E-Hearing Aids http://www.e-hearingaids.com Helping You Cope With Hearing Loss Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 How To Approach Someone With Hearing Loss http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2012/03/30/how-to-approach-someone-with-hearing-loss/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2012/03/30/how-to-approach-someone-with-hearing-loss/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=69 It can be difficult knowing how to approach a person who has suffered from hearing loss. This person could be your friend or even your mother or father. They might even be a total stranger, but regardless of the situation or affiliation, there is one thing you must always do when approaching a person suffering from hearing loss and that’s treating them with respect.

Treat them respect. It’s just that simple. Speak to them like you would any other person and don’t feel threatened or intimidated. You might be thinking that it’s impossible. They can’t hear you and you don’t know how to sign – you might even see other people who attempt to speak with the deaf using exaggerated hand gestures or shouting. That doesn’t help either.

However, what you can do is attempt to speak both calmly and slowly and make sure you face this person while you speak. Many people suffering from hearing loss know how to read lips and it doesn’t matter if you’re talking about the latest episode of the Amazing Race, Stephen King’s new book, or even ADT Nashville security – chances are they can follow along just fine. And remember, too, to make full eye contact with a person if you are communicating through an interpreter. Do not speak to the interpreter, speak to the person you are addressing and remember that people suffering from hearing loss want to be treated with respect and dignity, too.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2012/03/30/how-to-approach-someone-with-hearing-loss/feed/ 0 Preventing Hearing Loss from the Crib http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/08/18/preventing-hearing-loss-from-the-crib/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/08/18/preventing-hearing-loss-from-the-crib/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=61 Your infant’s ears are brand new and just acclimating to the world of sound around him. Babies cannot tell you if they are having trouble hearing, and they don’t know what is right or wrong as far as sound goes, so pay attention to queues he or she may give you to ensure their hearing gets a chance to develop properly.

Ear infections, and the resulting fluid build up, are a major cause of early issues with hearing. If your baby is pulling at his hears, cranky and not as responsive to loud noises as you think he should be, see a pediatrician. Left alone, fluid build up can cause delays in speech and hearing.

Try and keep track of your child’s language development as a way to gauge hearing ability. If, by around 12 – 15 months, they are not making some recognizable sounds, like “mom” or “dad” you need to have their ears tested. Issues detected at an early age can often be treated and circumvent hearing loss later in life.

Also, use common sense when exposing your baby to new environments. Don’t take an infant to a concert, even at an outdoor arena, and do not allow you baby near loud noises, like a firing range or racetrack.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/08/18/preventing-hearing-loss-from-the-crib/feed/ 0 Say It Loud(er) — Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/14/say-it-louder-signs-and-symptoms-of-hearing-loss/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/14/say-it-louder-signs-and-symptoms-of-hearing-loss/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=57 The signs and symptoms of hearing loss generally occur quite gradually. So, the person suffering from the hearing loss may not be as quite aware of the problems as their partners or other relatives living with them.

One sign, of course, is not being able to understand words, all or some, when people are speaking to you. Some words may sound garbled, low, or seem to trail off. This sign is often even more disturbing when in a public place, such as a store or restaurant, where there is a lot of background noise. The inability to clearly hear the cashier or waiter when speaking to you or your party is very common among people whose hearing is diminishing.

Another sign is that you have to keep turning up the television or radio volume to hear it clearly. You may not be aware that you have been doing this. Others in the room may say to you, “That’s awfully loud, isn’t it?, ” when referring to your television or radio volume. You may be thinking, “no, not really.”

