THE HEARING PROCESS

           
The ear is generally divided into three parts: the outer or external ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.
The external ear (the visible portion of the ear) collects sound and sends it to the ear drum. The eardrum is a small membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
The middle ear houses a chain of three tiny bones that are connected together, the first of which is attached to the eardrum. These bones are set into vibration by movement of the eardrum which continues the transmission of sound through the pathway of hearing. The third bone in the chain is attached to the inner ear by another small membrane or window.
The inner ear contains the tiny nerve endings for balance and hearing. It also contains a very unique fluid that becomes set in motion by movement (or displacement) of the small window. The tiny nerve endings are then stimulated and each send a message or impulse to the brain.
The brain is separated into two sides or hemispheres. The left hemisphere receives the majority of information collected by the right ear, while the right hemisphere of the brain receives the majority of information collected by the left ear. The brain interprets the information received and the sensation of hearing occurs. The small differences in the intensity (or loudness) of the sound reaching our ears, along with the time it takes for sound to reach our ears, plays an important role in our brain's ability to filter noise, interpret or understand speech, and determine the direction from which sound is coming.
When sound is processed through only one ear, the brain is deprived of this very important information, and its efficiency in interpreting sound is dramatically reduced. Therefore, both ears play a significant role in the process of hearing.
 
 
 
TYPES OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT

           
Basically, there are three types of hearing impairment: conductive, sensorineural and mixed.
Since the outer ear and middle ear are involved in the conduction of sound, a problem located in these areas is considered a conductive hearing impairment. It may be corrected or partially corrected with surgery and/or medication. Amplification or the use of hearing aids may also be an option.
A problem associated with the inner ear is considered a sensorineural hearing impairment. Generally, this type of hearing impairment is the result of damage or degeneration to the tiny nerve endings. It is usually not correctable with surgery or medication. The use of amplification is typically the treatment of choice.
If both of these types of hearing impairment occur at the same time, the result is a mixed hearing impairment.
 
 
ADAPTING - GENERAL GUIDELINES
Adapting to your hearing aids may take time. Be patient. Adjustment time may vary between people. If you're having difficulty, don't give up. Contact our clinic for assistance.

The Hearing Aids
 Within the hearing aid, a microphone acts as an artificial ear to "hear" sounds which the human impaired ear may no longer be able to hear. After careful filtering and electronic processing, the sounds are amplified, routed through a speaker and directed into the ear canal.

Begin Gradually
 Start by wearing your hearing aids for short periods of time. If you begin to feel fatigued from listening to amplified sounds, remove the hearing aids and rest awhile. If the hearing aids cause pain or irritation, leave them out of your ears and call our clinic immediately.

Quiet Situations
 Wear the hearing aids at home where the environment is relatively quiet and can be controlled. Gradually begin to use them in different noise environments.

Position Yourself
 
Situate yourself in a room so you're directed toward the sound you want to hear and away from distracting noise.

Practice Localizing
 Try to determine from which direction a sound is coming and estimate the distance from the sound source.

Sort Out the Noise
 Amplified sounds may seem unnatural, particularly if you're not accustomed to hearing them. Certain features of hearing aids are able to reduce the problems this causes, but background noise is still a concern for many hearing aid users. You must re-learn to separate the sounds, identify them, and tune out the noise all over again.

Know Your Limits
 Wear your hearing aids in as many listening environments as possible. Learn what you can and can't adapt to. Remember to use communication strategies in difficult listening situations.
 
COMMON EXPERIENCES
Hearing aid users encounter some common experiences. Contact our clinic if you have difficulty with any of these situations.

All Sounds Seem Loud
 You are re-entering a world of sounds you may not have heard for a long time. Expect things to seem loud at first. As your ears become accustomed to the amplified sounds, the noise level will appear more normal. The sounds should never be so loud they cause physical discomfort.

I Hear Speech But I Can't Always Understand It
 Hearing aids can help improve speech understanding but cannot restore that ability to normal levels. In some situations, especially when there is a background of noise, you may have difficulty understanding parts of what people say. Even people with normal hearing cannot always hear everything being said. Try to use your vision to supplement your hearing (speech reading) and place yourself in an optimal listening position to help your communication. Wearing two hearing aids may also improve your ability.

My Voice Sounds Different
 
Your voice is now being heard through an electronic instrument which is not the same as hearing it naturally. Most hearing aid users adjust to this difference in a matter of weeks. Give yourself time to adjust to the new sound.

The Hearing Aids Are Noisy When I'm Outside
 When wind hits the microphone of the hearing aid, it can cause excessive noise. A wind screen placed over the microphone may help reduce the noise. Also, certain hearing aid styles, such as the completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids, offer reduced wind noise for persons with active outdoor lifestyles.

My Ears Feel Plugged When Wearing the Hearing Aids
 This feeling may gradually lessen as you adjust to wearing your hearing aids. If not, contact our clinic for possible modifications to reduce this discomfort.

