Hearing Devices On Line

This time of year, it's easy to join the millions of people shopping online to save time and money.

However, there's at least one thing you should never purchase on line: hearing devices.

"To get a hearing device that is customized for your particular hearing needs, you should visit a hearing specialist with an audiologist on staff," said Dr. Mary Bohr, Director of Audiology at McGuire's Hearing Aids and Audiological Services.

"Purchasing a device without the guidance of a trained, licensed professional means the hearing device you purchase may be ineffective, and it's possible it can even damage your hearing even further," she warned.

Dr. Bohr added that hearing devices require programming from a professional. "Programming involves two-way communication: hearing professionals adjust devices based on what a patient indicates they hear," she explained. "If a patient buys a hearing device on line, who programs it, and how is this accomplished without patient feedback? And if there's a problem that occurs, who resolves that problem, or services the device?"

Under U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules, an online hearing aid retailer must receive a statement signed by an audiologist indicating that a prospective buyer has had a medical evaluation for hearing loss within the past six months. Hearing aid retailers may sell hearing aids directly to adults with a medical evaluation waiver. Legal requirements for a medical evaluation waiver are explained in FDA regulations. The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 801.421 requires that these three conditions must be satisfied:

The potential customer must be informed that doing a waiver is NOT in the customer's best interest
The retailer does NOT encourage the customer to submit a medical evaluation waiver
The retailer provides the customer a statement to sign indicating that that they are aware that a medical evaluation is in their best health interest and they waive the requirement to have a medical evaluation.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association cautions consumers that they should not buy hearing aids by mail order or online because doing so may mean bypassing crucial parts of the audiological evaluation process such as testing and fitting that is needed in order to maximize the benefit from the hearing aid.

"Reputable hearing device manufacturers work closely with distributors to ensure that the devices are programmed and maintained correctly," Dr. Toback stated. "Hearing devices are classified as medical products in the U.S., not as 'off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all' solutions for people with hearing loss."

Lastly, Dr. Bohr cautioned that she has some patients who had purchased devices online prior to coming to McGuire's.

"One of my best source for referrals is online hearing aid retailers. I have several patients who have come to me for help because the online hearing providers haven't been effective," she concluded.

Disability Forum Radio Show Interviews David Carr, Owner of McGuire's

David provides details on hearing devices and suggestions for those who are hearing impaired. Listen here:

Hearing Loss Can Impact Ability To Interpret Speech

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania indicates that reductions in hearing ability may speed gray matter atrophy in auditory areas of the brain and increase the listening effort necessary for older adults to successfully comprehend speech.

Researchers found that the gray matter thickness of the auditory areas was lower in people with decreased hearing ability, suggesting a link between hearing ability and brain volume.

"As hearing ability declines with age, interventions such as hearing aids should be considered not only to improve hearing but to preserve the brain," said lead author Jonathan Peelle, PhD, research associate in the Department of Neurology. "People hear differently, and those with even moderate hearing loss may have to work harder to understand complex sentences."

The studies found that people with hearing loss showed less brain activity on functional MRI scans when listening to complex sentences. Poorer hearers also had less gray matter in the auditory portion of their brains, suggesting that areas related to auditory processing may deteriorate when hearing ability declines.

"This study backs other research that we have followed for years," noted Dr. Mary Bohr, Director of Audiology at McGuires Hearing Services. "All of this research indicates that hearing loss is not just a matter of missing conversations. Hearing loss actually can reduce a person's ability to interpret speech."

Although the research was conducted in older adults, the findings also have implications for younger adults, including those concerned about listening to music at loud volumes. "Your hearing ability directly affects how the brain processes sounds, including speech," says Dr. Peelle. "Preserving your hearing doesn't only protect your ears, but also helps your brain perform at its best."

The research appears in the latest edition of The Journal of Neuroscience and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Bohr of McGuire's encouraged patients to speak with their primary care physician or a trained audiologist if they are experiencing any difficulty hearing or understanding speech. "Early intervention is key to detecting hearing loss and preventing a reduction in speech comprehension," she stated. "Some audiologists, including McGuire's, provide free hearing screenings, with no obligation to purchase a hearing instrument."

