Debunked Myths About Hearing Loss

At Premier Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we’ve been treating patients experiencing hearing disorders for decades. In that time, we’ve heard just about every misconception about hearing loss and hearing aids imaginable. In an effort to keep our community educated about hearing health, we’ve debunked some of the most common hearing loss myths.

1.      My primary care provider would tell me if I have hearing loss. Your primary doctor is looking at your health from a more generalized perspective and may not make a point to examine your hearing unless it is requested of them. Additionally, a thorough hearing test is required to properly diagnose a hearing loss. These tests must be performed by a hearing heath specialist.

2.      My hearing loss isn’t severe enough for a hearing aid. Many of the patients we’ve worked with have been hesitant to treat hearing loss since they can still hear “most of the time.” However, hearing loss is marked by the gradual loss of certain frequencies. When left untreated, hearing loss can progress from mild to severe. Hearing aids help preserve your hearing by stimulating nerves in the ear.

3.      I’m not old enough to have a hearing loss. Hearing loss affects approximately 20% of Americans, ranging from young children to the elderly. In fact, 65% of individuals with hearing loss are younger than 65 years old.

4.      I can still hear well in one ear, so I’m okay. Since hearing loss tends to occur slowly over time, it can be difficult for individuals to understand the extent of their loss. The brain also has funny ways of compensating for the hearing loss, making it more difficult to determine the true degree of hearing loss without a professional diagnosis. Only regular hearing tests will provide an accurate indicator of your auditory capabilities.

5.      Hearing aids won’t help with my tinnitus. Certain hearing devices are designed to manage tinnitus symptoms through sound therapy and personalized amplification settings.

While these are among the most pervasive hearing loss fallacies we encounter, there are many other fears and stigmas associated with this condition. Experiencing a hearing loss can be an isolating experience, but you don’t need to deal with it alone. Our team of audiologists is the best hearing aids providers Houston,Texas has to offer. To learn how to take control of your hearing health, contact our team at (832) 495-4277!

Reasons Hearing Aids Are NOT Like Glasses

We often think about a deterioration in vision and hearing as being symptomatic of old age. Indeed, our systems do experience a decline in our later years, and that may manifest as either a hearing loss or loss of sight. However, the similarities between these two conditions are very limited and treating them requires two very different approaches. Here are a few key reasons glasses differ from hearing aids.

1.      Most hearing problems are sensorineural, and most eye problems are mechanical. This is an oversimplification, but it is important to distinguish these differences. As long as the optic nerve is in good health, treating vision is relatively direct. Hearing, on the other hand, works in tandem with the brain. This makes hearing loss a complicated condition to treat.

2.      Your hearing won’t get worse while wearing a hearing aid. Your brain actually works harder when hearing aids are in use. Hearing aids work to stimulate the nerves in the ear, which in turn send more activity to the brain. Glasses, on the other hand, compensate for the muscles in your eyes so that they are working less. Over time, these muscles can weaken and your eyesight may suffer.

3.      Hearing aids are more complicated. Generally, glasses serve one function: to refract light at the correct power to enable the user to see. Bifocals can be more challenging to get used to, but the process is relatively straightforward. Hearing aids offer corrections (gain) for each individual frequency. In eyeglasses, this level of sophistication might be similar to the lenses continuously adjusting the spectrum of colors.

4.      Hearing aids require more customizations. Unlike your eyeglass prescription, tuning your hearing aids can require more trial and error. Everyone experiences hearing loss differently. In order to make sure the right set of frequencies is amplified and filtered, you may need to have a couple of fittings with your audiologist.

Both eyeglasses and hearing aids serve to improve an individual’s overall health and quality of life. However, hearing aids require adjustments and patience to work optimally. If you’d like to set up a hearing consultation or are in need of hearing aid repair in Houston, we can help. Our hearing center serves central Texas in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing disorders. Contact us at (832) 495-4277!