Restaurants Seem Too Noisy
 
In restaurants, request a booth instead of a table. Try to sit with your back to the wall so there is less noise behind you.
 
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION

           
Communication is extremely important to all relationships but a hearing loss can have a profound impact on a person's desire to interact. Frustration and embarrassment from the inability to communicate may lead to withdrawal from social situations along with feelings of isolation. The following strategies will make communication easier.
Strategies for Friends & Family
  1. Get the listener's attention before talking.
  2. Be patient with hard-of-hearing listeners.
  3. Repeat information once then rephrase the message to clarify.
  4. Speak clearly and slowly but don't exaggerate mouth movements.
  5. Don't shout or speak too loudly.
  6. Provide the listener with the topic and identify topic changes as needed.
  7. Look directly at the person when you speak. Avoid speaking from another room or with your back turned.
  8. Encourage guessing.
  9. Keep a sense of humor about communication errors.
  10. Encourage the listener to use hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
  11. Modify light and seating arrangements if necessary to provide the listener with an unobstructed view.
  12. Eliminate or reduce competing noise. Turn off the television or stereo, move away from fans and air conditioners, or seek a quieter room.
  13. Make sure only one person talks at a time.
  14. Be understanding and caring when someone with a hearing problem asks you to help him/her understand better.
  15. Seek additional communication and coping strategies from an audiologist at our clinic.
Strategies for the Person with Hearing Loss
  1. Pay close attention to the face and gestures.
  2. Be patient with yourself.
  3. Rephrase what you heard to verify information.
  4. Ask for repetition only once, then ask the speaker to rephrase.
  5. Think of new ways to ask for repetition (other than "Huh?").
  6. Ask for the topic and then verify the topic.
  7. Inform speakers about your hearing loss and how they should speak to you.
  8. Ask others to look directly at you when they speak, to come closer if necessary, and to speak slowly and slightly louder.
  9. Keep a sense of humor about communication errors.
  10. Use your hearing aids and other assistive listening devices at theaters and places of worship.
  11. Modify light and seating arrangements if necessary to obtain an unobstructed view.
  12. Eliminate or reduce competing noise. Turn off the television or stereo, move away from fans and air conditioners, or seek a quieter room.
  13. Make sure only one person talks at a time.
  14. Be understanding and caring when someone forgets you have a hearing problem.
  15. Seek additional communication and coping strategies from an audiologist at our clinic.
 
					  

  

     
    HEARING AID MAINTENANCE
  

  

    
    
  

  

    
    
  

  

     
    
Hearing Aid Care
    
                              
  1. Always insert and remove your hearing aids over 
                                a soft surface.
  2. Do not expose your hearing aids to excessive 
                                or direct heat.
  3. Do not expose your hearing aids to excessive 
                                moisture.
  4. Remove your hearing aids for CAT, MRI scans 
                                or other electromagnetic procedures.
  5. Remove the batteries if you store your hearing 
                                aids for any extended length of time.
  6. Never use any tools--other than the tools provided 
                                by our clinic--to clean your hearing aids.

  

  

     
     
  

    

    

  
  
  

     
    
Dry Aid Kit
The purpose of a dry aid kit is to remove moisture 
                              which may build up in the hearing aid. Moisture 
                              can occur from perspiration, condensation or humidity 
                              in the air. Dry aid kits are available from our 
                              clinic.
Using 
                            a Dry Aid Kit
                            
    
                              
  1. Remove the batteries from the hearing aids and 
                                set them aside. The life of a zinc air battery 
                                is reduced by exposure to the active ingredients 
                                in a dry aid kit.
  2. Leave the battery doors open.
  3. Put the hearing aids (and ear molds if applicable) 
                                into the kit.
  4. Seal the kit.
  5. Leave the hearing aids in the kit overnight. 
                                More or less drying time may be necessary depending 
                                on the amount of moisture present.
  6. Keep the kit closed at all times to extend its 
                                usable life.

  

      

    

    

  
  
  
  

     
    
Battery Information
A good battery is vital for a hearing aid to function properly. The following information will help you obtain optimal battery life and avoid potential problems.

	
  1. The tab should be removed from the battery 30 to 60 seconds before installing it into the hearing aid.
    2. 
	
  2. Battery life depends on: the size of the battery, the drain produced by the hearing aid circuitry, hours of use per day, and listening conditions. If the battery is not lasting as long as expected, track battery life by placing removed battery tabs on your calendar. This will help you determine the average battery life.
    3. 
	
  3. Contact your audiologist for the expected battery life in your instruments.
    4. 
	
  4. Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate. Leave the tab in place until you are ready to install the battery. Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or purse, as contact with other metal objects may short-circuit the batteries.
    5. 
	
