Happy Fourth of July

Holiday Hours

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kdis throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.  ~ Erma Bombeck

We hope your potato salad doesn't get iffy!
Have a great day off America!

All offices will be closed all day on Thursday, July 4.

The Toledo office will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5.

Ask the Audiologist

Q:     I've heard that there is a link between hearing loss and dementia - is that true?

A:   For years researchers have suspected a connection between hearing loss and dementia, but just this year a study funded by the National Institute of Health determined that a mild hearing loss of 25 decibels can increase the development of cognitive problems by 30-40%.

When asked for an explanation of the cognitive decline, Frank Lin, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine otologist and assistant professor, and the study's lead author, offered as possible contributing factors the combination of social isolation and the extra mental effort it takes to understand sounds.

Dementia is on the rise in the US with over four million affected by the malady, and recent estimates place the cost on families and society at $157 billion to $215 billion a year, making it more expensive than cancer and heath disease.

While hearing aids aren't a cure for the effects of dementia, appropriately fit hearing technology is designed to alleviate the energy required to understand sounds and to decrease feelings of isolation by reengaging people with the world around them through better hearing.

Our staff of AudigyCertified audiologists are here to provide comprehensive evaluations, life-style-specific technology recommendations, and fine-tuning of hearing devices to ensure a better hearing experience for as long as you are in our care.

Please call us today at 419-534-3111 to book a complete diagnostic hearing evaluation for yourself or a loved one.

Shouting Won't Help

Do you know someone with hearing loss?  Shouting doesn't help.

• Look at them when you speak - almost all hearing-impaired people read lips. Don't lean into their ear when you talk. They need to see your lips.
• Speak in a normal voice and articulate as clearly as possible. Shouting won't help.
• If you are asked, "what?" or "sorry?" don't just repeat what you've said. Say it in another way - rephrase.
• If they don't hear what you have said after you have repeated it two or three times, don't say, "Never mind, it doesn't mater." To a person who cant hear, it dose matter. Write it down i all else fails.
• Always have the person with the hearing loss sit with their back to a window or bright lights, this makes it easier for them to read lips.
• People with hearing loss have a hard time hearing or understanding speech when it is noisy. Try to keep background noise to a minimum when trying to have a conversation.
• Don't talk to a hearing impaired person unless you have their full attention. Get the person's attention before starting a conversation.
• When in a group, try to avoid overlapping conversations; have just one general conversation.
• Give the hearing impaired person a chance to readjust their hearing aids after a performance, meeting or when changing situations. Sometimes they may need to change the listening program in the hearing aids.

Community Seminar

JOIN US on June 25 and June 26

Our very own Dr. Alison Friend will be giving a community seminar on connectivity with hearing aids with in-office demonstrations to follow.

Learn how you can better connect with your phone, your television and your friends and family.

Refreshments will be served - morning and afternoon times available.

Call for reservations! Spots are limited.

419-534-3111

A Simple Life Reminder

Sometimes our perspective needs to be adjusted.  Just remember, someone always has a bigger struggle than you do.

What Makes a Dad

     God took the strength of a mountain,

    The majesty of a tree,

     The warmth of a summer sun,

     The calm of a quiet sea,

     The generous soul of nature,

     The comforting arm of night,

     The wisdom of the ages,

     The power of the eagle's flight,

     The joy of a morning in spring,

     The faith of a mustard seed,

     The patience of eternity,

     The depth of a family need.

     Then God combined this qualities,

     When there was nothing more to add,

     He knew his masterpiece was complete,

     And so he called it

     DAD.

     ~Author Unknown

      HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

National Men's Health Week

This week - today through Father's Day - is National Men's Health Week.

Hearing? You think.  Health Week and hearing?

Absolutely.

We've told you before, but we'll tell you again. Untreated hearing loss can wreck havoc on numerous aspects of our life. Hearing well is part of our overall health.

Did you know:

• people with untreated hearing loss suffer far more from depression and feelings of social isolation than people with normal hearing or treated hearing loss?
• people with untreated hearing loss earn less money when compared to their peers who choose to wear hearing aids?
• people with untreated hearing loss are much more likely to have memory problems and are at greater risk for different forms of dementia?  There have even been recent studies linking untreated hearing loss to Alzheimer's.
• older adults with hearing loss are more likely to suffer from hypertension, heart disease and stroke?

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.” Congressman Bill Richardson

If you've never had your hearing checked or at all question your ability to hear, please give us a call. We have three locations to serve the men (and women!) of the greater Toledo area.

Kids and Noise Induced Hearing Loss

If you've been reading this blog or scanning the internet for hearing-related news over the past couple years, you already know what I'm about to say.  But, a reminder is necessary as the weather is finally warmer and more people are out running and walking and mowing their lawns while wearing their iPods.

Noise-induced hearing loss.  It's real folks.  Of course, we know if happens to people who work in factories and other places with really loud noise. But what about your habits? Do you use an iPod or other music player with headphones?  Do you pay attention to how loud you are setting your volume?

What about your kids?