The Health and Hearing Connection

Hearing loss can be the result of noise exposure, genetics or age. But did you also know that illness or medications can damage hearing? The evolution of hearing loss is not always an event that is confined to the ears. Many studies have demonstrated that physical ailments and use of specific medications can contribute to hearing loss. After all, the interconnectivity of tissues throughout the body is well documented. One such physical ailment is kidney disease. Recently, the American Journal of Kidney Disease reported that older people who suffer from moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) may require screening and treatment for hearing loss.

This assertion was based on the fact that Australian researchers examined the medical records of 2,564 people aged 50 and over, 513 of whom had moderate chronic kidney disease. Some 54.4% of all the patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had some degree of hearing loss, as compared to 28.3 percent of those who had no kidney problems. Severe hearing loss affected nearly 30 percent of the CKD patients, compared to only 10 percent of the others.

What is the correlation between the CKD and hearing loss? According to researchers, "The link can be explained by structural and functional similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney. Additionally, toxins that accumulate in kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear."

Also, some treatments for kidney ailments can affect hearing. This research does not predict that all patients who suffer from kidney disease will have diminished hearing. But to be on the safe side, experts indicate people with kidney disorders should have hearing exams annually.

There is also a proven link between populations with diabetes and hearing loss. Type 2 diabetes and hearing loss have been medically linked for many years: A study funded by the National Institutes of Health indicates that hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease.

Additionally, Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance, may also be caused by diabetes.

How are diabetes and hearing loss correlated? Researchers believe that hearing loss in people with diabetes is caused by damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear, the same damage that causes infections of the feet and damage to the eye's retina.

If you – or someone you love – has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's wise to visit a hearing services provider for a hearing screening.

Another physical ailment that has been shown to correlate with hearing loss is cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, researchers in Wisconsin found that people with a history of heart disease were, on average, 54% more likely to have impaired hearing function than adults without CVD.

Researchers specifically pointed out that the damage was noted in the cochlea, a snail-shaped, fluid filled tube in your inner ear that plays an important role in hearing by translating sound into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. You may not immediately think there is a connection between the heart and the cochlea, but remember: all our organs and bodily functions are linked.

What's more, international research shows that some of the factors that cause CVD can also put our hearing at risk. Factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity have been linked in studies to loss of hearing.

In addition, studies have linked certain drugs used to treat cancer with hearing loss. There are many chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to the hearing organs.

To reduce your risk of hearing loss, stay away from environmental noise – or protect your hearing when possible by wearing ear plugs; make smart lifestyle choices such as a healthy, low-fat diet, regular exercise; and, if you are a smoker, kick the habit (especially since cigarettes can also be bad for your hearing). Make sure you involve your personal physician in your plans to make dietary and activity changes, since every individual is different.

If you already have some of the risk factors or conditions mentioned above, take the time to get your hearing tested. If you have a hearing loss, get fitted for hearing devices to ensure that your quality of life remains favorable and that you continue to hear all that life has to offer!

As always, McGuire's offers free hearing screenings, free consultations and free evaluations of existing devices. There's never an obligation to purchase from us, and our compassionate staff is dedicated solely to helping our patients achieve healthy hearing. With offices in Patchogue, Riverhead, Southampton and Greenport, we're closer than you know. We also have an office at the Hearing Center at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Please call our appointment line to schedule your free hearing screening today – (631) 758-3709, or send us an e-mail.

Breaking the Ice: How To Discuss Hearing Loss

Family members of patients at McGuire's Hearing Aids and Audiological Services tell us one of the most difficult discussions they have with a loved one is advising him or her about a hearing loss.

Often, family attempts are rebuffed, resisted, or met with a sense of resignation that starts with, "Hearing loss is an inevitable part of aging."

What the patient may not realize is that his or her hearing loss makes family communication challenging and frustrating for others; that hearing loss can lead to isolation, poor social skills, depression, and a physical loss in the ability to interpret speech, if left untended.

