Auckland HearingAuckland Hearing is an independent Audiology and Hearing Aid Clinic owned and operated by Audiologist, Maree O'Sullivan.Sun, 21 Feb 2021 21:25:06 +0000en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.2/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/aklhearing-100x100.pngAuckland Hearing3232Why are my hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise?
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/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-feedback/#respondSun, 21 Feb 2021 20:10:49 +0000/?p=2453Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often known as feedback). Feedback can sound like a squeal, buzzing, ringing, or a whistle. This sound may be annoying to
Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise?
Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids
The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often known as feedback). Feedback can sound like a squeal, buzzing, ringing, or a whistle. This sound may be annoying to you, or others around you.
Acoustic feedback or whistling was a common problem in hearing aids until fairly recently. Current hearing aids rarely have issues with acoustic feedback. A lot of innovation has gone into developing programs that manage feedback in hearing aids.
There are just a few special occasions where feedback may become an issue.
This page outlines the possible causes of feedback and what can be done about it.
What causes acoustic feedback in hearing aids?
Feedback occurs when sound enters the hearing aid microphone, gets amplified and comes out of the receiver (loudspeaker) into your ear. If the sound leaks out of your ear and back in the microphone it creates the feedback loop – reamplifying the same sound and causes acoustic feedback – a whistling sound.
What is making my hearing aid whistle?
It is unlikely that your hearing aids will whistle when they are first fitted for you. Your Audiologist will check there is no feedback in your hearing aids, many hearing aids have feedback tests and calibrations as part of the setup process. All hearing aids have systems that are designed to remove feedback, many using active feedback cancellation.
Sometimes hearing aids start to whistle over time. Here the reasons that feedback may occur:
A build-up of wax in your ears – This is the most common reason that hearing aids begin to feedback over time. It is caused by the sound from the loudspeaker of your hearing aids being reflected off the wax causing the sound to leak out of your ear (and back into the microphone). This is easily fixed by removing the wax.
Hearing aids have not been put into the ear canal correctly- If your hearing aids are not snuggly in your ear, sound may be able to leak out, leading to feedback.
This can happen if the hearing aids are not seated into your ear canal correctly. It is important that you practice putting the hearing aid, earmould or dome deep into your ear canal.
Poor fit of the hearing aid or ear mould over time – The fit may become looser over time and especially if there is a change in weight.
Broken hearing aids or ear mould – If your hearing aid or earmould has cracked or broken, this can also lead to sound leaking out of your ear to cause acoustic feedback.
Powerful hearing aids – People with more significant hearing losses require a lot of amplification in their hearing aids to compensate for their hearing loss. It is very important that people who have significant hearing losses have well-fitting hearing aids and ear moulds.
Sound reflecting off close surfaces – Coming close to a surface near your hearing aid may reflect the sound back into the microphone and cause a brief whistle. This may happen if your head gets close to the side of a chair, when someone gives you a hug or when you are putting the hearing aids into your ears.
What can you do to stop your hearing aids from whistling?
Check that your hearing aids are fitted correctly in your ear – ask someone else to check for you if you are not sure
Check that you do not have wax in your ear canal – your Audiologist or GP will be able to look in your ear and let you know.
Reduce the loudness of your hearing aids (as a short term fix) – this will reduce the chance of sound leaking out of your ear. Then make an appointment with your audiologist to fix the cause of the acoustic feedback.
Check your hearing aid does not have any cracks or breaks in it.
See your Audiologist – to adjust your hearing aids and stop the whistling.
What can my audiologist do to help?
Check your ear for earwax, and remove the wax when necessary. Earwax can block your ear canal and cause the sound to bounce back out of your ear into the hearing aid microphone, creating feedback.
Check the amount of sound that is leaking: your audiologist can run a program to check what sounds are being leaked out, in order to decide what the next best step is.
Give you a better fit: The shape of your ears can change over time. Earmoulds that used to fit snuggly can become loose over time. It is common to need new ear moulds after a few years, especially your hearing has got a bit worse, and we have turned up the hearing aids to compensate. Please note that weight gain or weight loss can also change the shape of your ear.
If you are wearing domes or sleeves instead of earmoulds, you may need to move to earmoulds to get a better fit.
Adjust the sound of the hearing aids. We may need to increase the feedback compensation or change the sound slightly to reduce feedback.
Check for other faults: sometimes feedback may be caused by a fault in the electronics. An Audiologist can help you decide whether the hearing aids need to be repaired.
By Car: Auckland Hearing at 66 Michaels Ave is a 2 minute drive (1.6 Kms) off the motorway. Exit the motorway at the Ellerslie Panmure Highway, Michaels Ave is on the left.
Parking: There is plenty of parking on the road directly outside the clinic.
Buses: There are bus stops on Marua Rd and Ellerslie- Panmure Highway, then about a 10-minute walk.
Access: The clinic is accessible on road level and has no stairs. There is wheelchair access.
]]>/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-feedback/feed/0Getting Hearing Aids – What is the Process?
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Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:06:01 +0000/?p=9155 Steps to hearing aids The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people 7 to 10 years to do something about their hearing loss. Of course, while you are getting used to the idea that you may have some
The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people 7 to 10 years to do something about their hearing loss. Of course, while you are getting used to the idea that you may have some hearing loss, you are missing conversations and connections with people every day.
Adapting to hearing loss by changing the way you live your life
When you have hearing loss, the people around you adjust to your hearing loss so they can communicate with you. Friends and family learn they need to speak louder so, they do not have to repeat themselves. As time goes by, they may choose not to share incidental comments. You may start to make different decisions on how you will use your time (like avoiding social situations and communicating less). Hearing loss impacts the way you live your life.There is also a lot of new research showing other long-term effects of hearing loss when it is left untreated.
Diagram showing the process an approximate timeline for the life cycle of a pair of hearing aids
Step 1: Book a time to see us
Having a hearing test
The first easy step is to have a hearing test. The hearing testwill give you a clearer idea about your type and degree of hearing loss and how this is affecting the way you live your life. For example; your hearing test may explain why you can hear some sounds as well as everyone else; but you can’t follow the conversation when it is noisy. At this point, we will also suggest your options for help with your hearing, and if we need to refer you to a medical specialist, we will look at this point.
The next question is“Do you need hearing aids?”. Your audiologist will let you know if your hearing is in the range where hearing aids will help and your family may also have an opinion on you getting help with your hearing. However, it is essential that once you decide to get hearing aids that you are taking this step for yourself. It is true that other people in your life are probably affected by your hearing loss. However, it is better for everyone if getting hearing aids is your choice.
Step 2: Hearing Assessment & Discussion
A full diagnostic hearing test will clarify your hearing levels and help identify possible causes of your hearing loss.
Explaining the hearing test
The cause of hearing loss can be:
conductive – A blockage reduces sound from passing through the outer or middle ear causing hearing loss
sensorineural – where the cochlear is not able to detect all the sounds
an auditory processing disorder (APD) – where the brain cannot process the sound that is detected by your ears.
Your Audiologist will discuss your test results. If there is hearing loss, we will let you know why it is affecting your ability to understand people speaking; even though you can hear some sounds easily. At this point, we will refer you on to any other professionals, for further assessment or management, if needed.