"Hearing loss due to noise exposure is the only type of hearing loss we have any control over. As a pediatric audiologist, I treat the effect of loud music on an alarming number of younger patients. As a mother, I understand that music is a part of every generation and today's youth has more opportunities to directly expose their fragile ears to outputs that can cause hearing loss." says Jacqueline Scholl, Au.D., The Scholl Center for Communication Disorders

Results from a survey done by MTV showed that about half of the 2500 respondents listen to their music players at 75-100% of the maximum volume.  Nearly half also reported symptoms of hearing loss - ringing in the ears, trouble hearing, ear pain when in loud noise.  This is alarming. What's more alarming is that even fewer (about 30%) said they thought this might be a problem.

We NEED to teach our children.  YOU as a parent, need to tell your children to protect their ears...just like you tell them to wear sunscreen or to brush their teeth.

A good piece of advice:  if you can hear the music your child is listening too, it's too loud. Simple. Easy. Tell them to turn it down, or make them use volume-reducing earphone/earbuds.

More questions? Need those safe earbuds? Give us a call.

Rare footage of Helen Keller speaking

with the help of Anne Sullivan. Amazing. What an inspiration.

Why does my Voice Sound Funny with Hearing Aids?

Adapting to new hearing aids often requires adapting all over again to the sound of on'es own voice. hearing aid users sometimes describe their voices as sounding as if they are in a tunnel, a barrel, or talking through a microphone. The feeling is probably the most noticeable change for new users and the hardest thing to adapt to.  Your audiologist cannot make this sensation go away completely, but he or she can help alleviate some of the hollow feeling you may experience.

One of the principle sources of this funny sound is called occlusion. Occlusion is when there is a blocking or closing of the ear canal. Have you ever worn earplugs or put your fingers in your ears to block out sound? When you talk and your ears are plugged, your voice sounds much louder and a bit hollow. When you put hearing aids in your ears you do just that, plug them up. When we talk, the vibration of our vocal cords vibrates the bones in the head briefly, until it disperses out through the ear canals. When we plug up our ears, the sounds are no longer able to escape through the ear canals, but are redirected back to the eardrum, making the low tones louder. This causes us to experience that "echoey" or hollow tone in our voice.

So, if plugging up our ears causes occlusion, how do we get rid of it? Well, we do just the opposite; we unplug them, as much as possible anyway. Most hearing aids have a hole in the ear mold called a vent. This vent helps equalize pressure in the ear canal, lets air circulate and also helps alleviate some of the hollow feeling when we talk. So, as you can imagine, the larger we can make that vent, the more our internal sounds can disperse through the ear canal. Unfortunately, the size of the vent is sometimes limited by both the size of the hearing aid and the size of your ear canal, as well as the loudness of the hearing aid.

Occlusion is not the only factor causing this feeling of a loud, hollow sound. remember that we have hearing aids because we have a hearing loss. We are used to hearing our own voice at a level that reflects that of our hearing loss, but now we have turned that volume up using the hearing aid. So now our voice seems louder to us, even though it sounds the same to everyone else.

To alleviate this problem, your audiologist may try to turn the low-frequency volume down on your hearing aids, but this really only reduces the low-frequencies in everything you hear. Turning down everything we hear contradicts the goal of the audiologist to help you hear the best you possibly can. Needless to say, it is not the best solution. the best solution is to try to get used to your new voice. Try reading out loud to your spouse, kids, grand-kids, or yourself for 15 minutes 2-3 times a day. Reading out loud will force you to listen to your voice constantly. This is how we really sound to the rest of the world. They have gotten used to our voice; we have to try, too.

I know this process sometimes seems long and challenging, but stick with it. Your audiologist will be there for support.

Happy Memorial Day

Today we remember, with gratitude and pride, all those who

served and died for our country and our freedom.

May your day be filled with memories and peace.

God Bless America.

Your Pets can have Ear Problems Too

Why does your cat rush in to the kitchen at the first faint sound of the can opener? Why does your dog alert you to the mail carrier who is still a half a block away?  Our pets have brilliantly designed ears that allow them to raise, rotate and tun in to the faintest sounds.  That's something to be envious of.

However, this heightened sensitivity can come at a price for our pets.  Just as ours can, cat and dog ears can be sensitive to health problems.  We need to be proactive and regularly check their ears and practice preventive maintenance.  Mites, bacterial or yeast infections, allergic reactions, excess water and dirt can all wreak havoc in those amazing ears.  You might see them scratch their ears, shake their head, nip if you get too close to their ears, lose their balance, and even lose hearing.

Dogs seem to be even more at risk that cats, especially those with floppy ears, because those ear flaps can trap dirt and debris and cause a decreased amount of air ventilation which can become a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria to grow.

Don't let it go.  Contact your veterinarian at the first signs of ear problems. It's going to be hard for you to make a diagnosis yourself, so leave that to the professionals.  Inflammation of that outer ear can be a symptom of several things like parasites, allergies, a simple ear infection, tumors or other medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism.

Six reasons to see your vet:

1. your pet constantly scratches her ears.

2. you can smell a foul odor coming from the ears.

3. your pet's ears are tender to the touch.

4. your pet has trouble with balance.

5. the ears are bleeding or swollen.

6. your pet seems to have trouble hearing.

Ain't it the truth?

Ask the Audiologist

Q: My husband has difficulty hearing but he refuses to admit it or have his hearing tested. He says that his hearing is fine, but our friends and family members are getting very frustrated with always having to repeat themselves. How could he not realize how much he is missing?

