Hearing Loss is the Number One Disability in the World
Hearing loss is prevalent in modern societies as a result of the combined effects of noise, aging, disease, and heredity.
Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world; approximately 28 million Americans suffer some type of hearing loss.
In addition, 15 of every 1000 people under the age of 18 have a hearing loss, and nearly 90% of people over age 80 have a hearing impairment.
The incidence of hearing loss is greater in men, than women. The sad part is, that hearing loss is the most preventable disability in the world.
Hearing is a complicated process involving both the sensitivity of the ear, as well as the ability to understand, and interpret the speech.
When we hear sounds, we really are interpreting patterns of air molecules in the form of waves. . The ear is able to pick up these waves, and convert them into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. In the brain, these signals are deciphered into meaningful information, such as language or music with qualities like volume and pitch. We can characterize sounds in terms of their frequency (or pitch) and intensity (or loudness).
An individual with hearing in the normal range can hear sounds that have frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hertz.
Speech includes a combination of low and high frequency sounds; vowels have lower frequencies and are easier to hear.
Consonants, on the other hand have higher frequencies, and are harder to hear.
Since consonants express most of the meaning of what we say, someone who cannot hear high frequency sounds will have a hard time understanding speech.
Intensity, or loudness, is measured in decibels.
A normal hearing range usually ranges from 0 to 140 dB.
A whisper is around 30 dB, and normal conversations are usually 45 to 50 dB. Sounds that are louder than 90 dB can be uncomfortable to hear. A loud concert might be as loud as 110 dB. Extreme sounds that are 120 dB or louder can be quite painful and can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Hearing loss can happen in either frequency or intensity or both.
The severity of hearing loss is assessed on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities most often associated with speech.
Severity of loss can best be described as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
Deafness is used to describe an individual who has approximately 90 dB or greater hearing loss.
The term "hard of hearing" describes a condition that is less severe than deafness.
There are many potential causes of hearing loss. These can be divided into two basic types, called conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is the result of the interference of sound transmission from the outer ear to the inner ear.
Common causes include, inner ear infections, accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, excessive wax, damage to the eardrum by infection or an injury, or otosclerosis. This type of hearing loss is temporary, and results in a less severe form.
Sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage to the pathway from the hair cells of the inner ear to the auditory nerve and the brain. Common causes include, age-related hearing loss, injury to the inner ear hair cells as a result of trauma or noise, abnormal pressure in the inner ear, stroke, benign lesions, and brain tumors.
This type of hearing loss is more devastating, and is usually more permanent.
The successful treatment of hearing loss depends on the cause.
A bacterial infection of the middle ear can be treated with antibiotics; blockages of the outer and middle ears can be cleared; damaged eardrums can be repaired surgically; and ossicles affected by otosclerosis can be replaced with artificial bones. Some causes of sensorineural hearing loss can also be improved. For example, an acoustic neuroma can be removed surgically.
If no cure is successful, a hearing aid for one, or both ears usually helps, whether the loss is a result of conductive or sensorineural problems. Many different types of hearing aid are available and an audiologist will advise as to which type best suits the needs of the individual.
When a hearing aid does not give adequate amplification, as with profound deafness, a cochlear implant can help. This device transmits sound directly into the auditory nerve via electrodes surgically implanted into the cochlea.
Although the sounds heard tend to be of a buzzing or electronic nature, it can be very useful when used in combination with lip reading.
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Celebrate ?Better Hearing and Speech Month? this May
(ContentDesk) May 2, 2004 -- May, 2004 is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM).
One way to observe the event is to self-assess one's hearing.
Some indications of possible hearing loss are: ?
frequently asking others to repeat themselves ?
often turning toward a sound to hear it better ?
understanding people better when wearing glasses or looking directly at their faces ?
losing one's place in group conversations ?
keeping the volume on the radio or TV at a level that others say is too loud ?
experiencing pain or ringing in one's earsThis May, take time to notice these signs of hearing loss.
If they seem familiar, don't hesitate to seek help.
