenty. Without noticing it, days creep by affecting our hearing with the loud sounds of life. We enjoy concerts, ball games, parties, blaring our music, and occasionally screaming with excitement. And there’s no way around it, I have to mow the lawn with an iPod. We can protect our ears from loud noises that we are expecting but we still have to endure a certain amount of hearing damage from the noises that are less predictable.

Aging causes the inside nerves of the ear and other cells to die off after a period of time from excessive loud noise over a lengthy period of time. Most times there is no cure for hearing loss but with the help of a hearing aid, hearing lost is improved significantly. All hearing aids contain the same key components in order to help you hear better and maintain a certain level of wearing comfort.