A: Although hearing loss is one of the most common health problems in this country, it often goes unnoticed and the person with the hearing problem is usually the last one to become aware of it.

Described below are some of the early characteristics of hearing loss.
Understanding these may help explain why hearing loss can "sneak up" on someone, even when family and friends are well aware of the problem:

1. Gradual: a loss of hearing typically develops so slowly that you're not aware of any change from year to year.

2. Partial: you can develop a loss of hearing in the speech clarity range, but still have normal hearing sensitivity for background noises and for the loudness of speech. That's why someone with early onset hearing loss may say, "I can hear people talking, I just can't understand them."

3. Painless: although tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear) may accompany hearing loss, usually there is no feeling or sensation that alerts you to a change in hearing.

4. Invisible: the person with a hearing loss doesn't look any different and you can't detect hearing loss by looking into someone's ears. Only a hearing test can determine whether a hearing loss is present.

Keep in mine that because of these characteristics, it's easy for the person with early onset hearing loss to believe there is no problem. It's also very easy for them to blame others, because to them, it really sounds like people are mumbling. If you know of someone who may have an undetected hearing loss, please ask him or her to read this. And remember, the first step is not to get hearing aids, but simply have an audiologic evaluation. We've never heard anyone complain if the results indicate normal hearing!

Listen UP America Week

Despite the fact that more than 31 million Americans report some type of hearing problem, only about 13 percent of U.S. physicians routinely screen their patients for hearing loss during physical exams. In order to make qualified hearing testing available to the general public, we have partnered with the Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC) to bring free hearing screenings to our community so that people can have their hearing checked by trained audiologists who specialize in evaluating and treating people with hearing loss.

Each day during this week (May 13-17) we have set aside time in our schedule for free hearing screenings.  Appointments are necessary, so call 419-534-3111 to grab one before they get filled!

What is a hearing screening?  First, let me say what it is not:  It is not a complete hearing evaluation. The purpose of a screening is to identify the need for a complete hearing test.  A hearing screening will basically tell us if you have normal hearing, of if there is some hearing loss that needs to be further evaluated. A screening is a pass/fail test.  If you have a hearing loss it does not tell us the degree or nature of the loss.  It simply tells us that further, complete evaluation is necessary.

Bigfoot...in Toledo?

Have you seen him?  He's running around here somewhere, and we want you to find him!

Kenwood is excited to have a billboard up in Toledo.

Find us on our Facebook page HERE, like our page and then send us a private message with Bigfoot's our billboard's location. Be the first and we'll reward you with a special treat!

Better Hearing with Both Ears

Being able to hear with both ears is just as important as being able to see with both eyes. if you have difficulty hearing with both ears, you will almost certainly benefit from a binaural fitting - that is, wearing a hearing instrument in each ear.

What are the benefits of wearing two hearing instruments?

• Your ability to localize sounds will improve
• It will be easier to understand speech in noisy surroundings
• The risk of "auditory deprivation" is considerably reduced
• You will experience a fuller, more comfortable sound picture

Why do we have two ears?  Because our brain uses and needs input from both ears to figure out which direction sounds are coming from. Within seconds, our brain compares the information received from both ears - like the volume and timing differences - and is instantly able to tell us which direction a sound is coming from, and how far away it is.

Background noise makes it difficult for anyone to follow what people are saying. But add in any amount of hearing loss, and suddenly it becomes much more difficult to separate individual voices from background noise.  The brain needs input from both ears to be able to separate sounds effectively.

When an ear with hearing loss is not aided, the brain gradually loses some of its ability to process information from that ear because of a continued lack of sound stimulation.

If you hear equally well with both ears, sounds are more comfortable to listen to. You don't have to strain to hear, the sounds have the kind of clarity and depth which give you a sense of space and volume. 

Hearing Loss: Increases Risks of Depression & Isolation

"When left untreated, hearing loss often lads to isolation, depression and other emotional conditions that can affect both mental health and quality of life," says Sergei Kochkin, PhD, executive director of The Better Hearing Institute. "Yes, hearing loss remains one f the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today."

Even people with mild hearing loss begin to experience increasing levels of isolation  As the world fades to a muffle, those with more severe egress of hearing loss experience even greater degrees of isolation according to a 2010 Australian report.  Once-engaged individuals withdraw. The stigma of hearing loss and the choice to not use hearing aids prevents these social people from getting out, seeing friends or even enjoying a nice dinner.

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I can recall, specifically, a patient in his late 50's who thought he might be experiencing hearing loss.  His wife had been bugging him for years to have his hearing checked.  On a cross-country drive in early 2011, it hit him like a ton of bricks.  On that 3 day drive, he realized he and his wife had not had one single conversation.  Not one word to each other, except maybe "are you hungry?"

Know aware that maybe his wife was right, he started thinking about other aspects of his life.  He realized he had been avoiding a weekly dinner out with friends. He thought he just didn't enjoy it anymore, but now thought it was probably because he wasn't hearing well.

He was fit with hearing aids and will tell any of you that they have changed his life, his relationships and his happiness.

Do You Have Hearing Loss?

Answering "YES" to any of the following questions should be reason enough to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist:

Do you have trouble understanding conversation in noisy environments?

Do you notice that you can "hear" but cannot always "understand" what others are saying?

Do you remain quiet in conversations for fear of responding improperly?