If you are interested, we will tell you a bit about hearing aids and possible options that might suit you. You can even have a listen through some hearing aids.
Step 3: Needs Assessment
Once you have decided to learn more about hearing aids, we will go through your needs assessment process. We will ask you questions about your lifestyle and hearing challenges. From here, we can decide on the hearing aid features and level of technology that suits you best. At this point, we create a list of situations where you would like to hear and communicate better. When choosing hearing aids for you, we take into account your:
Hearing loss and other physical factors
Lifestyle and your hearing needs
Preferences, i.e. what the hearing aid will look like or specific functionality
Funding and budget – you may be eligible for funding from a government agency
Finding out about your hearing needs
Grant Waldrom – Orewa
I initially went to Maree because I wanted an independent audiologist to assess my hearing. From the first visit, I had total confidence in her as I went through this journey to be able to regain my hearing. I was never pressured to purchase any particular brand, nor was I pressured to purchase aids that were beyond what I needed. As a result, I am very happy with the aids that I now use, and with the follow up I received and will continue to receive.
Maree and Anna were a delight to deal with, and I thoroughly recommend Auckland Hearing.
Your hearing aid trial
Once you have decided to trial hearing aids, the process usually takes four to six weeks. The eight-week trial period allows you to be confident that you hear well with your hearing aids in various listening environments. Depending on your type and degree of hearing loss, it takes a few days to a few weeks to adjust to hearing sound again. Eight weeks is plenty of time for you to go through the adaptation process and get used to your new hearing aids.
Hearing aids are always paid for in full before taking them home. If you decide that hearing aids are not for you, you can hand them back within the eight-week time frame. If you do, you will be refunded the cost of the hearing aids minus the deposit (which covers some of the time we spent with you). We also have the option of changing to other hearing aids at this time if needed.
Step 4: Hearing Aid Fitting Appointment
Our main goal at the fitting is to get you comfortable with the sound and management of your new hearing aids. We will:
Calculate the sound required and program your hearing aids specifically for your hearing loss.
Do real-ear measures – use a small soft microphone to measure the sound in your ear canal. Real-ear measures verify that the hearing aids have the right amplification to compensate for your hearing loss.
Discuss the management of hearing aids, including, putting them in your ears, adjusting them, setting up remote control apps on your phone, cleaning and care and using the phone
Talk to you about how it takes time to adjust to hearing sound again and the importance of wearing the hearing aids as much as you can.
Book the follow-up appointment – in 1 or 2 weeks.
Hearing aid fitting – with real-ear measures
Follow up appointments
Follow up appointments allow us to check how you are going with the hearing aids and make adjustments, as required. Usually, people have got used to the initial settings of the hearing aids and are ready for a clearer sound. The number of follow up appointments required will vary for different clients.
Follow up appointments
Step 5: Finalising your hearing aids and ongoing care
Finalising means that you are happy with your hearing aids and have decided you want to keep them. We will not schedule another appointment at this time. However, you are welcome to contact us again if you have further questions or need adjustments to your hearing aids.
6 Months of appointments included
We include all the appointments up until 6 months in your initial fitting fees. That way, we can make sure your hearing aids are working well for you.
Ongoing care of your hearing and hearing aids
Warranty repairs
It is worth having your hearing aids sent off for a check over before your warranty expires. We will contact you before your warranty expires, so you can bring your hearing aids in and we will send them off. In many cases, the hearing aids are replaced or repaired under warranty, giving you refurbished hearing aids moving forward.
Bi-annual hearing test and hearing aid adjustment appointments
We will send you an email each year, asking how you are going with your hearing aids. Every two years, we will recommend a bi-annual review. We recommend you have a hearing test and hearing aid adjustment every two years, or sooner if you notice a change in your hearing. At your hearing test and hearing aid adjustment appointment, we will test your hearing and adjust your hearing aids to your current hearing levels.
We will also check your hearing aids over and make sure they are working as they should. If your hearing aids are not working as expected, we will send them off for repair. These appointments ensure you continue to hear as well as possible with your hearing aids.
Maree contacted me recently, and I went in for another check where she gave my hearing aids a tune-up to maintain their efficiency. With my slowly deteriorating hearing, I hadn’t noticed I didn’t hear as clearly as before. I was surprised at how much more I could hear once my hearing aids were adjusted. Excellent service indeed!
Max Ross- Auckland CBD
Replacing your hearing aids
Traditionally hearing aids lasted about 4-5 years as they would be affected by wax, moisture, dust and dirt. Now, most hearing aids are covered by high tech coatings that make them much more resistant to moisture.
Hearing aid lifetime – It is not possible to tell how long these current aids will last but with proper care possibly 6-8 years. You will need regular hearing assessments and adjustments over that time to keep them working the best for you.
Insurance – Please list your hearing aids on your insurance policy just in case they get lost or something happens to them.
As an Auckland Hearing client, you will become part of our Auckland Hearing community. As long as you are interested, we will keep you up to date about the hearing world from hearing care to the latest hearing aids.
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinicset up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree
has worked in Audiology for nearly 25 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
]]>Making your decision to get hearing aids
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Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:05:31 +0000/?p=916Every process begins with a decision. The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing. Have you observed or decided some or all of these: you've have noticed that your hearing is influencing the way you live your life it is
The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing.
Have you observed or decided some or all of these:
you’ve have noticed that your hearing is influencing the way you live your life
it is time to improve your communication
you would like to improve your relationships with family, friends and work colleagues
And that you want to do it for you – not to please someone else.
When would it not be YOUR decision to get hearing aids?
Sometimes well-intentioned family members influence people to get hearing aids
you may be influenced by a professional – based on the level of hearing loss (audiogram)
Because you “should” even though you are not quite ready in yourself
Why do you need to make this decision for yourself?
Over the years that your hearing has been gradually changing, so has your brain. The hearing part of your brain has been receiving less sound input, so it has had less information to process. It has forgotten what to do, as it hasn’t had to work so hard. Other parts of your brain have been working harder to try and keep up with the conversation. You need to use context and visual cues to work out what is being said. This can cause auditory fatigue or tiredness at the end of the day.
Luckily, once we provide that missing sound to your hearing system with hearing aids, your brain can begin to use the information again. Brain plasticity means you can relearn and rewire. Just like when we start on a new exercise program; when we get hearing aids, we need to start slowly and rebuild our “hearing muscles”. As long as it hasn’t been too long and your hearing loss is not too severe, your brain plasticity will mean you will relearn to process the sounds you have been missing and usually, we can get most of your hearing functionality back.
It can be hard work at the beginning as you adjust to hearing again.
Luckily, hearing aids now have an excellent sound quality, and you will adjust very quickly as long as you wear them all the time and get used to hearing again. Within half an hour, sounds that seemed strange or new when you first put on the hearing aids will begin to normalise.
The key to real success with hearing aids is continual use. You must be ready in yourself to get hearing aids, so you embrace the process for maximum benefit. We want to create a new normal – Normal to hear.