We counsel family members to practice patience, empathy, and gentle encouragement when dealing with someone who has hearing loss. Here are a few additional suggestions to "break the ice" when confronting this issue:

• Remember to maintain your cool in the face of frustration. Repeating information and being misunderstood is frustrating, but recognize the challenges of change for your loved one.
• If your loved one balks at receiving a hearing screening to determine hearing loss, offer to accompany him or her. Reluctance often stems from fear or ignorance about what to expect or concern about high-pressure sales tactics.
• Perhaps the idea of owning a hearing device seems overwhelming. Offer to help with inserting batteries or to accompany them on future visits for wax removal, hearing checks and so on.
• Explain the challenges of hearing loss to others and ask them to offer empathy, not criticism. This will ensure that your loved one receives unilateral support from family and friends.
• Counsel your loved one about the challenges faced by those who love him or her. Acknowledge that it's difficult to communicate and that you recognize it's not easy for either of you. Stay positive and suggest that you tackle the problem together.
• If possible, help with costs. Even if you can't afford to pay for a portion of the device, ask if you can purchase batteries to help. Or offer to speak with the selected hearing provider about finance options so that your loved one has affordable options for better hearing.

It's never easy to tackle a sensitive subject, especially when the topic can cause hurt feelings or seem critical. When discussing this topic, remember to be considerate of feelings and approach things slowly so that your loved one has time to process change. Be a partner and an advocate for better hearing, and you'll have a better chance of being heard!

Nutrition and Better Hearing

We've all heard the old joke about carrot consumption aiding good eyesight (you've never seen a rabbit with glasses, right?).

Well, now there's evidence that eating fish can be good for your ears. (And there's more to this assertion than the fact that sharks don't wear hearing aids!)

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has concluded that eating two servings of fish weekly lowers the risk of experiencing hearing loss by 42% if you're 50 years or older.

The only caveat is that the fish should be fresh. Processed, deep-fried fish products were not used in this study, and according to researchers, would likely not offer the same benefits as fresh fish. Fried fish loses nutritional benefits during processing.

The same study also indicated that consumption of omega-3 fatty acid capsules minimized hearing loss risk by 14%. Since the human body doesn't produce omega-3, it needs to be acquired through dietary consumption.

"Daily intervention with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could prevent or delay the development of age-related hearing loss", report researchers, led by scientist Paul Mitchell.

In an age when some 36 million Americans report some degree of hearing loss, that number could begin to decline if we ate more fresh fish in this country.

Other studies also support the idea of better nutrition and specific micro-nutrients minimizing the risk of hearing loss, as well.

A report released in 2007 show that folic acid slowed presbycusis (a term for age-related hearing loss) in the lower frequency ranges. The study was performed on men and women between the ages of 50 and 70.

Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables – like lettuce, kale and broccoli. It can also be found in multi-vitamin supplements.

And yet another study indicated that increased levels of beta carotene – a substance found in orange and yellow vegetables – like carrots, yams, and yellow squash – lowers the risk of age-related hearing loss.

Other vitamins and minerals studied and found to support good hearing health include:

• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Vitamin E

In general, all of these nutrients are good for you, and can benefit you in many ways, when taken according to prescribed nutritional guidelines. (Ask your doctor for your personal nutritional recommendations.)

So, enjoy a fish dinner twice weekly, and toss in some fresh vegetables for added benefits. You'll feel better – and perhaps you'll help preserve your hearing as you age.

McGuire's Provides Hearing Screening Hotline

Medical practitioners are gratified when they can confirm a patient diagnosis and provide a workable treatment plan for their patients.

But what can be done about patients who deny their symptoms and refuse to visit a practitioner?

Dr. Mary Bohr, Director of Audiology for McGuire's Hearing Aids and Audiological Services, recently addressed that very issue.

"At McGuire's, one of the most common obstacles we encounter with patients is their denial of hearing loss," she noted. "It's not always easy to convince patients to come to our office, but once we perform a hearing screening, they often recognize that there's a hearing loss."