Many people have suffered hearing loss due to listening to loud music, either from live concerts or on home or car stereos.The hits keep comin’: Listen up: Three ways to slow hearing loss

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/14/say-it-louder-signs-and-symptoms-of-hearing-loss/feed/ 0 Did You Hear That?: Signs of Hearing Loss http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/02/did-you-hear-that-signs-of-hearing-loss/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/02/did-you-hear-that-signs-of-hearing-loss/#comments Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=56 Of the five senses, hearing is one often taken for granted. People abuse their hearing abilities by various means, and often go unnoticed until hearing loss becomes apparent. Most would attribute hearing loss to old age, but many young people suffer hearing loss as well.
The work environment can be a significant cause of hearing loss. Noisy manufacturing jobs, construction type jobs that utilize power tools such as the jackhammer, and those who work near aircraft or railroad yards to mention a few. Some signs that point to hearing loss are as follows:
1. Inability to listen or understand when more than one person is talking.
2. Having to listen to radio or television at an uncomfortable volume for others.
3. Background noise obstructs ability to hear conversation.
4. Asking people to repeat themselves during conversation.
Those and other tell-tale signs may indicate a need for a hearing test. A simple test performed by an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) physician can help identity any damage to the parts of the ear. To help avoid early hearing loss practice common sense preventative measures; using hearing protection when operating machinery and listening to music at a reasonable level can help tremendously.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/07/02/did-you-hear-that-signs-of-hearing-loss/feed/ 0 Ways to Save Money on Hearing-Related Medical Care http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/06/04/ways-to-save-money-on-hearing-related-medical-care/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/06/04/ways-to-save-money-on-hearing-related-medical-care/#comments Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=55 Hearing and audiological care can be expensive, especially if you’re elderly and on a tight budget. Here are a few of the best ways to save some money on your hearing related needs and services:
Get a test: Many hearing locations all across the country offer a free hearing test for new customers. Often you don’t have to buy a thing and trained professionals can help you determine if you need a hearing aid or other hearing solutions.
Check with Medicare: If you’re old enough, Medicare will sometimes cover the cost of hearing related check-ups and appointments. Not exactly insurance, Medicare offers incentives for the elderly to take proactive actions to improve their overall health. Check with your Medicare provider today.
Insurance: If you’re still using a traditional health insurance company getting treatment for hearing issues may be covered. Depending on the comprehensiveness of your plan, things like hearing aids or ear surgery may be covered by your deductible which can save you lots of money in the long run.
Talk to your doctor about other cost-saving options in your community.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2011/06/04/ways-to-save-money-on-hearing-related-medical-care/feed/ 0 Bone Conductive Hearing Aids: An Alternative to the Traditional Hearing Devices http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/16/bone-conductive-hearing-aids-an-alternative-to-the-traditional-hearing-devices/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/16/bone-conductive-hearing-aids-an-alternative-to-the-traditional-hearing-devices/#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:45:04 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=32 Certain conditions and types of hearing loss do not permit the use of regular hearing aids that are worn in the ear canal. Patients with chronic ear infections, tumors in the ear canal or small ears may not be able to wear a device inside their ear. People suffering from conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss also may not benefit from in-the-canal (ITC) devices. Someone suffering from one of these issues would be eligible for bone conduction hearing aids. These devices come in two forms. A traditional bone conductive hearing aid requires that the user wear a device worn on the body and a vibrating piece fitted to a tightly worn headband. Because these headbands must be worn so tight and often cause headaches and irritations, the bone conductor can also be worn on the arm. The other form of this type of hearing aid is more invasive but also more discreet. The use of this hearing aid requires a surgical procedure where a titanium device is attached to a part of the skull near the ear and an external abutment device is worn on the outside of the head where the internal piece is located. The bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) functions by transmitting sound vibrations through the external device to the bone-anchored titanium device. These vibrations are passed from the skull to the inner ear where nerve fibers are stimulated to allow sound to be heard. Unlike a traditional hearing aid, the BAHA does not amplify sound, but creates it with sound vibration.Like many ITC devices, BAHAs can also come with features that allow the wearer to connect other devices to their hearing aid. It is possible to connect output from a television or mp3 player directly into the BAHA. There are some dangers associated with this type of hearing aid. Because the device is located internally, there is always a risk of infection and the area around where the BAHA is implanted must be cleaned daily and antibiotic cream should be applied to prevent possible infection.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/16/bone-conductive-hearing-aids-an-alternative-to-the-traditional-hearing-devices/feed/ 0 Hearing Aid Don’ts http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/01/hearing-aid-donts/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/01/hearing-aid-donts/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:04:41 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=27 Knowing what NOT to do when dealing with hearing aids can be just as important as knowing what TO do. Here are some tips on what to avoid when buying or researching hearing aids.