To create a new normal, we are going to ask you to wear your hearing aids as much as you can, from the time you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night. At first, you may find it tiring. Your brain will have to work hard to process the extra sound that it had forgotten about over the last few years. By the end of the first two weeks, you should be at the point where you can wear your hearing aids all day every day. By the time you finalise your hearing aids, it will feel normal for you to hear.
Helping you adjust – moving from comfort to clarity
Usually, we begin the hearing aid fitting process by working out how much sound you require to compensate for your hearing loss, then turning the hearing aids down. The goal at the first fitting is to get the sound comfortable. We want you to wear the hearing aids as much as possible, giving your brain time to adjust to the new sounds. We then gradually turn the sound up over time. This process gives your brain time to adapt and change, keeping sound comfortable at the start and increasing the clarity over time.
You must decide that you need hearing aids for yourself. Once you have chosen to improve your hearing, there will be a short adaption process to go through as you adjust to hearing again.
Being ready and in a positive mindset, helps this process run smoothly.
You are about to start on a hearing adventure.
I’d been having hearing problems during conversations and during some lectures that I had been attending. I needed to have the TV and radio turned up rather too loud, and had some difficulty using the telephone. So I finally decided to do something about it. I first contacted Maree for a hearing check about six years ago, after a disappointing experience with a different audiology company. But I found her to be much more helpful and went with her advice on which hearing aids would suit my particular needs. Her diagnostic evaluation was spot-on, and the results were actually better than I had anticipated. I only wish I had contacted her earlier.
Max Ross
Auckland City
What will help you get to the point of readiness for hearing aids?
When you come along for your hearing assessment appointment, we will talk to you about your hearing loss and how it is affecting your life. We will present options to help with your hearing (if required). After this appointment, you will have time to think about and notice those effects as they happen in your everyday life.
You will know when you are ready to take action. You will be ready to:
hear accurately – the first time – not have to ask for repeats
get involved in conversations – rather than quietly sitting back, so you do not feel embarrassed in case you miss something
feel more relaxed – as you will hear the doorbell, the phone ring and the person walking up from behind
be more confident – as you are sure you are responding correctly
communicate easier in your close relationships – because you hear the first time – correctly
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinicset up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree
has worked in Audiology for nearly 25 years. She started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
]]>A hearing journey – Your path to hearing again
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/hearing-aids/your-hearing-journey-the-path-to-hearing-again/#respondSun, 21 Feb 2021 20:00:32 +0000/?p=1138Your Hearing Journey - The path to hearing again Hearing loss, hearing aids & making your decision Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as a hearing journey. Hearing loss is often gradual, it takes time to become aware of how hearing loss is affecting
Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as a hearing journey. Hearing loss is often gradual, it takes time to become aware of how hearing loss is affecting your day to day life. Accepting hearing loss and adjusting to the idea of managing hearing loss is a journey that has many rewards. Sometimes it takes time, some people choose not to complete their hearing journey. Those that do go through the process of hearing again are often surprised at how long they waited to take action. This page is a summary page of our blogs. The blogs will take you along the pathway from understanding what it means to have hearing loss to hearing again. Our first three blogs are about hearing loss, hearing aids and making your own decisions to get hearing aids.
Hearing loss
For many people hearing loss begins gradually over time. Often we do not notice our hearing loss, even as it gets worse. It is our friends and family who point out that we do not hear as well as we once did. We do not notice our hearing loss because we adapt and adjust, we make accommodations and our hearing level is normal to us.
Having a diagnostic hearing assessment clarifies the type of hearing loss and helps us understand the possible cause and options for management. It can take time to come to terms with having hearing loss and making a decision to do something about it.
Hearing aids
Well fitted hearing aids are a common way to help people hear better again; they bring clarity back to speech and make conversation easier. Often there is a stigma around getting hearing aids; people believe that only older people wear hearing aids or that hearing aids are very obvious. Hearing loss happens for people of all ages for many reasons. Current hearing aids are discrete, sophisticated technology; often a person’s hearing loss is more evident to others than the hearing aids themselves.
Making your own decision to get hearing aids
It is essential that once you decide to get hearing aids that you are choosing to get them to help yourself (rather than getting hearing aids because someone told you to). It is important that it is you that has decided to get hearing aids; that you are getting them because you know that hearing better will help you to hear conversations easily again. You want to be more involved in the world around you and be less tired at the end of the day. When you are ready to hear well again you will be in a positive frame of mind which will help you along the hearing journey to successfully adjust to hearing again.
Every process begins with a decision. The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing. Have
“Perceived need*” is the main reason for the slow uptake of hearing aids for some people. *The perception that hearing loss is not severe enough Why? – because people adjust
Well… “Do you need hearing aids?” Hearing loss is common Many people wear hearing aids Have you noticed them? Hearing aids have changed significantly over the last few years
Brain hearing and effect of hearing loss on cognitive function
Understanding the effect of hearing on the brain and cognitive (thinking) function is a very active area of research; as hearing changes the pathways and auditory cortex (hearing areas) in the brain change too. When we start hearing again, these areas reactivate in regions that have been dormant, and it can take a bit of time to adjust to hearing sound again. Understanding the process of change as you hear sounds you have not heard for a long time is a critical element of the hearing aid fitting process. It is your Audiologist who will help you move along this path to hearing again.
We have known for many years that hearing loss can lead to isolation and depression, recently a clear connection between hearing loss and cognitive function has been established. When you have hearing loss it takes a lot more effort to communicate. As hearing loss increases that effort can become significant, to the point where people stop trying to engage. Listening effort takes up valuable brain resources; memory and cognitive function can suffer as a result. Read these articles for more information as to why this occurs.
We hear with our ears right? That’s how we’ve always considered it. But when we think about hearing, we really mean how we use the sounds we collect from our ears. You actually hear
If you have difficulty hearing you are not alone. Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems affecting 10% of New Zealanders. Effects of hearing loss include difficulty
Getting hearing aids and other hearing solutions
Hearing aids are not the only way to help with hearing loss; assistive listening devices may be a better option for some people. Once you have decided you want to hear better, we need to decide on the best solution for you. We do this by finding out about the listening situations you are in regularly and the areas where you want improvement. We create a set of listening goals that you would like to achieve when you can hear better. From there we choose the technology most suited to you to help you along your hearing journey.
What level of technology do you need to meet your needs?
Is control over the sound you are hearing important to you?
Would you prefer your hearing solution to adjust automatically?
Do you need to stream directly to your phone for phone calls, music or movies?
Will rechargeable batteries make the aids easier to manage for you?
Is a certain size or style of hearing aid influential for you?
Do you have a particular budget in mind?
Are sound quality and hearing performance your priority?
And of course, your hearing aids need to be fitted (customised) to your hearing and acoustics of your head shape – more details here
These blogs give some information about getting hearing aids or listening devices and some of these things to consider.
5 Steps to hearing aids The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people
As hearing loss increases in severity it makes conversation more difficult and stops us connecting with our friends and family. Some people need a simple
Battery sizes Size 10 batteries (yellow) Yellow labelled size 10 hearing aid batteries are used in the smallest hearing aids including Invisible in the canal (IIC), completely in the canal
ACC hearing aid funding and noise induced hearing loss
Accident compensation corporation (ACC) covered injury from accidents in NZ and has been active since 1974. If you have worked in a noisy job that may have contributed to a hearing loss, in New Zealand, you may be eligible for funding towards hearing aids. These blogs give more details about noise-induced hearing loss, the ACC scheme, how to apply for ACC and how to get batteries sent to you once you have your hearing aids.