For patients who are reluctant to visit the McGuire's office, or for those who are homebound, Dr. Toback has a solution: "McGuire's has an FDA-approved telephone line which performs a hearing screening. Our number, 631-369-9191, is a recorded message which provides a no-obligation service so that callers can comfortably undergo a screening at their convenience."

Dr. Bohr recommends the screening line so that patients maintain their privacy and their anonymity. "For some people, the telephone screening experience is less stressful."

Another tool Dr. Toback endorses is that of the "simulator" available on the website for the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). That website link.

"The simulator on the BHI website won't assess hearing, but it can give visitors an idea of how people with hearing loss actually hear," she stated. "It's most helpful for family members and others trying to understand the sensory challenges encountered by loved ones who may be hearing impaired," Dr. Bohr added.

"Hearing loss isn't just an annoyance or a sensory interference," Dr. Toback explained. "A hearing impairment can result in a loss of social skills, and can cause depression and isolation. In addition, the longer a hearing loss remains uncorrected, the more likely it is for the brain to lose the ability to recognize speech," Dr. Bohr noted.

May Is Better Hearing Month

The month of May on Long Island means the arrival of beautiful, warm weather, the blooming of flowers and trees, the annual celebration of Mother's Day – and of course, Better Hearing Month.

McGuires Hearing Aids and Audiological Services reminds readers that Better Hearing Month is an ideal time to consider getting a hearing screening. We suggest that readers visit a reputable hearing provider, since most of the time, screenings are free of charge.

Sometimes it's difficult to know whether there is a true hearing loss or not. You may have a hearing loss if you:

• require frequent repetition.
• have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.
• think that other people sound like they're mumbling.
• experience difficulty hearing in noisy public situations.
• have trouble hearing children and women.
• turn up the volume on your TV or radio.
• answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
• have ringing in your ears.
• read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you.

Increasing the odds that you may have a hearing loss are these additional factors. You:

• have a family history of hearing loss.
• take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).
• have diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.
• have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single
• exposure to explosive noise.

A loss in hearing is more than an inconvenience. It often results in a breakdown in relationships, withdrawal from social situations, and even depression.

Hearing plays a big part in social and emotional connections to the outside world. And since we are adaptive creatures, we adapt our techniques to accommodate the loss of one of our senses – many times, without realizing it.

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, contact your local hearing provider – or the staff at McGuire's Hearing – and ask for a free hearing screening.

Wireless Technology Meets Hearing Devices

For people that are hard of hearing, listening to television or conversing on the telephone can be a challenge – even when hearing devices are in use.

The advent of wireless technology has given birth to the notion that wireless can be used effectively for hearing device wearers, giving them the opportunity to access television, radio, MP3s, telephones and even cell phones with a direct wireless connection.

To get a better understanding of how the technology works, think Bluetooth and its efficacy for allowing cell phone users to converse effortlessly and wirelessly. The same sort of technology, applied to hearing devices, allows wearers to remotely adjust volume as a separate signal, without adjusting the volume for anyone else in the room.

"It's really a great technology that permits our patients to experience better hearing in traditionally difficult situations – like telephone and television – and allows them to adjust listening preferences unencumbered," observed Dave Carr, owner of McGuire's Hearing.

"It's a simple switch that is nearly nano in its size, and opens up the opportunity for hearing device wearers to enjoy a nearly limitless boundary when it comes to modern technology," he added.

McGuire's works with several manufacturers that have recently released the "wireless accessory packages", which have seen great interest from technology-hungry baby boomers between the ages of 48 and 65, according to McGuire's Director of Audiology, Frieda Toback.

"The advent of this truly wireless accessory package has made it easy for hearing aid users to enjoy listening, communicating, and entertainment without interference or discomfort," Dr. Bohr stated. "The demand has been terrific for the wireless accessory package," she added.

McGuire's Hearing provides a number of complimentary services for patients, including product demonstrations, hearing screenings, evaluation of existing hearing devices, and consultations.