Audiology and Hearing loss
Hearing loss is common for many people across Canada. According to the Stats Canada Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS), 6% of adults over the age of 55 report limitations as a result of hearing loss, and this number increases to nearly 36% of adults aged 75 and older.
Who is an Audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed hearing health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. Most audiologists have completed a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) degree, though there are other doctoral degrees within the field (Ph.D., Sc.D., and others). Audiologists typically offer the following services:
· Complete hearing exams
· Fitting, adjustment, and maintenance of hearing aids
· Treatment for balance disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Audiologists possess comprehensive knowledge of the human auditory and vestibular systems, and they have extensive training in sound reproduction, which is critical to the accurate fitting and adjustment of hearing aids.
What do all the letters mean after the Audiologist’s name?
Audiologists will list their university degree, typically MSc (Master of Science) or MA (Master of Arts) depending on the University program. If the professional has a doctorate in Audiology, they will list Au.D. In most cases, professionals only list their highest degree.
RAUD (Registered Audiologist) means that the person is registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC, and is licensed to practice in BC. The audiologist may have completed additional professional training to become certified in certain specialty areas. They will note this at the end of their title, for example “Certified in Cochlear Implant Management.”
Aud(C) or Certified in Audiology by SAC means that the professional is a certified member of the national association, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada.
RHIP means Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner. This person has met the requirements for registration with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.
Know the Signs of Hearing Loss
Many people are simply unaware of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss, the benefits of early detection and intervention, and what resources are available. In order to reduce the likelihood of a hearing loss going undetected, being ignored, or left untreated, try this Self Assessment for Hearing Loss to see if you or a loved one might have hearing loss.
Do you find that:
· People mumble and speak too softly?
· Other peoples’ speech seems muffled?
· It is hard to understand children’s voices?
· You have difficulty understanding and participating in group conversations?
· You can’t make out what’s being said in noisy areas or public places?
· You prefer the TV/radio louder than others?
· You often miss calls because you cannot hear the telephone ringing?
· You have trouble hearing common household sounds like the doorbell or an alarm clock?
· Hearing and talking on the telephone is difficult?
· You frequently ask others to repeat what they say?
· You have trouble understanding people when they are not looking directly at you, or if they are in another room?
It can be difficult to accept that you’re suffering from hearing loss. It can happen slowly, over a very long period of time, so it’s easy to dismiss as a natural part of the aging process. However, if you find that you have any of these signs, the professionals at NexGen Hearing are here to help you take that first step toward better hearing. It’s easy – book your no-obligation appointment for a Free Hearing Test and put your mind at ease that you are finally taking control of your hearing health.
When should I have my Hearing Tested?
There are varying opinions on when the best time is to have your hearing tested, but there are two things that everyone agrees upon:
Everyone should have a baseline hearing test. Hearing test results are medical records and, as such, are kept on file for seven years. These results will be used as a baseline to compare with any future hearing evaluations, even if you don’t currently have signs of hearing loss. This hearing test is free at any NexGen Hearing clinic, and does not require a referral from your family doctor or ENT specialist. Once you’ve taken that baseline test, your hearing professional can reference those previous results to give you a more specific and personalized assessment of your hearing health over time. The National Campaign for Better Hearing encourages everyone to get a baseline hearing test at 60 years of age, but even if you aren’t 60 years or older, or suffering from hearing loss, this initial test can serve as a useful reference for your hearing health in the future, no matter what your age. Many hearing professionals would like to see people obtain their baseline hearing test even earlier, and encourage starting at age 55.
After having a baseline hearing test, you should continue to have your hearing tested on a regular basis. Age-related hearing loss is so gradual that it is easy to overlook as it gets progressively worse. The earlier hearing loss is detected, the sooner you can begin to improve your quality of life. Generally, our hearing professionals recommend you have an annual test starting at age 55, if your baseline test shows some sign of hearing loss, or every two years, if there was no indication of hearing loss during your baseline hearing test. This should allow you and your hearing professional to stay on top of any changes in your hearing health.
What to expect in a Hearing Test.