ACC covers the cost of accidents in New Zealand ACC provides “comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. This means you
If you had your hearing aids funded by ACC, your batteries are included as part of your ACC cover. In the past ACC hearing aid batteries were sent out automatically
How to apply for ACC funding for hearing aids You may be able to get funding for hearing aids through ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). So how do you apply for
NFD – Hearing Awareness Week 2018 (3 – 9 March) The National Foundation for the Deaf extended World Hearing Day 2018, into a week of awareness-raising to prevent noise-induced hearing loss
Happiness is having a scratch for every itch. Ogden Nash The most obvious way to manage itchy ears is to get to the itch and scratch it. However, like most
Putting your custom earplugs in your ears. Custom Sleep plugs Red is for the right ear and Blue is for the left ear. The removal cord sits at the bottom
Cochlear dead regions Earlier this year, I went to a talk by Brian Moore at The University of Auckland School of population health about testing for cochlear dead regions using
]]>/hearing-aids/your-hearing-journey-the-path-to-hearing-again/feed/0What is that ringing in my ears?
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Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:00:20 +0000/?p=2462Tinnitus – where is that sound coming from? Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not come from an external source. Tinnitus comes from the Latin word tinnire which means “to ring”, but not everybody will hear their tinnitus as a
Tinnitus is the name given to sound or noise heard in the head that does not come from an external source. Tinnitus comes from the Latin word tinnire which means “to ring”, but not everybody will hear their tinnitus as a ringing sound. Some people describe a buzzing, hissing, humming, or chirping sound, while others may even hear it as music! Tinnitus can range in volume and pitch and can be heard in one or both ears or in the head. Some people describe more that one sound and the sound can come and go or vary in intensity.
Tinnitus is a symptom and not a disease, and there are various underlying causes. Common causes are hearing loss or earwax build-up; tinnitus can also be due to head injuries or can even originate in the jaw or neck.
Two types of tinnitus
The most common type of tinnitus is Subjective Tinnitus. This is awareness of sound in the head or ears in the absence of any corresponding external sound. Objective Tinnitus – is when sounds are generated from within the body and can be heard by an external examiner. These sound may be generated by blood flow or muscle movement, or the opening and closing of the eustation tube, they are also known as Somatosounds.
Most people will experience tinnitus at some time in their lives, in fact, it has been said that nearly everyone hears tinnitus if they are in an anechoic chamber (very quiet room). If the tinnitus lasts for less than 5 minutes and shows no particular pattern, then it may not be significant clinically. Think of it as a one-off twitch in your eyes.
Tinnitus may seem like it is coming from your ears, but it usually originates in the brain. Tinnitus can be influenced by attention, emotions, and stress.
Tinnitus is Normal and Common
Tinnitus can be heard by at least 98% of people in a quiet room. People with no detectable hearing loss may experience tinnitus; although it is most common when some temporary or permanent hearing loss is present. About 20% of the population report experiencing tinnitus on occasion with around 1% experiencing significant annoyance from their tinnitus.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Awareness of tinnitus often follows a change in the function of the regions of the brain associated with attention or emotion, or it may occur after a change in the hearing system. Here are some common causes of tinnitus:
Temporary threshold shift: You may have been to a loud music event and experienced tinnitus when you are going to sleep that night or even the next day. It is likely you also have a temporary hearing loss (temporary threshold shift). This is a sign that the music – or noise was too loud. Often tinnitus after noise exposure goes away after a day or two and the hearing levels return to normal. The tinnitus is a sign that the noise was too loud for you and it is important to wear hearing protection if you are in a similar situation again. Frequent noise exposure causing temporary threshold shifts can lead to permanent threshold shifts – or noise-induced hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss: noise-induced hearing loss is fairly common. It may occur from noise exposure over many years like machinery in a factory or music and events, or from a single event (like shooting). One or both ears may be affected. Noise exposure usually causes hearing loss in the higher frequencies. Tinnitus is a common symptom for those who have noise-induced hearing loss and is one of the reasons to protect your hearing in nosy environments.
Hearing loss: any people who have hearing loss also have tinnitus. One of the theories of tinnitus is that the brain is expecting to hear a sound and when there is hearing loss stopping the brain from receiving its normal signal it creates its own signal which is tinnitus. It is common that when we stimulate the brain with sound in the frequencies of the hearing loss, the tinnitus will go away. This sound could be background noise, or it could be hearing aids that compensate for the hearing loss.
When wearing hearing aids people often find their tinnitus is relieved, some times if returns, when they take the hearing, aids out at night. Over time, with regular hearing aids use, many people report that the tinnitus drops away overall, even when they are not wearing their hearing aids.
Ear wax blockage – where the wax is touching your eardrum: if the wax build-up is the only cause of the tinnitus, it will likely resolve once the wax is removed.
Injury or infection involving your ears: these conditions can affect your hearing by blockage and cause tinnitus. The tinnitus should get better in most cases after these conditions are treated.
Jaw joint issues: this is more likely if you have pain or popping of the joint when you eat or talk. The joint has some common nerves with the ear and it is easy to confuse with pain in the ears.
Neck stiffness: In some cases, neck stiffness can lead to tinnitus.
Fluttering or clicking: Twitching spasm of muscles in and around the ear may lead to these sounds.
Pulsing sounds: this pulsing pattern may be in the rhythm of your heartbeat. You may be hearing the blood flow in blood vessels near your ear.
What is the origin of tinnitus?
Where does the tinnitus sound come from?
Some details of how tinnitus occurs are still unclear, but we do know why it occurs when there is a hearing loss. Current research suggests the phantom sound is not generated in the ear but from neurons and the brain. Your brain has a memory of what things should sound like (called auditory memory).
When the brain notices a reduced or degraded input of sound due to hearing loss, it tells the nerves that send the signal from the ear to the brain to work a bit harder. It is believed that this generates the phantom sound.
How tinnitus can get worse
If a person focuses on their tinnitus and thinks of it in a negative way, then a strong emotional association can occur. This may make the tinnitus more debilitating. So focusing and worrying about the tinnitus makes it more likely it is to become an overwhelming problem.
Check your ear canals are clear and healthy: When looking in your ear we will check for:
the build-up of wax or other debris (there have been instances of finding the end of an earbud or even an insect!)
make sure you do not have an ear infection
Check that you that your eardrum looks intact and health.
An earwax blockage can be cleared in the clinic and often leads to instant relief from tinnitus.
Take a thorough history: Ask the right questions so we can exclude the more serious causes of tinnitus.
Diagnostic hearing assessment: Test your hearing to identify any hearing loss and then discuss a management plan – often helping you hear better, helps your tinnitus.
Tips to manage your tinnitus
In the past, some tinnitus sufferers have been told “there is nothing you can do”, or you just have to live with it”, that is not true. There are strategies to help you manage your tinnitus and reduce the level of intrusiveness.