Early detection of hearing difficulties can improve quality of life
and ease the transition back to better hearing.
Don't be one of the many people who suffer alone, postpone treatment, or avoid the use of hearing aids.This information is...
Celebrate ?Better Hearing and Speech Month? this May
Hearing aid > Celebrate ?Better Hearing and Speech Month? this May
America Hears, Distributor and Manufacturer of Digital Hearing Aids, Contracts with Licensed Audiologist
Philadelphia, PA (ContentDesk) May 23, 2006 - America Hears, the premier vendor and manufacturer of digital hearing aids, announced that it has signed a contract with licensed Minnesota audiologist Blane Anderson, MA, CCC-A. Anderson joins the America Hears team following a long career with another hearing aid manufacturer. He will oversee the opening of America Hears latest factory outlet store in Burnsville, Minnesota, where he will not only sell America Hears hearing aids, but will also work with state-of-the-art equipment to improve the fitting procedure.
Im very excited to be working with America Hears, which prides itself on utilizing top-of-the-line technology in its hearing aids, said Anderson. At the new location in Burnsville, my goal is to fine...
Hearing aid > America Hears, Distributor and Manufacturer of Digital Hearing Aids, Contracts with Licensed Audiologist
A Review of Popular Hearing Aid Products
With dozens of hearing aid manufacturers, there is a lot of competition to retain the consumer's business. Companies continually try to advance their technologies to make their products the best hearing aids on the market. With all of the advances now underway and over the past 20 years, a hard-of-hearing person can look forward to benefiting from this competition.
Siemens
These days, the Siemens company has its corporate hand in a huge variety of markets, and hearing aids are no exception. Siemens strives to offer consumers the best hearing aids in the world.
Siemens manufactures one out of every five hearing aids in the world.
They offer a complete range of hearing aids from behind-the-ear, completely-in-the-ear, digital and programmable models. Siemens is the leader in hearing aid manufacturing and continues to develop new outstanding products. They guarantee that they have a custom model to fit every lifestyle.
Starkey
...
Hearing aid > A Review of Popular Hearing Aid Products
Several types of hearing aids
A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that
amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved
communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a
microphone, which then converts the sound waves to
electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of
the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a
speaker.
Different kinds of hearing aids
There are several types of hearing aids. Each type offers
different advantages, depending on its design, levels of
amplification, and size.
Before purchasing any hearing aid,
ask whether it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out.
Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period
during which aids can be returned for a refund.
There are four basic styles of hearing aids for people with
sensorineural hearing loss:
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the
...
Hearing aid > Several types of hearing aids
Digital Hearing Aids: Affordable Technology
Cranbury, NJ
September 29, 2004 -? Those with mild to moderate hearing loss will find the Songbird? 400 Hour digital hearing aid to provide clarity of sound, comfort, and convenience.
The Songbird 400 Hour digitally processes sounds, reduces background noise, and amplifies high frequency sounds ? vital in distinguishing conversation.Providing sound quality on par with hearing aids that cost thousands, the Songbird 400 Hour uses digital technology, including automatic volume adjustment, allowing it to deliver the right amplification at the right time in varying sound environments ? phone calls, meetings, viewing TV, etc.No hearing exam is required for the Songbird 400 Hour, making it simple and easy to try better hearing.
Made of soft, pliable materials, the hearing aid is sized to fit most people comfortably in either ear.
Because it's disposable, there are no batteries to replace and no costly repairs.The Songbird 400 Hour is available at 1-800-251-6622...
Hearing aid > Digital Hearing Aids: Affordable Technology
Hearing Expert Reveals Hidden Payoffs of Uncorrected Hearing Loss
Cornelius, NC (ContentDesk) June 22, 2006 -- According to Randy Wohlers BC HIS, President of MyHearPod.com, the first online hearing aid solutions company for baby boomers, "Unfortunately, many boomers refuse to wear hearing aids because they feel hopeless and use their hearing loss to reinforce their pessimism. Some are antisocial, and do not want to be held accountable for their behavior."