Can Gene Therapy Help Cure Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, or the perception of sounds when no sounds are present, affects 50 million Americans, which is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of our nation’s population. The condition can range from minor to debilitating, depending on the individual. There are proven tinnitus therapy methods, such as sound or behavioral therapy, but not everyone is able to achieve complete rehabilitation from these methods. New studies conducted in gene therapy have shown promise and may even lead to a cure for tinnitus and hearing loss.

There are a number of potential causes of tinnitus, and identifying the underlying issue is key in finding an appropriate tinnitus treatment. Many cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss.
Experts theorize that as you lose the ability to hear certain sound frequencies, the brain compensates by increasing your sensitivity to sound or creating phantom noises.

Gene therapy studies have attempted to regenerate cells so the body can restore the hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. Through the regeneration of sensory receptors, an individual’s hearing can potentially normalize, thereby eliminating the presence of unwanted sounds. This method has proven successful in treating other animals, primarily guinea pigs and mice. Recently, researchers have begun doing pilot testing on human subjects. In 2014, a Denver native was among the first to receive the gene therapy treatment. Though the research is ongoing, the patient did tell the New York Times he was “hearing a new sound or hearing sound differently” than he had before.

Little has been reported on the success of these trials since early 2015; however, researchers are optimistic that this therapy may lead to human treatment by 2025. If these methods are successful, it would have a significant impact on the medical field and hearing health industry. Fortunately, there are many other successful options for treating tinnitus Houston is equipped with premiere hearing health professional who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus and hearing loss. To schedule a consultation, we welcome you to contact our team at (832) 495-4277.

7 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Hearing Aids

When you picture a hearing aid, what comes to mind? If you’re visualizing the bulky behind-the-ear model your grandfather wore, you’ve got some catching up to do! The hearing aid industry has improved exponentially in the past decade. Devices are smaller and more powerful than ever. The following list highlights some of the enhancements that have been made in recent years, as well as other surprising facts.

1.      Wearing hearing aids can be beneficial to your mental health. The use of hearing aids can help prevent cognitive decline. When left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, withdrawal and anxiety.

2.      They make virtually invisible models. Some manufacturers have created implantable listening devices. These hearing aids are inserted into your ear canal, making them completely invisible to others! Even the more traditional styles have become nearly impossible to see.

3.      Some hearing aids are waterproof. The hearing aid industry has developed waterproof and water resistant models, which allow for greater freedom when engaging in water-based activities.

4.      Many devices are equipped with Bluetooth. Most of the higher-level hearing technologies are now able to sync with your external devices. This makes it easier to converse on the phone and listen to music.

5.      Hearing aids can improve your balance. Your ability to hear has an impact on your balance. Even a mild loss of hearing can increase your chances of fall-related injuries.

6.      Only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing device actually wears one. Though hearing health plays an integral role in your overall well-being, many individuals choose not to treat their hearing loss. Some wait up to seven years before seeking treatment.

7.      Devices can adapt to your surroundings. The days of over-amplified background noise are in the past. Multidirectional microphones are able to detect important sounds, such as voices. Additionally, you can program multiple settings to accommodate different environments.

Hearing aids are more advanced now than ever. With so many options available, those suffering from a hearing impairment are able to find hearing aids suited to their specific needs. For those who may have older devices, you may benefit from hearing aid repair or tuning. For more information, schedule a consultation with your local Houston audiologist or contact our office at (832) 495-4277.

Guide to Neighborhood Hearing Centers & Big Box Stores

As Big Box retailers make their way into the hearing aid industry, there are more places than ever to obtain hearing aids. This had lead to confusion among consumers looking to improve or maintain their hearing health. However, there are distinct differences between big-box realtors and your local hearing center. Our team has complied the following guide to help explain these differences.

Levels of Care

Perhaps the largest discrepancy between the chain stores and private practices is the level of care. Think of it this way: while chain stores are in the business of selling, hearing centers are in the business of treating. When you patronize a local practice, a Doctor of Audiology provides a diagnosis and plan for treatment. This allows for individualized care from someone who is personally invested in your rehabilitation. The spectrum of care is more limited at Big Box stores, since they do not require the same level of expertise from their staff.