Understanding the cause of your tinnitus: Have a full diagnostic hearing assessment to rule out any medical reasons. This will give peace of mind.
Reduce the attention you give your tinnitus: The best thing you can do to help relieve tinnitus is to ignore it as much as you can. You can train your brain to pay less attention to tinnitus. A way to do this is: when you notice tinnitus, acknowledge it is there then, move on and think about something else. It is possible to habituate to your tinnitus, in a similar way to people who live near train tracks, stop noticing the trains go by.
Hearing aids: When you have hearing loss, getting hearing aids will provide your auditory system with the sounds it is missing. Some people notice their tinnitus disappears immediately as soon as we put hearing aids on for them. Other need to wait a few months for their brain to adjust to hearing sound again. In the beginning, most people report that their tinnitus is only improved while they are wearing their hearing aids and it comes back when they take them off. However, often over time, with the consistent wearing of the hearing aids, the tinnitus reduces overall. It is believed that the hearing aids help restore the internal volume in your brain, so it matches up with your brain’s auditory memories again.
Avoid very quiet environments: For many, their tinnitus is its most bothersome at night or other times when it is quiet. The easiest treatment for tinnitus is therefore to add soft sound to your environment. Relaxing nature sounds, classical music or having a fan on are commonly used to achieve this.
Tinnitus masking: Having background noise like music or the radio on in the background will give your brain something to focus on other than the tinnitus, and it can “mask” tinnitus. Masking may be more effective if it is close in pitch to your tinnitus. For example, ocean waves are more effective at masking low pitched rumbling tinnitus sounds and raindrops more effective for mid to higher-pitched tinnitus. Explore what works for you. There are many apps you can download on your phone that can help you identify the pitch of your tinnitus and provide soundtracks of distracting sounds.
Learn to love your tinnitus: Turn your tinnitus into a comforting sound. For example, imagine you are camping and can hear the sea in the distance, or the wind in the trees. Make the emotional connection to your tinnitus positive.
Meditation and calming relaxation: It is common to have increased tinnitus linked to stress. Calming the autonomic nervous system may go a long way to reducing the effect of your tinnitus. There are various techniques like breathing exercises and guided meditation which can be helpful to leed you towards relaxation and positive thinking. There are many apps you can download for your phone.
Medication: As of 2020, the evidence to determine whether medication is useful in treating tinnitus is very weak.
Maintain good sleep practices: Regular bedtimes and avoiding big meals and caffeine before bed. A sound generator or tinnitus app on your bedside that plays different sounds and help reduce tinnitus as you go to sleep.
Live a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet or daily exercise will make you feel stronger and better able to cope with tinnitus.
Wear hearing protection: Noise is a very common cause of tinnitus.
Living your best life with tinnitus
Tinnitus is a common symptom that can occur with and without hearing loss. The best way to manage tinnitus is to give it a very low priority, attending to it as little as possible. When you first notice tinnitus, it is worth seeing your Audiologist to get a better understanding of your tinnitus and to rule out any underlying causes that may need a further referral. If you have hearing loss, hearing aids may help to restore the internal volume in your brain and reduce the tinnitus. Otherwise, reducing stress and calming your autonomic nervous system with medication as well as avoiding very quiet environments may help you live in harmony with your tinnitus.
Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often
5 Steps to hearing aids The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people 7 to 10 years to
Every process begins with a decision. The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing. Have you observed or decided some
Your Hearing Journey - The path to hearing again Hearing loss, hearing aids & making your decision Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as
]]>Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia?
/hearing-loss/hearing-and-brain-function/did-you-know-that-hearing-loss-is-linked-to-memory-loss-and-dementia/
Sun, 21 Feb 2021 19:42:03 +0000/?p=920Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear disease. Hearing loss becomes more common as
Did you know that hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia
Hearing loss is widespread, and it affects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear disease. Hearing loss becomes more common as we age. Research shows increased severity of hearing loss correlates to increased memory loss and dementia.
Prevalence of hearing loss in New Zealand
This graph shows the results from a study by the National Foundation of the Deaf called Social and economic costs of hearing loss in New Zealand (published in December 2016).
Hearing loss is usually gradual. In the beginning, the hearing loss takes away the beginning of the sentence, the little details and the punchline. With time hearing loss may increase mental fatigue – as you concentrate harder to follow along. It can begin to erode your confidence – as you are no longer sure about what was said and it can lead you to feel embarrassed about missing the details or about having to ask for repeats too often.
The gradual nature of hearing loss means that we adapt over time. We change our behaviour, we choose our environments, and slowly our relationships change as everyone adjusts to a change in our hearing. Often hearing loss leads people to socialise less, which can lead to less overall activity. Hearing loss is also linked to memory loss and dementia (or cognitive decline).
Hearing loss is invisible and sneaky.
As hearing changes, we adjust.
Gradually it affects personality and relationships.
Hearing loss changes us over time.
Maree O’Sullivan (Audiologist)
Hearing loss is linked to memory loss and dementia
In 2013, Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD conducted a study on the topic of hearing loss and cognitive decline. The study observed 1,984 adults over six years. They tracked the progression of their hearing loss and cognitive function. He found there is little doubt that hearing loss is a factor affecting the loss of mental acuity in older adults.
The study found that people with more severe hearing loss had a higher likelihood of developing a cognitive disorder, and an increased decline in mental function. Even subjects with mild hearing loss were found more likely to experience cognitive difficulties like memory loss and dementia; it is also linked to increased falls.
The exact link between hearing loss and cognitive decline is not yet fully understood, and current studies are focusing on this question. It is possible that is due to increased “cognitive load”, where the brain is overwhelmed with demands on its limited resources. Concentrating hard to follow a conversation means we have fewer resources for other things like memory and maintaining balance.
Hearing loss, memory loss and dementia
“Communicating when you have a hearing loss, takes up a lot of brain power. It’s a bit like a computer that runs slower when there is a large program running in the background,” says Maree O’Sullivan, Audiologist from Auckland Hearing.
There is evidence that the part of the brain that was used by the hearing system gets reallocated and is used by the visual system in people with hearing loss. “Declines in hearing abilities may also accelerate grey matter atrophy and increase the listening effort necessary to comprehend speech. Hearing aids may not only improve hearing but preserve the brain,” said Dr Lin.
How hearing loss may effect hearing
Hearing aids may help reduce memory loss and cognitive decline
As evidence continues to mount that hearing loss is a contributing factor in the development of memory loss and dementia, it is imperative to consider the profound consequences of ignoring hearing loss. People with hearing loss on average wait ten years before they seek treatment for hearing loss; even though the sooner hearing loss is detected and treatment begins, the more hearing ability (auditory brain function) can be maintained.
“Considering early diagnosis and medical intervention of hearing loss slows the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, it is more important than ever for patients to get their hearing loss treated sooner rather than later,” said Maree O’Sullivan – Audiologist at Auckland Hearing.
Research has shown that people that wear hearing aids do not show the same cognitive decline as those who don’t. However, although there is a definite co-relation, Dr Frank Lin and his team are not prepared to assume causation, meaning that we can not assume that wearing hearing aids reduces cognitive decline. Reduced cognitive decline that is measured may be due to other factors, for example, education levels or socioeconomic factors that may lead some people to get hearing aids and others to choose not to. A very large study is currently underway by Frank Lin and his team to clarify whether wearing hearing aids protect from memory loss and dementia when taking into account other factors.