Do you often ask others to repeat themselves?

Do you avoid certain social activities because you cannot hear well?

Do you strain to hear soft-sounding voices such as those of women and children?

Do your friends and family members complain that the television volume is too loud?

Do you have a problem hearing on the telephone?

Here comes the hard part

Although we've all been put out a little bit by the construction and changes that have been happening in our office for the past several weeks, I think the hard part is just getting started.

Our old waiting room is now torn up - we're still using it, so please excuse the mess!

Sarah's office now has a gaping hole in the wall!  It will eventually become part hallway, part closet.

NOISE!  It's everywhere.  Thankfully, these workers have been really great about accommodating us when necessary.  So don't fret - if you have a hearing test scheduled, it won't be affected by the added noise!  When we ask them to take a 15 minute break, they've been happy to comply. (at least they appear happy!)

We've been updating with some pictures on our facebook page - have a look HERE.

With every little annoyance to our business, comes double the excitement for the finished product.  We've picked out wall paper and carpet and furniture...the anticipation is killing us!

The end date? We're still not quite sure. Things have been pushed back quite a bit (obviously) from our original April 1 deadline!  LOL.  I think we've probably got at least 2 weeks left before we're construction free...but that is certainly just a guess!

10 Surprising Medical Causes of Hearing Loss

There are many diseases and conditions that can cause hearing loss even though they are not obviously connected to the ear. Listed below in alphabetical order are some of the more common diseases and conditions unrelated to the ear that affect hearing:

1. DIABETES:  researchers have found that patients with diabetes have more hearing loss than people who do not have diabetes. The National Institute of Health found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes than people without it. People with prediabetes also have a higher incidence of hearing loss.

2. HERPES ZOSTER:  also known as shingles. When it affects the ear, the virus can cause facial paralysis, dizziness and hearing loss. The hearing loss is a nerve loss and can range from mild to severe.

3. HYPERTENSION:  High blood pressure can harden arteries and several studies have shown that hypertension is associated with increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss.

4. HYPOTHYROIDISM:  hypothyroidism can be present at birth or can develop later in life. Once the hearing loss is present, it can't be reversed through thyroid hormone replacement and it's always sensorineural in nature.

5. LYME DISEASE: the bacteria that causes Lyme disease can also cause sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis (sensitivity to loud sound). Patients with these symptoms in Lyme-endemic areas should be tested for the infection since treatment with antibiotics can help reverse them.

6. MEASLES: vaccinations have helped to nearly eliminate measles as a cause of hearing loss, but a few cases are still reported every year. The measles virus was once the cause of 10% of deafness in newborns.

7. MENINGITIS:  meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord and can cause hearing loss. The CDC estimates there are between 3000 and 6000 cases each year in the US. The incidence has been reduced due to vaccinations that are now available.

8. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS): sensorineural hearing loss occurs in about 6% of people with MS. They hearing loss is due to inflammation in the brain stem and cochlear nerve. The hearing loss is rarely severe and can sometimes be reversed if the inflammation is controlled.

9. MUMPS: mumps is a swelling of the salivary glands between the ear and the jaw and can cause a permanent sensorineural hearing loss in one year. Mumps was thought to be completely eradicated, but recently there has been a resurgence of cases.

10. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA): there is some disagreement as to whether RA can cause hearing loss, but recent research shows that between 30 and 40% of patients with RA will exhibit some degree of hearing loss.

While many of these conditions listed about lead to non-reversible  permanent hearing loss, some of the conditions can be prevented through basic lifestyle changes. By keeping a healthy weight and eating a sensible diet and staying physically active, you can reduce your risk of hypertension and diabetes. Also you should keep your immunizations up-to-date and seek early treatment of diseases that could lead to hearing loss.

For more information on health and hearing loss, go to www.hearinghealthmag.com for the full article.

What is involved with ear impressions?

So, you've decided to get some custome-fit ear protection, or earbuds for your iPod. Or perhaps it's time for hearing aids.

How do we do it? How do we make a product that fit your ear specifically?

Our friends at Westone shared this video of the procedure:

Dry, Itchy Ears

We have many complaints about dry, itchy ears.  It's annoying, frustrating and can flat-out drive you crazy!  Itchy ears can be caused by too much wax or even not enough wax, allergies, ear infections and other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

The most dangerous thing you can do is stick something down in your ear to try and relieve the itch. We've heard of people using pen caps, toothpicks, paperclips, bobby pins and all sorts of other little potentially damaging tools.  These are all no-nos!  Come on...you remember the old saying, "Never stick anything in your ear smaller than your elbow!"

Actually, there are some over-the-counter products that can give your ears a rest, when it comes to that itchy irritation.  There is Eargene and Miracell (both available in our office), and we have had good luck with these products.

But one other good old-fashioned standby is glycerin.  Glycerin is thick, like honey.  Really!  Put a little dab on your hand and see what it does for your skin.  But remember, a little goes a long way...you don't need a ton to coat the small surface area of your ear canal.

Dizzy? Loss of Balance? Vertigo? Motion Sickness?

The natural aging process may affect any one or all of our five senses, as well as the central nervous system's ability to interpret and react quickly to them.

It is very common to hear from someone who has fallen that they saw the curb or step, but were not able to react fast enough or to keep their balance.