  1. DON’T be afraid to ask for help. This applies on two levels. One, if you notice you’re not hearing as you used to, don’t hesitate to get your hearing checked and get the help you need. Two, once you have a hearing aid don’t be afraid to ask your family and friends for assistance. Tell them what the matter is and what you need from them in a nice waychances are they’ll always be happy to help.
  2. DON’T say you understand when you don’t. Doctors tend to use a lot of medical jargon that doesn’t translate into our common English vocabulary. Mix the use of complicated language with the inability to fully hear and it’d be amazing if you understood anything the first time through. Asking questions are the only way to truly understand your situation. You shouldn’t feel guilty or try and save time by saying you understand, in the end you’re only hurting yourself.
  3. DON’T hesitate to ask the speaker to repeat. It can take a while to get adjusted to hearing loss. If you can’t hear someone when they’re speaking to you, ask them to repeat what they just said. This not only allows you another chance to hear the speaker, it shows the speaker you are interested in what they have to say.
  4. DON’T purchase hearing aids on the internet or without seeing a professional.
  5. DON’T withdraw from social situations because you are embarrassed or nervous about your hearing.
  6. DON’T store your hearing aid for an extended period of time with the battery in itit can corrode.
  7. DON’T use hairspray or hair dryers with hearing aids in
  8. DON’T get your hearing aid wet
  9. DON’T let small children play with your hearing aid or hearing aid batterynothing good can come from this.
  10. DON’T force the battery door closedif it doesn’t close easily, it probably needs to be reinserted properly.
]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/07/01/hearing-aid-donts/feed/ 0 What to Consider Before Buying a Hearing Aid http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/14/what-to-consider-before-buying-a-hearing-aid/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/14/what-to-consider-before-buying-a-hearing-aid/#comments Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:31:25 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=18 Investing in a hearing aid is a decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors that need to be considered before purchasing an item that will be an integral part of your life for years to come. You need to decide what matters most to youthe quality, the price, the versatility, the lifespan? Check out the list of key factors you should research before you decide on the right hearing aid for you.
  1. Your lifestyle: to find the best hearing aid for YOU, you need to take the type of life you lead into account. If you’re constantly on the go, you need a hearing aid that can adapt to the most demanding lifestyles. On the go buyers should look for Automatic Adaptive Directional Microphones, Wind Noise Manager, Data-Logging and Data Learning, and Bluetooth Support. Some recommended models are Phonak Exelia Art, ReSound Dot 2-30, or Siemens Pure 701. If you lead a life of leisure, you probably want a hearing aid with noise reduction and directional microphones and automatic volume and listening programs. Recommended aids for you include Phonak Audeo SMART V, ReSound Dot 2-20, or Siemens Pure 501. If you feel you’re a mix between the two lifestyles, a value and function hearing aid such as the Phonak Audeo Smart III or ReSound Dot 2-10 may be right for you.
  2. Price: It may be difficult to gauge what the right price for a hearing aid is depending on your budget. The prices for different hearing aids vary depending on the features you need. After considering your lifestyle and the key components you’re looking for, use the price chart on http://www.hearingplanet.com/view-by-price.php to determine what hearing aid brand has the right price option for you.
  3. Longevity: If your hearing has just started to decline and you don’t think you need a strong hearing aid, be sure to remember that hearing tends to get worse as age progresses. For this reason, it is smart to choose a hearing aid that will last and that has versatility. The comparison charts at http://www.hearingplanet.com/hearing-aid-comparison-chart.php serve as a useful tool to compare all types of hearing aids.
]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/14/what-to-consider-before-buying-a-hearing-aid/feed/ 0 Choose the Right Style of Hearing Aid for You http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/04/choose-the-right-style-of-hearing-aid-for-you/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/04/choose-the-right-style-of-hearing-aid-for-you/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:28:53 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=14 If you’re looking to purchase a new hearing aid or even your first one ever, know that there are a number of styles created to fit your needs. One of the more traditional styles is the behind-the-ear (BTE) device. This particular style is a bit more noticeable because it fits along the outside of the ear, but can still be easily concealed if discreetness is important to you. A major benefit of the BTE style is its flexibility. It is easy to adjust for just the right fit so you won’t be constantly readjusting for better comfort. BTE hearing aids vary in the placement of the receiver. Some have a receiver in the ear canal (RIC), while others have a receiver that sits in the outer part of the canal. BTE devices often provide more amplification because they have a larger amplifier and battery.Another popular hearing aid is an in-the-ear style (ITE). This device is smaller than a BTE version but still offers a great deal of amplification and can incorporate a telephone switch feature. Even smaller is the in-the-canal style (ITC) that fits far into the ear canal. However, with its reduced battery size and amplifier, this is a style recommended for people with only mild to moderate hearing loss. Being smaller and farther into the ear, this hearing aid is much less noticeable than the previous two. Finally, there is a completely-in-the-canal device (CIC). This is the smallest and most discreet of the hearing aids. This style also offers a telephone feature. Due to the fact that it must be placed deep in the ear canal, they aren’t suitable for children or persons with very small ears. The CIC device should also only be used with mild to moderate hearing loss patients.As you chose which hearing aid is right for you be sure to consider what qualities are most important when it comes to your hearing aid and what will suit you best. The American Hearing Aid Associates also offer a range of information and help regarding hearing aids.