At Auckland Hearing, we see positive change in our clients after they get hearing aids, anecdotal evidence that hearing aids keep you active. We often measure improvement in our client’s ability to understand speech (using speech perception testing), once people with hearing loss start wearing their hearing aids all day every day. Human brains have plasticity which means they are continually adapting. Once people retrain their brain by exposing it to sound every day, they hear better and can be more involved in the world around them.
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinicset up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree has worked in Audiology for nearly 25 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
]]>ACC hearing aid funding – Included products and services
/hearing-aids/acc-hearing-aid-funding/acc-hearing-aid-funding-included-products-and-services/
Sun, 14 Feb 2021 20:38:14 +0000/?p=904ACC covers the cost of accidents in New Zealand ACC provides “comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. This means you can apply for our help, no matter how you got injured, or whose fault it was” – ACC website ACC has been covering the cost of
ACC provides “comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. This means you can apply for our help, no matter how you got injured, or whose fault it was” – ACC website
ACC has been covering the cost of hearing habilitation for people who have hearing loss due to workplace noise or other accidents since the scheme began in 1974. Until 2011, ACC covered all costs associated with noise-induced hearing loss. The system was changed and they have since contributed a smaller amount towards hearing devices and services. In July 2014, ACC again reviewed their funding, and here we outline the current ACC hearing loss regulations and how it will help those with hearing loss due to noise or accident.
What is included when you are accepted for hearing aid funding by ACC?
ACC contribute towards the intial cost of the hearing aids – please see details below
Partial funding for earmoulds
ACC contribute to 2 clinic appointments each year after the first year
Hearing aid repairs over the life of the hearing aids
A second opinion – ACC will fund a consultation with a second clinic before trialling your hearing aids
Hearing aid batteries are covered by ACC
More choice
A second device consultation – ACC covers the cost of a second appointment with another hearing clinic or Audiologist to assess your needs and the best solution for you. This means that if you are not comfortable with your first recommendation for any reason, for example – the price; you have the flexibility to seek other options.
Follow up over the life of the hearing aids
ACC covers the cost of repairs up to the maximum of $234.09 for each aid within a two year period, once the warranty has expired.
Ear moulds – ACC contributes to the cost of new ear moulds, if they are needed, throughout the hearing aid lifetime.
Three levels of ACC funding for hearing aids
The level of ACC hearing aid funding for each claimant is decided by assessing each individuals situation and attributing how much of the hearing loss is due to the accident or noise exposure.
ACC hearing aid funding for both ears (Binaural)
Level 1 – $ 3157.90 (incl GST)
Level 2 – $3904.40 (incl GST)
Level 3 – $4953.05 (incl GST)
ACC hearing aid funding for one ear (Monaural)
Level 1 – $ 1873.35 (incl GST)
Level 2 – $2247.10 (incl GST)
Level 3 – $2770.93 (incl GST)
How will the ACC hearing aid funding apply to you?
I am a currently an ACC claimant and hearing aid wearer
ACC has increased the ongoing support of hearing aid wearers by increasing the amount they contribute to:
repairing your ACC hearing aids
new and replacement ear moulds
and to supplying batteries free of charge
You will still need to contribute to the cost of your:
Annual/ biannual hearing review and hearing aid adjustment
New ear moulds
Repairs – if they are over $234.09 per aid over two years.
And you will need to cover the cost of wax protection systems and dry kits
I am a current ACC hearing aid claimant and I need new hearing aids
ACC will consider a new claim for hearing aid funding after six years. ACC will determine the amount of funding based on the nature of your hearing loss and whether they consider the cause was workplace noise or an accident. In most cases, you will be required to see an ear nose and throat specialist (ENT / ORL) to determine the cause of hearing loss.
Once accepted for new ACC hearing aid funding allocation, you will receive:
one of 3 levels of funding that
ACC will continue to pay for hearing aid batteries
Some hearing aids are available at no added cost to you. If you would like higher level hearing aids, you will need to contribute to the cost.
Applying for new ACC hearing aid funding
The steps to funding for new ACC hearing aids by a current claimant
A hearing reassessment by your Audiologist is sent to ACC.
ACC will ask you to go for a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (ENT or ORL) who will decide how much of your hearing loss is likely to be due to noise or accident.
You will come to your audiologist for a device consultation, who will give their recommendations for the best hearing devices for you.
You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion. ACC will cover the cost of this.
Once you have decided on the right the solution for you, the hearing aids will be ordered andthe fitting processcan begin.
I have worked in noisy environments and would like to apply for ACC funding for the first time.
Applying for ACC funding:
Visit your GP and ask if they could fill in a ACC claim form (ACC45) for hearing loss.
ACC will send you some forms about your hearing loss and work history to fill out and return within 14 days.
ACC will ask you to go to an Audiologist for a full hearing assessment.
ACC may ask you to see an ear, nose and throat specialist who will assess the cause of you hearing loss and the amount of contribution they believe is due to noise or accident.
Once your claim has been accepted you will come for a device consultation by your Audiologist, who will give their recommendations for the right hearing devices for you.
You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion. ACC will cover the cost of this.
Once you have decided on the right solution for you the hearing aids will be ordered and the fitting process can begin.
Here is a link to the ACC website with more details.
History of ACC and Hearing support
Before January 2011 ACC covered the full cost of hearing aids and accessories, batteries, repairs, as well as annual hearing assessments and hearing aid adjustments. This meant that ACC claimants got first class service. ACC claimants could get hearing aids that met their needs as well as excellent follow-up and maintenance, all covered by ACC.
Unfortunately, as the ACC claimants increased in numbers, due to better technology and more hearing loss among people who work in noise (who had historically not protected their hearing), the cost became too high for ACC to maintain.
In early 2011 the ACC hearing loss policy was changed in a number of ways including:
Increasing the level of hearing loss required to meet ACC funding criteria – to 6% hearing loss
Reducing the funding towards hearing aids
Reducing hearing related services like regular hearing assessment and hearing aids adjustment
Reducing what ACC would contribute to ongoing repairs and maintenance.
These changes resulted in a significant saving for ACC. ACC expenditure on hearing devices and services fell from $59 million per annum in 2010 to $16 million per annum in 2013.
It also resulted in many ACC claimants being unable to afford the hearing aids that would best meet their needs. Some previous hearing aids wearers had to either go without hearing aids or get very basic hearing aids, increasing the effect of their hearing disability and their ability to function in their normal listening environments. In 2014, they increased the funding allocation making hearing aids more affordable for clients.
ACC Noted:
“The Ministry and ACC are concerned that people are not accessing the services and devices available to help them manage their hearing loss. People who suffer from injury-related hearing loss must be able to access the hearing services and devices they are entitled to in order for them to fully participate in employment, education, their community, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Hearing loss often leads to social isolation and depression.
The Ministry’s and ACC’s main objective is that services must be affordable and easy to access. In this case, more people need to be accessing the hearing loss services and devices they are entitled to so that people suffering from injury-related hearing loss can fully participate in society.