Hearing Technology

Chain stores operate on a model of convenience. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this system—buying bulk can be advantageous in many ways—it does prohibit these establishments from providing customized hearing solutions. From a retail perspective, it is more beneficial for the store to only offer a few hearing aid models. This allows them to buy those models in bulk and sell them at a discounted rate. The down side to this approach is that patients may end up with generic hearing devices that does not meet his or her individual needs. Your local Houston hearing center will have a more diverse selection, allowing you to choosing the hearing aid that treats your specific type of hearing loss. 

Cost

For many prospective buyers, cost is the biggest consideration. At first glance, this is the largest advantage in favor of Big Box stores, but as hearing health professionals, we often see how less expensive, short-term solutions can quickly become a money pit. Purchasing discounted devices from chain stores or online vendors can be risky. The device may not be fitted properly; impacted ear wax may be the true cause of your hearing loss; the device might not be as advanced enough to work in wide range of settings. Before purchasing a wholesale device, first consider the long-term costs of upkeep and repairs. Many private practices include these services in the cost of the treatment plan.

Communication is an essential part of our lives, and hearing plays a key role. Before you make a decision to purchase a hearing device, be sure that the technology is personalized to match your individual hearing experience. If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, we invite you to call us today at (832) 495-4277. 

Selecting the Right Battery for Your Hearing Aid

Think you know all about batteries? Think again! If you have hearing loss, you may have come in contact with hearing aid batteries. These batteries are different than the batteries you are used to. “Normal” batteries (as they will henceforth be referred to as) run on mercury; hearing aid batteries use zinc.

All hearing aid batteries are zinc-air type, which lasts longer than normal batteries. The hearing aid batteries do have one major difference from normal batteries, they drain differently. Instead of slowly losing power over time, these batteries will go from seemingly full to dead in an instant. A problem arises when you put your hearing aid in in the morning and think it sounds fine, only to have the batteries die in a few hours. A battery tester is the only way to confirm how much juice your battery actually has left.

It is important to figure out how long a typical battery will last in your hearing aid. The more severe your hearing loss, the more amplification is required. This increase reduces the battery life. The number of hours a day you use your hearing aid as well as the amount of additional features a hearing aid has also affect how long a battery will last.

Lower temperatures, higher altitude and amount of humidity all negatively affect the battery life.

An easy way to figure out how long a battery lasts in your hearing aid is to write down the date you put the battery in and the date you take it out. Keep a list for all batteries from one package (the list can even be kept on the package of batteries!). Once you have used up the package you should be able to identify your range. Typically, a battery will last anywhere from one to four weeks.

Hearing aid batteries come in 5 standard sizes. The larger the hearing aid, the larger the battery.

#675 is used in the behind-the-ear model
#13 is used in the in-the-ear model
#312 is used in the in-the-canal model
#10 is used in the completely-in-the-canal model
#5 is used in the smallest completely-in-the-canal model

Your Houston audiologist will help you determine which type of batteries you need for your hearing aid. They will also help teach you how to replace the batteries and how to store them correctly. If you have any questions, your Houston audiologist is only a phone call away.

Choosing the Best Houston Audiologist for Hearing Evaluation

Hobbies are great! Nothing beats finding something you love to do and being able to share it with other like-minded individuals. For many in the Houston area, hunting is the go-to hobby. Many learned how to handle a riffle while in the backyard with their dad shooting at old tin cans. That love you felt as a child has carried through into adulthood. You may even be passing on the tradition to your kids or grandkids!

Unfortunately, years of hunting in the Houston area with no ear protection usually leads to hearing loss. Do you find yourself asking people to repeat what they just said more than normal? What about turning the volume up on the TV to a point where others have to ask you to turn it down? Having trouble hearing while talking on a telephone? If so, you may be experiencing hearing loss.

Never fear! Your local area Houston audiologist is here to help! Once you take the plunge and call to schedule an appointment, they will bring you in for a hearing evaluation. This involves a series of tests that are used to determine your type and degree of hearing loss. This is important information as your audiologist will use this for the next phase, treatment!