The National Institute of Health Statistics indicate that balance-related falls account for half of the accidental deaths in the over 65 population. In addition, nearly 300,000 hip fractures and $3 billion in medical expenses result from balance-related falls every year.

With proper diagnosis and therapeutic exercises, called Balance Retraining, many older adults are able to return to a more active lifestyle.

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American Institute of Balance&reg Patient Self Quiz

Have you ever felt:

__ a feeling of motion, spinning, or falling when moving your head quickly, or changing your position, e.g. getting in and out of bed?

__ uncomfortable trying to get around in the dark?

__ walking down grocery store aisles or through the mall is upsetting?

__ your feet just won't go where you want them to?

__ a sense of unsteadiness? A feeling you are not sure-footed?

__ a fear of falling or stumbling?

__ looking at moving objects such as escalators or looking out the side window of a car makes you queasy?

__difficulty keeping your balance as you walk on different surfaces, e.g. tile to carpet?

__a feeling like you are drifting or being pulled to one side when walking?

__ no one really understand how frustrating all of this is?

If you checked one or more of these questions, a vestibular and equilibrium evaluation should be scheduled.  Talk to your primary doctor or call an talk to one of our AudigyCertified Audiologists.

Are You and Your Hearing Aids Prepared for an Emergency?

What happens if there is an emergency in the middle of the night and you don't have your hearing aids in?

• Store extra batteries for hearing aids in an emergency kit, along with a spare hearing aid, if you're fortunate enough to have one.
• ALWAYS store your hearing aids in an consistent, convenient and secure place so you know exactly where there are in a moment of panic. If you're in a rush to get out of your house you need to be able to locate them easily. Imagine not being able to hear well during and following a major disaster.
• Make sure that the smoke alarms in your home are audible to you without your hearing aids. You can also install visual smoke alarms to help alert you of an emergency. Also, make sure at least one alarm is battery operated.
• Keep paper and pens with your emergency kit just in case you are forced to communicate without your hearing aids.
• Enlist the help of family, friends and neighbors to check in on you in the event of threatening weather. Or set you phone up to get text alerts from a local news station or weather center. You may not be aware an evacuation has been ordered or a tornado alarm has sounded, and this can help ensure that you won't be left surprised by severe weather.

We Would LOVE to be Part of Your Event

Do you belong to a local social club, community organization, or neighborhood association? We want you to know that our audiologists are available for educational speaking engagements detailing the importance of protecting, preserving  and promoting the benefits of better hearing.  there is no cost for the appearance. We consider it part of our duties as the area's only Audigy Certified hearing care practice.

Though we've been serving the better-hearing needs of our community for years, our goal this year is to spend even more time with our friends and neighbors. The voices of our loved ones, our favorite songs, and countless other sounds are central to our experience. For most of us, hearing is a sense we all share. And we'd like to be a part of helping you create a lifetime of those special moments through better hearing.

LEARN HOW:

• Hearing works
• Hearing loss occurs
• To prevent hearing loss and maintain better hearing
• Hearing technology can improve your relationships

Please call our practice today so we can coordinate the best time to meet your group. We looks forward to speaking with you and thank you for helping us share the gift of better hearing.

Playing Sports When You Have Hearing Loss

At Kenwood Hearing Center we have had many patients, young and old, who played sports. From football, basketball, hockey and ice skating to karate, golf and tennis...we have seen it all.

If you or a loved one has a hearing loss and want to play sports, please tell us.  The type of hearing aid you should use depends not only on your hearing loss but on the amount of physical activity you exert. today's technology allows for a lot of power in a small hearing aid, but sometimes smaller isn't better for some sports. While hearing aids that fit in the ear are more protected from moisture and wind, the ones that fit behind the ear can be attached to clothing so you don't lose them.

There is protective gear available for your hearing aids as well. If you perspire while playing your sport, invest in an electronic hearing aid dryer. they dry the excess moisture in the hearing aids during a 6 hour cycle while you sleep. You can also use sweat bands to keep moisture away from the hearing aids. To keep from losing aids during strenuous activity, there are cords designed to attach your hearing aids to your clothing.

Let teammates and coaches know you wear hearing aids. And if you aren't going to be wearing them, let your teammates and officials know, so they can alert you to whistles and warnings.

Questions about hearing aids and sports? Call one of our audiologists. We will do our best to keep you competitive.

You can also read a quick story HERE about a female college basketball player, turned WNBA star and 3-time Olympic gold medalist, with hearing loss.

Spring Cleaning

When was the last time you had your hearing aids professionally cleaned?

It's time.

Call for an appointment with Lisa for a Spring Cleaning!

She'll deep clean your aids and change the tubes and/or tips, if necessary.

$30!  Plus, receive a 4 pack of batteries when you come in!

Offer good through March and April 2013 only.

419-534-3111

What's New in Technology?

AGXO h300, powered by Oticon

In today's busy world, you go from one difficult listening situation to another. The AGXO h300 series lets you hear more and better in all of them. This hearing aid is built on the new Inium platform and is the most advanced technology available.

The h300 series not only features the most advanced sound processing architecture ever seen in a hearing aid, it is customized for your personal sound preferences. It works smarter so you don't have to work hard at hearing. Your day is easier, your life is fuller and your world is more complete, because with this brand new technology you can hear more. Anywhere. Anytime.