  5. Remove batteries before placing hearing aids into a dry aid kit.
    6. 
	
  6. When the hearing aids are not in use, swing open the battery door. This will ensure the best battery life.
    7. 
	
  7. Batteries may be purchased at our office or  through our mail order program.
    8. 
	
  8. Keep batteries away from children, pets and medications. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately or call the Battery Ingestion Hotline 202-625-3333

  

      

    

    

  
  
  
  

     
    
Troubleshooting
Some common problems and possible causes for a hearing aid not working properly are listed below, along with some tips which might be helpful in determining the solution. If you need help correcting a problem, please contact our clinic for assistance.
Feedback (squeal or whistling)
  1. Volume adjustment of the hearing aid may be too high. Re-adjust to 1/4 - 1/2 on.
  2. The earmold or hearing aid may not be properly seated into the ear. Remove the earmold or hearing aid and re-insert it into the ear.
  3. Excessive wax may be in your ear canal, causing the sound to reflect back. Check with your physician or audiologist to determine if this is the case.
  4. The earmold or hearing aid may not fit properly. If growth or weight changes have occurred, contact our clinic to see if a new earmold or hearing aid recase is necessary.
  5. Placing a hat or hand over the microphone of the hearing aid may cause feedback.
Intermittent Sound
  1. Moisture may have accumulated in the hearing aid. Use a dry aid kit.
  2. The internal components or a switch may be damaged. Call our clinic for assistance.
  3. The battery contacts may be corroded. Contact our clinic for assistance.
No Sound
  1. The battery may be weak or dead.
  2. The battery contacts may be corroded. Contact our clinic for assistance.
  3. The canal opening of the earmold or hearing aid may be blocked with wax or debris. Clean the opening with a soft brush and/or wire loop (provided with your hearing aids). Daily cleaning will help reduce recurrence of this problem.
Other Problems
  1. Check the earmold, tubing or speaker tubing to be sure they are not plugged with wax or moisture.
  2. If you are troubled with excessive earwax, contact our clinic for assistance.

  



					  
					  
 

					  

					  
					  ONLINE BROCHURES
					  

					  

					  
					  
					  

					  

					  
					  
					  
					  

					  

					  
					  
We have placed online our most popular informative brochures and printed pieces. Please feel free to download them at your convenience. They are all printable from your own printer, but you must have the free Adobe  Reader program to view the files.
If you don't have Adobe Reader, you can download a free version here.

					  
					  

					  

					  
					  
					  
					  

					  

					  
					  
					  

					  

					  
					  
					  
					  
Assistive Devices
Download the free PDF document here!
(1 pg., 2 sides, 308k)
Our Battery Program
Download the free PDF document here!
(1 pg., 2 sides, 984k)
Orientation to Hearing Aids
Download the free PDF document here!
(7 pgs., 1,758k)
Hearing Aid Insurance
Download the free PDF document here!
(3 pg., 179k)	
Our Repair Program
Download the free PDF document here!
(1 pg., 2 sides, 131k)
Our Trade-In Program
Download the free PDF document here!
(1 pg., 2 sides, 217k)	
Our Trial Program
Download the free PDF document here!
(6 pgs., 672k)


Patient Guide:
About Tinnitus
Download the free PDF document here!
(7 pgs., 388k)	

					  

					  
					  
Patient Guide:
Auditory Processing Disorder
Download the free PDF document here!
(8 pgs., 462k)


					  
Patient Guide:
Cochlear Implant
Download the free PDF document here!
(5 pgs., 483k)


					  

					  
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

           
Will Hearing Aids help nerve loss?
The majority of people wearing hearing aids today have a nerve-type loss.
What are some of the potential results of a hearing problem?
Fatigue, inattentiveness, indifference, social withdrawal, insecurity, speech deterioration, loneliness, isolation, and depression.
What are the symptoms of a hearing problem?
The need for increased volume on T.V., difficulty understanding speech where background noise is present, suggesting that speakers mumble or don't speak loud enough, reading speaker's lips, and sometimes a ringing noise in the ears (Tinnitus).
Are there Hearing Aids that can help me understand speech in noisy situations?
Yes. Most Hearing Aids can help to some degree in noisy environments. Some of the new digitally programmable hearing devices potentially can help the most due to the fact that they can amplify soft sounds while not amplifying louder ones.
Are there any Hearing Aids that you can't see?
Some of the CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal) instruments sit deep within the ear canal and are virtually unnoticeable.
Should I buy two Hearing Aids or one?
Everyone's needs are different, but most people who have hearing loss in both ears will benefit from having amplification in both ears. Some of the benefits may include: better understanding of speech in noise, equal hearing from both sides, better sound localization, and more natural sound quality.
Are all Hearing Aids the same?
There are different styles, different technologies, and different manufacturers. An audiologist is best educated to recommend what would be appropriate for you.
What about surgical implants?
There are people with severe to profound hearing losses that may be candidates for certain types of implants. Most people, however, having any usable hearing with hearing aids are not candidates for this type of procedure.
What if I don't do anything about my hearing problem?
Research indicates that if not properly stimulated, your hearing can degenerate faster over time. It is important to have your hearing evaluated periodically to be sure this is not taking place.
 
 
   
 
Sunday May 11 2008 © The Hearing Center™