Auckland Hearing is a small independent clinic. This means that our overheads are low and therefore our pricing is very competitive. If you are looking for great service as well as competitive pricing while getting your new ACC hearing aids you are welcome to come along for a second opinion and pricing comparison.
]]>Hearing Aid Technology and Innovation
/hearing-aids/innivations-in-hearing-aid-technology/
Sat, 30 Jan 2021 04:43:35 +0000/?p=911Have you thought about how you would like your hearing aids? Like computers, tablets and phones, innovations in hearing aid technology is improving quickly. Hearing aids have more and more functions and features which fit into tiny packages that sit in or behind your ear. Current hearing aids
Have you thought about how you would like your hearing aids?
Like computers, tablets and phones, innovations in hearing aid technology is improving quickly. Hearing aids have more and more functions and features which fit into tiny packages that sit in or behind your ear. Current hearing aids do more than compensate for hearing loss with amplification. They are small computers that measure your sound environment then modify the way they amplify to maximise your hearing clarity.
When getting hearing aids, we need to consider the technology level and functionality that will best compensate for your hearing loss. There are also other features and additional connectivity technology you might find useful to make life easier.
Getting the right hearing aids for you
Excellent core hearing aid functionality is key to success. Choosing the correct level of amplification, fitting to your ear and technology level for your hearing needs must be guided carefully by your Audiologist. Follow this link for more details about how we go about assessing your listening needs.
Once we have decided on the right hearing aid technology for you, we can consider the added features that are available. These can help with ease of use, connectivity and better hearing in specific listening environments. These features are available at most technology levels. Once we have decided on the right hearing aids for you, we can determine the technology level to go along with them.
What recent innovations should you consider for you hearing aids?
Control your hearing aids with an app
In an ideal world, hearing aids measure the sound environment, highlight the sound you want to hear and bring it to you with increased clarity. In most cases, hearing aids do this well. However, at times, you may wish to adjust the hearing aid sound for the environment you are in. You may want to appreciate the nuances of music, hear the person who is speaking from behind you, like in a car; or understand better in a particularly reverberant (echoey) room.
In these cases, you may want to change the way the hearing aids are working; adjust the volume or focus on sound in a particular direction. These are the situations where a remote-control app may come in handy. Apps usually give you the option to change your hearing aid volume, program setting and, in some cases, pitch and adjust how the hearing aids respond in noise.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries in hearing aids have been available for several years. Within the last year, we have seen a surge of new rechargeable hearing aids from more manufacturers with improved battery life. The three main reasons to choose rechargeable hearing aids:
Simplicity – pick up your hearing aids and put them on in the morning and at night put them back in the charger. No need to open battery doors to turn them off or having batteries run out unexpectedly.
The environment – many people are aware of the waste they create when they dispose of used hearing aid batteries every week or two.
Less cost and hassle– although the battery charger costs a little more at the beginning, there is an overall cost saving when choosing rechargeable hearing aids. There is also the added convenience of not having to think about buying batteries.
Connectivity – hear directly from your phone
For those of us who rely on phone conversations, having our phone connect directly into our hearing aids makes the voices so much brighter and more comfortable to hear. Direct connectivity is available from most of the manufacturers. Users of direct to iPhone hearing aids can listen directly to phone calls as well as other audio produced by an iPhone or iPad; like music, podcasts or movies. Direct to Andriod connectivity will be more universally available in the next year or so. Connectivity is available now for android users if they add an intermediary device.
Connecting your hearing aids directly to your TV, sound system or tablet means you will hear the sound a lot clearer the first time. Following the dialogue in movies and TV becomes so much easier. In most cases, we need to add an intermediate device that sends the signal from your preferred audio device to your hearing aids.
Brain and body tracking
New hearing aids from Starkey and Oticon can now work as a fitness tracker, measuring the steps you do each day. Some hearing aids have inbuilt systems to keep you active both physically and cognitively. Features released in 2019 in by Starkey are:
Track your daily steps and set a goal to encourage you to stay active every day.
Fall detection – they will send family members a text if you fall
On the horizon – Heart rate measurements – which can send an alert if the wearer is soon to have a heart attack and send a text message to up to 3 family members. A special earmould detects your heartbeat.
Your hearing aids can measure the amount of time you are using them and you can see your usage on the app. We know from research that the more you wear your hearing aids the better it is for your brain and cognitive function (including memory).
Hearing aids self check
Hearing aids self check lets you know if you hearing aids are working as expected. When the hearing aids are new, we run a check in the office. Then at anytime this test can be rerun with the results compared to the initial test. The hearing aids will let you know if they are working as expected or if they are not working correctly which part of the hearing aids needs to be repaired. The microphone, amplifier or receiver (loud speaker). This allows for accurate trouble shooting and keeping your hearing aids working as expected at all time.
Remote microphone technology
One of the biggest challenges for people with significant hearing loss is hearing across distance. Speech understanding can be difficult over more than a few meters, even the best hearing aid technology. Another built-in advantage of the connectivity is that you can use your phone as a remote microphone. Just put your iPhone at the other end of the table or give it to the person with the quiet voice. The sound that reaches the iPhone microphone (or a connected remote microphone) and will be sent directly to your hearing aids.
Remote programming
For some people getting into the clinic to see your audiologist can be a challenge. Maybe you live a long way from the clinic, are not able to get to appointments during work hours or are homebound, for medical or transport reasons. If this describes you, then we have a solution – Telecare audiology is now a reality.
Tele-audiology means that some of the hearing aid fitting process can be delivered from the comfort of your home or office. Once we have done a thorough hearing assessment and have fitted the hearing aids in the clinic (using real ear measures), we can do further follow-ups from a distance. All you need is a smartphone, and your hearing aids can be adjusted over the internet. Being able to customize your hearing aids from the comfort of your home makes the process of getting hearing aids more manageable than before.
Hearing aid style and cosmetics
Finding the most discrete hearing aids is a priority for many new hearing aid users. Cosmetics, of course, has to be balanced with comfort, reliability, sound quality and functionality (hearing well in more complex situations). Some of the smaller hearing aids, look great and may be able to compensate well for your hearing loss, but may not work as well as other styles in difficult listening situations.
Receiver in the canal (RIC)
The most commonly fitted style of hearing aids in recent times is the Receiver In the Canal (RIC), also known as the Receiver In The Ear (RITE) / (RIE). These hearing aids have a relatively small hearing aid that sits behind the ear, the receiver (loudspeaker) that sits in the ear.
These hearing aids are discreet, comfortable. and easy to wear. If there is a change in hearing levels, the receiver can be changed easily to a more powerful loudspeaker, in the clinic. Or if the receiver breaks down, it can be replaced in the clinic with less hassle (at a significantly lower repair cost). Receiver in the canal hearing aids can be worn with universal fit domes or custom moulds.
There are also many behind the ear styles available with various tubing options for those with more significant hearing loss or other specialise hearing needs.
In the canal hearing aids (IICs, CICs and ITEs)
Some people prefer not the have anything sitting behind their ear. There are various size options available to match your priorities, including Invisible in the Canal (IIC) hearing aids, Completely in the Canal (CICs) and In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids. Most brands have these hearing aid styles available.