No two sets of ears are the same. We all have our own sound preferences and hearing needs. It all depends no how our brain "hears." Unlike previous generations of hearing aids, the AGXO h300 series is designed to accommodate your unique hearing requirements.  Your personal hearing preferences are actually used by the powerful sound-processing chip that is at the heart of every h300 series hearing aid.  Think of it as a micro-brain that works in harmony with your brain to help you differentiate sounds. You will hear more naturally and with more clarity, even when you are in a noisy restaurant, a large group or at a sporting event.

The AGXO h300 series' remarkable technologies work together, seamlessly and automatically. Every h300 series hearing device features Speech Path E Technology, a breakthrough in clear, transparent sound. Speech Path works like a shield to protect the clarity of speech even in noisy environments.

The evolutionary Audigy 360 Sound Experience Premium technology allows you to hear in 3-D, so you can better follow conversations that come from different directions. Free Focus automatically selects the best high performance directional mode for you and gives you clearer, more natural sound even in difficult hearing situations.

The amazing new technology comes in many designs or custom fittings to suit your lifestyle and your hearing needs. They are all avoidable in colors that match your skin and hair tones or to make a fashion statement.

Sudden Hearing Loss

These past few weeks have been strange for me.  I've seen 3 women who presented with sudden hearing loss.  There is absolutely no connection between these women; one is 87, one 34 and the other 16.  But they all woke up one morning not being able to hear.  In the older 2 case, only one ear was affected, but in the teenager it was both ears that seemingly bottomed out.

Sudden hearing loss isn't unheard of.  We see it. I'd say we see it a few times a year. But to see 3 in a matter of 3 weeks is rather crazy.  But, it makes me want to shout out what needs to be done in cases of sudden hearing loss.  Far too often things are just pushed aside.  You think eh, it's probably just ear wax. Your family doctor might treat you for an ear infection.  Odds are, however, with sudden severe loss, it's NOT infection.  And in fact, sudden hearing loss deserves IMMEDIATE attention by a specialist.

You see, in some cases, treatment given by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician within the first 48-72 hours can reverse the hearing loss.  When treatment is administered after that, your chances of recovery drop to nearly zero.

If this happens to you or someone you love, seek immediate help.  CALL US!  You need a hearing test to determine the type and degree of loss. Then we should be able to direct you to an ENT for appropriate treatment.

For more information click the link below.

National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders

Did you know?

Research has shown that adults with moderate kidney disease have a higher likelihood of hearing loss than their peers without kidney problems.

March is National Kidney Month

We encourage anyone with kidney disease to make hearing checks a routine part of your ongoing care.  With earlier and more frequent evaluations, hearing loss can be addressed and your quality of life can be greatly improved.

For more information, visit Healthy Hearing's Website HERE.

John & Annie Glenn have a Message for You!

Educational Seminar

We're hosting an educational seminar near our Bowling Green and Wauseon locations in mid-March.  (We're holding off on the Toledo region until our construction is completed. One project at a time people!)

We invite you to join us for lunch:

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 11:30 to 1:30 in WAUSEON

Fulton County Health Center, Conference Facility

725 S Shoop Ave, Wauseon

MONDAY, MARCH 18 - 11:30 TO 1:30 IN BOWLING GREEN

Wood County Hospital, meeting rooms near ER entrance

950 W Wooster, Bowling Green

PLEASE! Save your spot!
RSVP to 419-464-9265

so we have enough lunch to feed everyone who shows up!

"Hear What You've Been Missing" will be presented by Doctor of Audiology, David Lisko, who is the Midwest Clinical Trainer for Oticon Corp.  Come and learn how hearing loss can affect your life and about new developments in hearing care and communication strategies for you and your loved one.

Ch- Ch- Ch- Changes

Are you singing now?  (thank you David Bowie...)

BIG changes happening here in our Toledo office.  We've outgrown our space, it is tight in here!  Any of you that happen to see Alison know she has to use a different office nearly every single day.  We're sharing offices...we're just running out of room.

So, we are expanding our office into the suite next door!  It's an exciting time, but we also know that there will be some inconveniences along the way.  Noise, dust, missing walls, etc.  They're all going to happen.  But in the end, we hope to have a brand new, beautiful space to share with you.

Each audiologist will have their very own office, no more sharing needed.  Plus we're adding a second lab/workspace to better serve you.  We can't wait for you all to see it when it's done (in fact, WE can't wait to see it completed)!  We're planning on hosting an open house sometime in the summer to show it all off.

Our target end-date is sometime in April.  Cross your fingers with us that all will go as planned!

Commone Myths in Hearing Health

from Healthy Hearing

Myth #1: Q-tips are a great way to clean my ears. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, q-tips, as well as other items such as hairpins, keys or paper clips, actually impact the wax and drive it deeper into your ear. Over time, this impacted wax can harden and create a multitude of health problems. Since the ear drum is easily reached with a q-tip, you also run the risk of accidentally puncturing your ear drum while trying to clean it. So what’s the solution? As a general rule, your ears are self cleaning. Ear wax only collects in the outer 1/3 of the ear canal and is typically washed away as the dead skin naturally sloughs from your ear and daily shower water enters the canal. If you suspect your ears need more cleaning than what your soap and washcloth can provide, consult your doctor.