]]> http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/04/choose-the-right-style-of-hearing-aid-for-you/feed/ 0 No More Adjusting Your Hearing Aid: The Centra Adapts to Fit You http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/04/no-more-adjusting-your-hearing-aid-the-centra-adapts-to-fit-you/ http://www.e-hearingaids.com/2010/06/04/no-more-adjusting-your-hearing-aid-the-centra-adapts-to-fit-you/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:25:21 +0000 admin http://www.e-hearingaids.com/?p=10 Hearing aid technology is constantly introducing new products making hearing loss easier to cope with: smaller devices, clearer sound, and now a device that will record data and adjust to meet your hearing preferences. Siemens introduced the Centra hearing aid a few years ago that uses advanced technology to provide you with the best and clearest sound on the market. Sound smoothing technology reduces non-essential noises such as pen tapping or clanging dishes in order to enhance conversational sounds. This device is also programmed to record the volume adjustments you make when exposed to certain sounds and learns to automatically adjust to your preferences in similar situations. The Centra utilizes e2e wireless technology so that both hearing aids are balanced and sounds appear more natural, allowing you to tell from what direction a sound is coming. Another common issue addressed by this product, is the undesirable affects created by wind. The eWindScreen feature recognizes the presence of wind and adjusts to reduce its effects. This product also uses water-resistant technology to protect it from such things as sweat and humidity. In addition to water-resistant technology, the battery charger is designed to remove moisture collected on the device during the day. This feature helps prolong the life of the hearing aid so you get your money’s worth.The Centra is a receiver-in-canal (RIC) device making it very discreet. It comes in a range of colors and sizes to fit the wearer, making it even less noticeable. The RIC style is more open feeling and natural sounding than a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid. Many people have found the CIC device creates the sensation that your ears are plugged. This device offers aid to people with all degrees of hearing loss from mild to severe.

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