ITE hearing aids have historically come with trade-offs in comfort and reliability. Having an electronic device deep inside your ear means more problems with moisture and wax; these issues improved dramatically over the past few years. There are many in the ear styles available.
So – how would you like your hearing aids?
In my experience, most people like milk with their tea. Some people enjoy sugar in their coffee. Sometimes I prefer herbal tea.
How do you like your hearing aids?
Connectable?
Rechargeable?
Fall detection?
Remote programming?
Significant research and development in hearing aid technology means new hearing aids are being released almost continually. As you can see, there are many options to be considered when choosing hearing aids. It is essential to consider how you would like your hearing aids to work for you. Our needs assessment will help steer you in the right direction to get the hearing aids that suit your lifestyle and listening needs best. Finding out about your preferences is an integral part of choosing the best hearing aids for you.
At Auckland Hearing, we keep up to date with new developments from all the manufacturer’s product lines. This is so we can choose the most up to date hearing aids that are best suited to your needs.
Are your hearing aids whistling? What is causing that noise? Acoustic feedback in current hearing aids The whistling noise hearing aids may make is called acoustic feedback (often
5 Steps to hearing aids The first and hardest step for many is the first one, making an appointment for a hearing test. Research has shown it takes people 7 to 10 years to
Every process begins with a decision. The key to success with hearing aids is: that you have decided for yourself that you are ready to get help with your hearing. Have you observed or decided some
Your Hearing Journey - The path to hearing again Hearing loss, hearing aids & making your decision Hearing loss, getting and then wearing hearing aids has been described as
]]>ACC hearing aid batteries – how to order batteries for ACC funded hearing aids
/hearing-news/acc-hearing-aid-batteries-how-to-order-batteries-for-acc-funded-hearing-aids/
Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:48:58 +0000/?p=927If you had your hearing aids funded by ACC, your batteries are included as part of your ACC cover. In the past ACC hearing aid batteries were sent out automatically every 6 months or so, but this lead to some people accumulating more batteries than the needed. Now, when you run out of batteries you
]]>If you had your hearing aids funded by ACC, your batteries are included as part of your ACC cover. In the past ACC hearing aid batteries were sent out automatically every 6 months or so, but this lead to some people accumulating more batteries than the needed. Now, when you run out of batteries you must request for more to be sent to you.
When you finalised you hearing aids your Audiologist sent in a battery request form for your ACC hearing aid batteries. ACC knows the size and type of batteries you need. The quantity of batteries you are expected to need is also on file and they are allocated to you each 6 months or so.
ACC hearing aid battery order options:
Time needed: 5 minutes.
When you need new batteries you can order more in the following ways:
Fill in your ACC number and your date of birth and then order more batteries
Complete the return slip that ACC sent to you with the first set of batteries (link here) and send it to:
Freepost 225409
ACC Battery request
PO Box 62253
Sylvia Park
Auckland 1644
Reorder, change or reduce your batteries –
by phoning Community client direct on 0508 222 546.
Or for any other questions about ordering your ACC hearing aid batteries or more information about your hearing loss claim contact the ACC Hearing Loss team on 0800 101 996.
]]>Tips for the festive season – when you have a hearing loss
/holidays/tips-for-christmas-day-when-you-have-a-hearing-loss/
/holidays/tips-for-christmas-day-when-you-have-a-hearing-loss/#respondMon, 07 Dec 2020 00:27:01 +0000/?p=1800Christmas is a social time, a family time. It’s nice to sit back, relax and catch up with family and friends who we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes it’s hard to hear over the kids playing, or other conversations. Is hearing loss getting in the way of your relaxing family time? 7 tips
Christmas is a social time, a family time. It’s nice to sit back, relax and catch up with family and friends who we haven’t seen in a while. Sometimes it’s noisy, sometimes it’s hard to hear over the kids playing, or other conversations.
Is hearing loss getting in the way of your relaxing family time?
7 tips for managing Christmas Day
1. Sit in a good spot
Often it is helpful to sit with a wall behind you and in the centre of the table. This gives a better chance of hearing more of the conversation and not being distracted by sounds from behind. Try not to be be shy about talking to family and friends about which might be a better seat for you.
2. Keep the volume down during Christmas dinner
Turn the TV off and the music down during dinner. Added noise causes something called the Lombard effect – when it is noisy people talk louder. This can significantly increase the overall noise level making it quite difficult to follow conversations. Others may not even notice if you turn it down before the meal. Hearing in noise is very challenging even for people with minimal hearing losses.
3. Talk to those sitting next to you
Try and avoid conversations across large distances. If you need to talk, move closer, or ask that you continue later, when you can sit closer together.
4. Wear your hearing aids – all day every day
Wearing your hearing aids keeps your brain and hearing system active. People who only wear their hearing aids “when they need them” tend to be the same people who are unsuccessful with hearing aids. This is because their brain never has time to adjust to hearing various sounds. If you only wear your hearing aids in noisy group situations your brain will probably find the sound over whelming – a bit like running a marathon with out doing any training.
Wearing hearing aids all the time, creates a new normal – normal to hear sounds (rather than normal to miss sounds). Your brain works out which sounds are important and which sounds are not important.
When you first get hearing aids you become very aware of all the sounds around you. The more you wear the aids the more your brain adapts, it will decide “that” sound is not important and it will no longer jump into your attention and you will no longer notice it. This process happens very quickly with the current hearing aids as they work so well.
So if your hearing aids are “in the draw” start wearing them in the few weeks coming up to Christmas. If you are not happy with the way your hearing aids are working for you, make an appointment to come in and we will set up correctly for you, so you can wear them all the time.
5. Try connectivity to other technologies
Remote microphones allows you to hear a person who is further away. The person you are talking to can clip on a microphone or you can placed it at the other end of the table. The microphone picks up the conversation and transmits it directly to your hearing aids. This has the effect of bringing the sound directly into your ears, removing the effect of distance.
Most hearing aids can now connect directly to an iPhone (with connecting to Android phones just around the corner). This connectivity allows your iPhone to be used as a remote microphone. You can put your phone near the person you want to listen too and hear them easily. There are many technologies available now that connect up with your hearing aids. They connect to your phone, TV, computer and sound system.
6. Have reasonable expectations
You may not hear everything that everyone says – and that’s okay. Enjoy talking to the people near you and seek out the others and talk to them later. Could you suggest you all rotate seats for dessert?
7. Bring your sense of humour
It can be hard to keep it all in perspective during Christmas festivities, especially if you feel like you are missing out on some of the fun. Try to laugh a little and be grateful for the wonderful friends and family around you. You may not hear every word they say but you can partake in all of the good feeling around the table. Enjoy the moment.
A bit about Auckland Hearing
Auckland Hearing is an independent hearing aid and audiology clinic set up by Maree O’Sullivan. Maree has worked in Audiology for 20 years and started Auckland Hearing so she could focus on the needs of each client (rather than corporate profits).
Luckily, hearing aids now have an excellent sound quality, and you will adjust very quickly as long as you wear them all the time and get used to hearing again. Within half an hour, sounds that seemed strange or new when you first put on the hearing aids will begin to normalise.