Myth #2: Supplements won’t improve my hearing. Actually, studies show vitamins, minerals and other dietary nutrients are effective in combating hearing loss. Vitamins A, B complex, C and E provide antioxidant benefits, increase blood circulation, bolster your immune system and fight infection. Minerals such as magnesium, potassium and zinc protect inner ear hair cells and support nerve transmission. Other nutrients such as coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant, support your immune system and enhance circulation. Fish oil and folic acid – those found in leafy green vegetables -- are also effective in preventing or delaying hearing loss.

Of course, before you decide to take any dietary supplement, it’s wise to consult your physician. He can determine the cause of your hearing loss and tell you whether any of these supplements will interfere with medications you’re already taking or cause unwanted side-effects. In the meantime, eat a well-balanced diet. The results will be beneficial to more than just your ear health.

Myth #3: Hearing aids won’t help nerve deafness. This is a double-edged myth as it contains two misleading perceptions. First of all, sensorineural hearing loss is a much more accurate term to use than “nerve deafness.” This type of impairment deals with problems in the inner ear – or more specifically, the cochlea (sensory) and the hearing nerve (neural). Not only is it the most common type of hearing loss, hearing aids are recommended to treat sensorineural hearing loss in almost 90% of cases.

Myth #4: Hearing aids make me look old. If you still believe this myth, it’s time to come in and see the new variety of wireless, virtually invisible, hearing aids on the market today. While not everyone is a candidate to wear the undetectable models, many others are small, flesh or hair-colored and fit unobtrusively behind your ear. Those with a sense of whimsy may opt for the brightly-colored models some hearing aid manufacturers are producing. Communicating effectively is a large part of enjoying a healthy life – and much more youthful than not being able to hear at all.

Myth #5: Hearing aids will restore my hearing back to normal. Hearing aids work with the hair cells in your inner ear to amplify sound. Although they have come a long way in the past 20 years, they won’t completely restore your hearing and you may hear sound differently than before. Many variables determine how well hearing aids will improve your ability to hear, including the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing as well as the severity. Once you’ve had a hearing evaluation to determine what is causing your hearing loss, an audiologist will help you choose the best hearing aid to improve your hearing impairment.

And...We're OFF!

The Audiologists at Kenwood Hearing Center will be traveling this weekend. We're all heading to Orlando, FL with Audigy Group and Oticon, to learn about Oticon's latest advancements in hearing aids.

They've launched a new product that we're excited to bring into our line-up, and we're using this weekend to fill our brains with the ins and outs of this new technology.  We'll be excited to share it with all of you upon our return.  (Details to come about a new lunch seminar we're planning!)

So, pardon our absence for a few days.  Our office will be back up and running at full speed come Monday!  But remember, our assistant Lisa is always here to help with minor repairs and cleanings.

Hearing Aids and Moisture

If there is one thing that hearing aids don't like, it's moisture.

Hearing aids are delicate little electronic devices!  They pack an enormous amount of sophisticated electronics within their tiny shells.  And, they are almost sealed containers.  While most manufacturers specially coat all their components and casing against moisture, it's not 100%. However, because that case is almost sealed, the little moisture that might slip in there has a more difficult time of getting out. 

Think of a fly that finds it's way into a two-liter pop bottle, searching for that last sugary drop.  Easy in, not so easy out.

So what do you do about, aside from not wearing your aids in the shower or dancing in the rain with them?  Every night you should be taking some extra precautions to keep your aids in tip top shape. It is especially important in areas, or during those summer months, with higher humidity.

For many people, using a simple Dry Jar (which we give you with the purchase of any aids from our office) every night will do the job.  Dry Jars work on one simple principle - a desiccant removes moisture from the air.

For people who struggle to keep moisture under control, a more sophisticated, electronic device is available, called a Dry & Store. These devices combine controlled heat, a desiccant (and depending on the model, germicidally pure air, by use of a light fixture) to remove moisture from your hearing aids.  These are available for purchase in our office.

People who are unable to control the moisture levels in their hearing instruments can face poorly or non-functioning hearing aids and countless repairs that add up quickly.  Take charge!  Make sure you are doing what you can to maintain the life of your hearing aids!

If you have any questions, or would like to talk to someone in our office about moisture problem, or you would like more information about the Dry Jars or Dry & Stores, please give us a call.  419-534-3111

HEARt

Need help with that?  Give us a call 419-534-3111

Why Do Hearing Aids Cost So Much?

Professional Services Required for Maximum Benefit 
In order to receive maximum benefit from hearing aids, a professionally trained audiologist is involved in the fitting process which typically involves an average of five direct contact hours during the first year. In many cases, audiologists will provide unlimited service during the warranty period (from one to three years) or beyond, for no additional charge. This follow-up care may be "bundled" into the upfront cost of the hearing aid. In other words, when a hearing aid is dispensed, it is typically part of a package that routinely includes certain required professional services such as verification of the hearing aid fitting including, but not limited to, real ear (or probe tube) measurements and aided sound field testing. This package may also include ear impressions, selecting/ fitting/adjusting/reprogramming the hearing aid, patient and family counseling regarding hearing aid use, maintenance and realistic expectations and follow-up appointments. 

Mail order or budget clubs may sell hearing aids at lower prices because they are often placed on the user with minimal or no instructions and/or adjustments. (Their components may be less expensive, too.) The user may be charged for return visits including minor tubing changes and adjustments. In the long run, the patient may pay as much or even more than they would from a full-service audiology practice.