Noticing the symptoms of hearing loss, and deciding how to approach treatment, can be a daunting time full of countless questions. Everything from choosing who to consult and learning about treatment options can be unknown territory, and it helps to know what to expect. The professionals at NexGen Hearing understand what you’re going through, and are here to ensure you’re comfortable through the entire process. Hearing tests are routine procedures, and are recommended even if there are no noticeable symptoms of hearing loss. Online hearing tests provide convenience, but they cannot always determine the causes of your hearing loss, so it is a good idea to schedule a more comprehensive hearing test. They are easy and painless, involve only a few steps, and are a necessary part of the process of understanding your hearing health. Hearing tests help your audiologist or hearing professional understand exactly what type and severity of hearing loss you may have, so that they can determine the best type of treatment. Because hearing tests are so important, it’s good to be prepared in order to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Preparing for hearing test
· Write down your symptoms ahead of time.
· Ask family members or friends if they’ve noticed any changes in your behavior.
· Bring a family member or friend along with you to the hearing test to help remember any information that the audiologist needs.
· Take note of any key medical information, such as past injuries or any medications that you take.
· Make sure to write down any questions that you want to ask your audiologist – if you are confused about anything, this is the best time to ask.
What happens during a hearing test?
During the hearing test itself, you will likely be given headphones and asked to listen to tones at different pitches and volumes and give an indication when you’re able to hear them. You may also be given a test that evaluates how well you can understand speech at different volumes and involves repeating back words or phrases.
Another possible part of a hearing test is tympanometry – a way of testing acoustic reflexes. During this test, a soft plug will be placed in the ear in order to test the middle ear muscle’s reflexive responses. Tuning fork tests, which involve the striking of a metal instrument, could be administered as well.
After the test is done, our hearing professionals will go over the results with you, taking the time to explain what everything means. The results will be presented on a graph called an audiogram, which represents what level of volume and pitch you can hear.
Once you know what level of severity and type of hearing loss you have, you and your audiologist can begin discussing treatment possibilities. Different forms of treatment, such as earwax removal, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and surgical procedures may be recommended based on the results of a hearing test. Putting off addressing hearing loss may only worsen the severity and make it harder to treat, so it’s important to schedule a hearing test and start preparing as soon as you notice the symptoms
What is audiogram?
Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz) and volume is measured in decibels (dB).
Someone without hearing loss will appear on the audiogram between -10 and 25 dB. This means that the softest sound that they can hear is within that range.
· The range for mild hearing loss is 26 – 40 dB l
· Moderate hearing loss is 41 – 70 dB
· Severe hearing loss is 71 – 90 dB
· Profound hearing loss is anything above 91 dB.
What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is an intricate medical technology, not just a simple sound enhancer or amplifier. Buying a hearing aid is an investment in your health
Pros of Using a Hearing Aid
· Hearing aids are best suited for individuals who have trouble communicating with those around them due to a hearing loss. They help you better hear the conversations and sounds around you, so you can be more involved in social situations or in your workplace. They allow you to effectively listen and respond appropriately to your friends, family, and co-workers.
· Hearing aids have become more versatile than ever, and can be selected so that they fit your lifestyle needs. For example, hearing aids don’t have to look ugly, or be extremely bulky. Technology has advanced in such a way that hearing aids can be purchased in a variety of colors and discreet styles that fit your everyday needs.
· Today’s hearing aids also have features to reduce background noise, allowing you to enjoy and participate in social situations that you may have previously avoided (such as going to restaurants or attending family gatherings).
Cons of Using a Hearing aid
One of the disadvantages of using a hearing aid is the possibility that it might be uncomfortable for the wearer. The comfort depends on the style and type that you purchase, which will depend upon your hearing loss, lifestyle, and communication requirements. This is where a NexGen Hearing professional should be consulted. Our clinicians are trained to guide you on what hearing aid would be best suited for your specific type of hearing loss. They will also help you with model selection, type, size, and fitting the hearing aid for improved comfort. Lastly, unless you have a hearing aid that is implanted into you, you may run the risk of losing it. This can be a problem for many individuals, but even more so these days when wearing a face mask, as the face mask straps can get caught on your hearing aid. Retention strings and GPS built into the hearing aids can help reduce the risk of loss, and new designs in face masks, such as self-adhesive masks or strap clips, may help you to deal with this problem.
