Every day, it seems like a new technological leap is being broadcast in our news feeds. At times it can be hard to keep up. Hearing aids have seen a similar rate of improvement in recent years. In fact, Phonak just released a brand-new hearing model in August. Read on for an overview of the new platform. Audéo Infinio The most significant change Phonak made from the prior generation is a brand-new microchip. This new chip has significantly faster processing speed, with the capacity to perform … [Read more...] about A World of Infinite Hearing has Arrived
Jeff Lane
Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
The first step on any hearing health journey is undergoing an examination. This exam provides you and the audiologist an understanding of your current state of hearing and allows for proper recommendations to be made. The findings are presented in a report called an audiogram. An audiogram contains both a written section and a graph. While the audiologist does review the audiogram during the appointment, it can sometimes be difficult to remember or fully grasp how to interpret your results. … [Read more...] about Understanding Your Hearing Test Results
Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and an Audiologist
Hearing health care can be a steep learning curve for many patients. It’s not something that is commonly discussed until help is required. One common question is the difference between an audiologist and an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. In actuality, both providers work closely together to holistically treat the patient. But the two are distinct professions with important differences. Scope of Practice Before delving in, it is important to define the idea of “scope of practice.” Scope … [Read more...] about Understanding the Difference Between an ENT and an Audiologist
Hearing Versus Understanding
The most common concern of those with hearing loss is not being able to understand others. “I can hear them,” a patient will say, “I just don’t know what they said.” Considering the fact that verbal communication is how most people interact with others, being able to do so is essential. However, people can often conflate hearing and understanding. While undoubtedly interconnected, they are two distinct functions. Understanding the difference can help to improve outcomes and satisfaction with … [Read more...] about Hearing Versus Understanding
Can You Hear Them Now?
Hearing loss is an insidious condition that affects all aspects of an individual’s life. Enjoying television or movies means turning up the volume too loud for others or reading captions. In-person conversations become less enjoyable because of the effort required of the hearing-impaired listener. Phone conversations can be even more difficult, as visual cues are unavailable and the quality of the connection can vary. The inability to communicate effectively over the phone can be frustrating and … [Read more...] about Can You Hear Them Now?
Ear Safety Tips
A large portion of audiology appointments revolve around patient education. Given that ear health is not regularly discussed, it makes sense that patients may have a lot of questions. A common theme among their questions is safety. That is, how can one prevent damage or further loss? Below are a couple of the most common inquires. Ear Cleaning When testing as patient, they often express concern about their ears being full of wax. The truth is most people’s ears are pretty clear. Skin in your … [Read more...] about Ear Safety Tips
Which Hearing Aids are Right for Me?
The world of hearing aids can be intimidating. With the multiple manufacturers and models, it can feel akin to purchasing a vehicle. A minority of adults with hearing loss are actually fit with hearing aids, while the average length of time between noticing an issue and seeking treatment is seven years. Fortunately, licensed providers are available to act as guides, with guides being the key word. While providers are very knowledgeable and reliable sources, the question of which type of hearing … [Read more...] about Which Hearing Aids are Right for Me?
Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
After being diagnosed with hearing loss, many patients ask, “Can it be fixed?” While the question is simple, the answer can be quite complicated. It depends on multiple factors. For the majority of patients, the answer is, unfortunately, no. However, there are certain situations when medical intervention can help. Being aware of when a hearing loss may or may not be medically treatable, and why, can help you take better care of your auditory system. Conductive Hearing Loss The ear can be … [Read more...] about Can Hearing Loss Be Fixed?
Am I a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Being diagnosed with a hearing loss can cause conflicting emotions. On one hand, the patient now has an answer that validates all of their experiences and struggles. On the other, they must now manage the process of managing their hearing loss. The sheer number of hearing aid options alone is enough to overwhelm. But another question may complicate matters: Is a cochlear implant appropriate for me? Realistically, for most patients, the answer will be no. But it is important to understand why, … [Read more...] about Am I a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
Strategies to Improve Communication
One inevitable side effect of hearing loss is increased difficulty communicating with others. Specifically, the person with hearing loss will often not hear, or will misunderstand, what someone has said. Sometimes the misunderstanding can be humorous. More often, though, it is frustrating and embarrassing. Some people with hearing loss will eventually begin to retreat from social interactions, reducing quality of life. Hearing aids can be of great benefit in restoring these communication … [Read more...] about Strategies to Improve Communication