There are a number of treatment options. The most common is use of a hearing aid. Easier said than done. There are an ever growing number of hearing aids with different styles created by different manufactures. Your Houston audiologist is able to help you with this decision, determining which hearing aid would work best for your degree of hearing loss and if any additional features you may require will be able to fit on that model. 

In addition to help choosing your hearing aid, your Houston audiologist will review ways you can prevent your hearing form getting worse. This includes always wearing hearing protection, especially while hunting. 

Earmolds for Hearing Protection in Houston

Have you ever been to the dentist (or orthodontist) and had an impression taken of your teeth with that sticky goop? Makes sense, everyone’s teeth are different and your dentist needs to have an exact mold in order to create an apparatus that fits snugly. If a dentist will do this for teeth, why don’t audiologists do this for your ears?

They do! Audiologistsin Houston, Texas can take a mold of your ear for a number of reasons. Many hearing aids require a custom earmold in order to sit securely in your ear. Earmolds can be used as protection as well. Swimmers, hunters and musicians can all benefit from custom-made earmolds.  Earmolds for swimmers are made of lightweight and waterproof silicone material to ensure they float and no water can enter your ear while swimming. Hunter’s earmolds are created to block out dangerously loud gunshot noises while at the same time letting softer sounds in, ensuring your ears are protected and you can still maintain awareness of your surroundings. Earmolds for musicians are able to reduce sound levels evenly, so music and speech sound clear and not muffled. This allows the musician to hear every detail of the music but also reduces the risk of noise-induced-hearing-loss.

While some earmolds can be used for used for very specific purposes (such as swimming), custom earmolds can also be purchased for general hearing protection. Going to concerts, attending a sporting event and even walking on the side of busy street in Houston are all situations that put you at risk for developing noise-induced-hearing loss. A pair of custom earmolds can provide protection against all of these.

Earmolds come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be made of acrylic, vinyl and silicone. Acrylic molds are the hardest material; they are resistant to breakage and are the easiest to repair. But they lack flexibility, which means they are difficult to place into a small ear (especially a child’s ear). Molds made of vinyl are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are softer than acrylic molds but sturdier than silicone. They produce a better seal but can become misshapen over time. This means they need to be replaced more often. Silicone molds are the softest and most flexible. They produce the tightest seal and are extremely durable. They are also difficult to insert in the ear because of how soft they are and can rip easily.

The only way to figure out the type of earmold that will work best for you is to discuss the options with your local Houston audiologist. They are the experts!

Blinging out your hearing aid

Hearing loss is extremely common; 48 million individuals in Houston, Texas and throughout America suffer from some form. While hearing aids and other visible treatment options (such as cochlear implants and assistive devices) are not the treatment choice for everyone, they are a viable alternative for many of these individuals.

If you are one of these 48 million, have you ever thought about the possibility of updating the look of your hearing device? While adults are more than welcome to participate and let their glitter-loving selves out, children may be more likely to take advantage of these tips.

The easiest way to customize your device is to just buy an accessory. There are many companies that sell fashionable clips, jewelry and pins that can be attached right to the hearing aid. Some even offer alternative designs for the hearing aids themselves; what’s more funky than an earring that is also part of your hearing aid?

Stickers are also an easy way to customize a device. You can buy stickers or print them off the Internet onto special vinyl sticker paper. Make sure the device is clean and dry before applying any of these stickers. Don’t forget to decorate for the major holidays!

Nail foils are small and intricate stickers for nails that can also be applied to hearing devices. Some websites provide excellent tutorials on how to apply these.

Something else to keep in mind, the next time your child needs new earmolds made, find out if they come in other colors. Some places in Houston are able to place pictures, logos or even glitter into the molds.

Customizing your child’s hearing aid to stand out is an excellent way to show them that hearing loss is nothing to be embarrassed about. Brightly colored and fun devices are the first step in starting a conversation. Your child will soon get used to answering questions about the device and their condition; this will help them feel more confident in themselves and will help them spread the information on to others. 