The minimum training required for a dispensing audiologist has been a master's degree, which is now transitioning to a doctoral degree (Au.D.). Mail order discount centers, by contrast, are often staffed by sales people with minimal technical training. Why does it matter? Audiologists know that the most important consideration in hearing aid selection is not the hearing itself; rather, it is the skill and knowledge of the professional dispensing the hearing aid. The audiologist's responsibility is to ensure that a suitable instrument is selected and to provide an understandable explanation of its merits and limitations. 

High Tech/Low Volume 
Hearing aids are sold in relatively low volume when compared with other electronic devices. For example, approximately 1.7 million hearing aids are sold in the U.S. per year as compared to several million stereos; yet, the amount of time and resources manufacturer's spend on development and research is considerable. One manufacturer reports spending more than twenty million dollars developing a single model. 

Return for Credit Policy
"Return for Credit" policies are standard among hearing aid manufacturers and required by state and federal hearing aid guidelines, allowing new hearing aids to be returned within an established evaluation period. The costs associated with these policies are considerable, especially for custom products, and naturally must be absorbed in the overall pricing structure. 

Weighing the Costs
Communication is vital to human existence. According to a groundbreaking study published by the National Council on Aging (1999), "Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and social consequences for older persons." The benefits hearing aid users reported in their lives ranged from improved relationships at home and sense of independence to improved social and sex life. According to the study, the families of hearing-aid users noticed improvements in every dimension the survey measured. An additional "Beyond Fifty" survey conducted by the AARP and Harris Interactive (2003) found that the ability to stay connected to family and friends contributed to quality of life more than overall health. So if wearing hearing aids allows you to resume activities you enjoy, improve relationships with friends and family, retain your independence, etc. the cost becomes a lot more justifiable.

from ADA-Doctors of Audiology / www.audiologist.org

What a gift we share!

This will tug your heart...

Below is a link to a video you all should watch.  Don't worry, it's quick, but it's sure to make your heart swell.

It's amazing to be associated with the people who make things like this happen.  I can only hope to be a part of something this big someday...

Audigy/Starkey Mission Trip to Guadalajara

2013 Health Fair - Bowling Green

Tomorrow Diann and Sarah will be participating in a Health Fair at the Simpson Building in Bowling Green.  The free health fair starts at 9am and runs until 1pm.

Sponsored by the Sentinel Tribune and Wood County Hospital, they're promising free give-aways every half hour!  (We've even donated a goodie basket for a prize!)

Stop by and see us if you're there, we'd love to see you!

A Dose of Laughter

A 92 year old man went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later the doctor saw the man walking down the street with a gorgeous young lady on his arm.

At the man's next appointment, the doctor said, "You're really doing great, aren't you?"

The man replied, "Just doing what you said, 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful.'"

The doctor said, "I didn't say that. I said you got a heart murmur. Be careful."

Technology AND Service

Every year it seem we see more advertisements for simpler  cheaper hearing aids that claim to be every bit as effective as professionally fit hearing solutions.  Based on the regular stream of patients who come see us frustrated with the hearing aids they've purchased from mail order companies or warehouse retailers, we know firsthand how inferior - and even dangerous - these products can be.

To achieve the full benefits of today's advanced hearing aids, consumer advocates repeatedly stress the importance of an experienced provider. not only can an experienced provider accurately test your hearing, and fit your hearing aids,but they will also provide critical follow-up services - carefully listening to your experiences and fine tuning the aids to your specific needs.

Audigy Certified providers pride themselves on such service and an unmatched dedication to patient satisfaction. Truly effective hearing care solutions, like our current lineup of AGX Hearing devices, are highly customized pieces of technology.  Let us show you how - through expert fitting and follow-up care - the advanced features and programs of today's hearing technology can help you enjoy the full benefits of better hearing and improved communication.

Make a resolution to hear better this year! Cal today to learn about our advanced hearing devices and find out how today' state of the art hearing technology can surpass your expectations of how compact, comfortable and effective your hearing aids can be. Make your appointment before January 31 and we'll give you $500 off a new pair when you trade in your old devices!

Hearing Loss = Less Pay?

According to a recent national study completed by the Better Hearing Institute - "Impact of Hearing Loss on Household Income" - Americans with unaddressed hearing loss make less money than people with normal hearing. The study found that wearing a hearing aid reduced the amount of income lost.  Specifically, untreated hearing loss negatively affects household income, on-average, by nearly $23,000 per year depending on the degree of hearing loss.  The use of hearing aids mitigates those negative effects by about 50 percent.

Did you know...

The youngest pope was 11 years old. 

Mark Twain didn't graduate from elementary school. 

Proportional to their weight, men are stronger than horses. 

Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first Thanksgiving dinner. 

They have square watermelons in Japan - they stack better. 

Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation. 

Heinz Catsup leaving the bottle travels at 25 miles per year. 

It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs. 

Armadillos can be housebroken. 

The first Fords had engines made by Dodge. 

A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night. 

Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite. 

Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone. 

A hippo can open its mouth wide enough to fit a 4 foot tall child inside. 

A quarter has 119 grooves on its edge, a dime has one less groove. 

A hummingbird weighs less than a penny.