Common Hearing Aid Styles
When looking for a hearing aid that will genuinely improve your hearing, there are many characteristics to be aware of. There are several styles available, and with the help of a NexGen Hearing professional, you can find the type that functions best for you. Furthermore, as technology improves, new hearing aids are being developed that offer a sleeker and more refined appearance, and enhanced functionality and features. Although a hearing professional will give you a full and complete list of the different styles of hearing aids during counselling, you can do some research beforehand to get a feel of what options are available to you. The styles vary in size, price, placement, and other features
· A completely-in-the-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid is one of the smallest and best concealed types. It is molded to fit perfectly inside your ear canal and is used for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. This style is useful because of its size and lesser chance of picking up wind interference, but its smaller and weaker batteries can be troublesome. Although comfortable and less visible, a CIC is very simple and at times hard to handle.
· Similar to the CIC, in-the-canal (ITC) and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom molded to guarantee a good fit and perform well for moderate to severe hearing loss. Unlike the CIC, however, the ITC fits only partly in the ear canal and is slightly more visible, although still well concealed. It includes some features not available on the smaller CIC.
· The behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the top and rests behind your ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earmold that fits in your ear canal. This style is usable by all ages and for almost any type of hearing loss. It is known for being the largest style of hearing aid, but recent designs are smaller and more easily concealed. It is capable of more amplification than other smaller styles but it is more susceptible to wind interference. This style is also known as a Thin Tube BTE.
· A receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear-canal (RITE), is similar to the BTE except for the tiny wire in a RIC that replaces the tubing of a BTE. Since the speaker is closer to the eardrum, the RIC hearing aid offers superior sound to the Thin Tube BTE. The RIC BTE is one of the most popular hearing aid styles sold today
Cost vs. Quality
Cost is a very important aspect to consider when choosing the right hearing aid, but should not be the only one. Hearing aids vary in price due to their different components, features, and sizes. Generally, the smaller and more complex the hearing aid, the more complex and sophisticated the electronics are, which leads to an increase in price.
As with most other technologies, the quality and features you receive with hearing aids depends on the purchase price. A cheaper hearing aid may save you money up front, but may break or malfunction over time, or will not be adjustable to accommodate changes in your hearing, costing you more in the long run.
Talk to an audiologist about different features that you may need to accommodate your lifestyle, such as a telecoil, Bluetooth compatibility, battery life, digital noise reduction, directional microphones, and feedback suppression. Additionally, the audiologist will provide information about the best steps for adjusting to hearing aids.
How to adjust to your new hearing aids
· Wear them, even when you don’t want to — It’s important that you wear your hearing aids every day so you’ll be comfortable with them in all situations and every environment. Some environments are tough to adjust to with hearing aids, but this just makes it all the more important for you to wear your hearing aids all the time. Allowing your brain and ears to learn how to work together again will only be possible if they have consistent exposure. Wearing your hearing aids infrequently will keep your ears and brain from connecting correctly, make adjusting to specific sounds harder, and will slow down your ability to focus and adjust to multiple voices and sounds.
· Open mind, positive outlook — You’ll get much more out of your hearing aids when you start with an open mind and a positive focus. Try to keep in mind all the quality-of-life benefits they provide when adjustments get hard, and keep your mind open to the fact that nothing is perfect and adjustments might need to be made.
· Learn all you can about your hearing loss — The more you know about your limits, the easier it is to surpass them. Check out our blog for information regarding hearing loss, hearing aids, hearing aid features, tips for cleaning, using, adjusting and more, to help yourself adjust quickly and easily.
· Set realistic expectations — Nothing cures hearing loss, but hearing aids can truly help you regain much of what you’re currently missing. There is no 100% fix, so be sure to set yourself realistic expectations such as hearing better in one-on-one conversations, understanding speech better in noisy environments and other reasonable goals.
· Be patient — Like riding a bike, hearing aids take time to master. But once you do, wearing your hearing aids will be second nature