NYE Part 3 – Hearing Aid Fitting

NYE Part 3 – Hearing Aid Fitting – Premier Audiology (Houston Hearing Cares)

The time has finally arrived, after months (or years) of debating if you should take the first step, you did. You made the appointment, went to the visit and after sitting through a few tests, have chosen the perfect hearing aid. Now, you got the call that the device you and your area audiologist decided upon is finally ready in Houston, Texas.

Before you arrive to the office, your audiologist in Houston will unbox the hearing aid and use a computer program to set it up with your hearing loss preferences. When you arrive for your visit the hearing aid will be all ready to turn on.

After making sure the hearing aid fits comfortably in your ear, it will be turned on. Things may sound weird; you probably aren’t used to hearing all the sounds of Houston. Your audiologist will perform a few tests to make sure the hearing aid is picking up and amplifying sounds to the right level.

Your audiologist will then explain how to use any of the advanced features your hearing aid contains. These can normally be customized to fit your lifestyle. You will learn the proper care and maintenance for your hearing aid; this will help keep the device working to its full potential for as long as possible.  

This sounds like a lot of information. The good news is, before leaving the office you will schedule a follow up visit. This visit is just to check in to see how the hearing aid is working for you and to see if anything needs to be adjusted. You can also contact your audiologist’s office anytime if you have any questions once you leave.

Houston has a 30-day return period for hearing aids. This ensures if you are not happy with the device you purchased after trying it out, that’s ok! You can return the device and work with your audiologist to figure out which design will work better for your level of hearing loss.

New Year’s Resolution – part 2 Hearing Aid Evaluation

Once you have worked with your Houston, Texas audiologist to determine the cause and extent of your hearing loss, the next step is to decide on the course of treatment that is right for you.  To make your decision you should take hearing aid style, the level of technology you need and the final cost of the device into consideration.

Hearing Aid Style

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

·         Smallest, least visible style

·         Fits inside the ear canal

·         Smallest battery, shortest battery life

·         No extra features due to size

·         Works for mild and moderate hearing loss

In-the-canal (ITC)

·         Fits half inside the ear canal and half outside

·         Slightly larger battery, slightly longer battery life

·         Contains a few features

·         Works for mild and moderate hearing loss

In-the-ear (ITE)

·         Fits in the outer portion of the ear with two styles, full shell (most of the outer ear) and half shell (only the lower part of the ear)

·         Larger battery, longer battery life

·         Contains more features

·         Works for mild to severe hearing loss

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

·         Contains two parts, one that fits behind the ear and one that fits inside the ear canal, connected with a tube

·         Largest model

·         Largest battery, longest battery life

·         Contains the most features

·         Works for mild to severe hearing loss

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)

·         Contains two parts, one that fits behind the ear and one that fits inside the ear canal, connected with a thin wire

·         Less visible than the BTE model

·         Large battery, long battery life

·         Contains the most features

·         Works for mild to severe hearing loss

Technology

Telecoil (T-coil) Enabled Devices

·         T-coil works as a miniature wireless receiver

·         Picks up electromagnetic signals and turns those signals into sound inside hearing aids

·         Allows the user to directly connect with a hearing loop, FM and infrared system

Bluetooth Enabled

·         Bluetooth works as a wireless receiver

·         Allows user to directly connect with any Bluetooth enabled devices – cell phone, MP3 player, TV

Cost

Hearing aids differ in cost between offices, even within Houston. Generally, the more features and the more advanced the hearing aid, the higher the cost. So you can get an idea:

Behind-the-ear style range from $1,850 to $2,700

Receiver-in-the-ear range from $1,200 to $2,700

Completely-in-the-canal range from $1365 to $2,860

In-the-canal range from $1,300 to $2,750

In-the-ear range from $1,200 to $2,700

Once you and your Houston audiologist have weighted your options and decided on which make and model is right for you, the next phase of the process is to be fitted for your hearing aid. This process will be explained in next week’s blog post!