We Would Love to See Our Family Physicians Incorporate Hearing Screening into Routine Primary Care

When new Medicare recipients see their doctor for their Welcome to Medicare visit, the doctor may or may not ask about hearing. So far, hearing health has not been given an "A" rating, which is a flat-out recommendation to provide service. The doctor may be speaking loudly in a small room one-to-one setting, and so a hearing issue may not be on his/her radar.

But, the evidence is mounting to support early intervention for hearing loss. Early detection and appropriate intervention holds the key in reducing disability and maintaining independence. Last year's PCAST (President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology) endorsed access to appropriate hearing technology especially for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Research finds that hearing aids, when indicated, boost social engagement, reduced caregiver and family stress, and reduced symptoms of depression, all factors important in positive health outcomes and quality of life.

As we have reported in the past, there are independent associations between hearing loss and an array of broader health issues, including cognitive decline, functional dependence, falls, social isolation, diabetes, cardiac problems and patient-physician communication.
Physicians, asked to be experts in so many health areas, may not be aware of the array of current treatment options available for hearing help.

So, if you or a loved one has concern about ease of hearing:

• Difficulty understanding family members
• Difficulty understanding health care providers
• Difficulty with group conversation
• Difficulty hearing in noise
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Communication is tiring or hearing loss interferes with easy flow of conversation…

Ask your doctor for a referral for a diagnostic hearing evaluation. We will make some measurements with you, and then educate and inform you about the results. We always send a clear report to your physician to explain the results.

Remember that communication is key to a full and joyous life at any age. Never say "at my age….…" I thought of this recently at holiday services when a 102 year old lady – a choreographer by training – led the congregation in beautiful body movements to accompany a prayer. 102! And still reaching up and out, and living strong. Remember: at the end of the day – what we have is connection and communication.

Tweaking! Whether it's a Concert Sound System, Cochlear Implants, or Your Hearing Aids, Sometimes a Little Adjustment Can Make All the Difference.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting on Sea Cliff beach and watching a favorite band set up the sound system before their concert. It was fascinating for me to watch the sound engineers add a drop of bass here and a bit of treble there till the musicians were pleased that the mix was just right.

Shortly after that, I heard a captivating story on NPR, so interesting that I am sharing the link here so you can hear it too. It is the story of a pediatric audiologist, a long-time hearing aid user, who then lost her hearing all together following a car accident. She went from being the provider of hearing services to the recipient.

Hearing aids no longer helped her very profound hearing loss, and she had surgery to obtain cochlear implants. Cochlear implants bypass the outer and middle ear, and the electrode array stimulates the auditory nerve fibers from within the cochlea. The device receives acoustic stimuli from the external processor that's worn outside the ear. This new sound took some work to get used to, even for a knowledgeable and seasoned audiologist.

As the research audiologist who worked with the patient explained, sometimes there is too much sound, as the sound from the incoming frequencies may "spread" and the sound may be blurry. In this case "more" stimulation could actually be "less" hearing. To clean up the sounds for this patient, they turned off a few of the electrodes, and suddenly the sound was perceived as cleaner and easier to hear.
Please listen to this story – even if you don't know much about cochlear implants I think you will find it interesting.

http://www.sciencefriday.com/videos/breakthrough-portraits-of-women-in-science-a-re-sounding-remedy/

And even if you do not have CI's or know anyone who does, remember that sometimes a little tweaking will make a real difference in the comfort and clarity of the sound quality. Hearing aids are works in progress as your brain accommodates to sound, and as we make little tweaks as we go along.

So the World May Hear…

Last month I wrote about Starkey’s Hear Now program that recycles used hearing aids so that new hearing aids can be built for people in need in the U.S. and around the world.

Now I want to share an amazing story of caring and sharing. The Starkey Hearing Foundation actively changes lives through the delivery of hearing care all around the globe. The Foundation conducts Missions at home and all over the world to connect hearing impaired children and adults with the amplification they need. And that is only the first step. Hearing is a tool to open up our world. Bridges of trust and understanding are built. People are empowered so they can best contribute to their communities. One step drives the next…hearing is the vehicle that drives projects in health, housing, education, clean water, and agriculture.

From Afghanistan through Zambia...and over 100 countries in between Starkey offers Missions that effectively deliver and support hearing. Here is how it works: Patients are screened by trained community-based health workers and potential hearing aid candidates are identified. Primary ear care services are offered and custom ear molds are created.

The hearing aids are fit and the recipients and teachers are counseled on care and operation of the hearing aids. My favorite part of this program is after-care. It is not enough to simply fit the hearing aids. Local teams are created to offer ongoing support to care for the hearing aids, and learn to use amplification for better communication, and in the case of children, speech and language development.

Ongoing after-care provides further counseling, batteries, and maintenance services. Education is provided both to the hearing aid recipients and the team of teachers and community healthcare workers. Having great technology only works if it is used effectively and maintained.

When I was at a conference in Minneapolis I was privileged to hear Starkey founder Bill Austin and his wife Tami Austin talk about their hands-on, effective, and caring work, person-to-person, with passion and humility. I was moved beyond words. Hearing aids through the Starkey Hearing Foundation are truly the gift that keeps on giving. To my mind, it is compassion leveraged to real and meaningful change to countless lives.

Smiles abound in Afghanistan.

MLB Hall of Famer Paul Molitor (right) assists
a patient in the Dominican Republic

Dancing in Portugal while musician Alice Cooper (second from left)
looks on with approval.

Starkey is recognized for their efforts in Kenya.

The Journey of a Recycled Hearing Aid

Renew Reuse Recycle is a mantra in my family.  Toys and clothes get passed along to anyone who might enjoy them.   Often my hearing aid patients ask what can be done with hearing aids that are no longer being used.  We mention the “Donate Now” button on our website that connects them to Hear Now, a program run by the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Here is what happens when you send your hearing aids to Hear Now. 

Your hearing aid goes on a journey that results in providing hearing help for a person in need.  Here is how your hearing aid goes from you to someone in need:

1. The original owner ships to hearing aid to Starkey Hearing Foundation, ATTN: hearing aid recycling, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
2. The donation is received and documented, and a letter of acknowledgement is sent to you.
3. Aids are sorted by make and model.
4. Everything gets used: components are removed and salvaged for rebuilding.
5. Hearing aids are rebuilt to specification – both custom (in the ear) and behind the ear models.
6. Custom shells are cleaned and buffed. Ear hooks are fitted for over the ear styles.
7. Each aid goes through the Quality Assurance process so the new owner is assured of accurate and appropriate amplification.
8. Aids are packaged and made ready for missions.
9. A person in need is fit with hearing aids.   The Starkey Hearing Foundation is changing lives, one at a time.

This is not a new program – Starkey has been doing this work for many years.  But only recently did I realize that each and every hearing aid can be put to use for the benefit of people in need. I’m proud that we work with Starkey/Audibel, a company that has a core belief in changing lives in the U.S. and around the world. To date, more than 560,000 hearing aids have been recycled – AMAZING!

Lunch and Learn Series Hosted by the Hearing Center

Join us for a FREE LUNCH where nationally known hearing expert, Patrick Gilmartin will be discussing the latest and most innovative advances in the hearing industry and answer any questions you may have about hearing loss and tinnitus.

• We’ll clear up the confusion about hearing aids.
• If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, don’t miss this opportunity!

Leave your checkbook at home nothing will be sold during this educational seminar.

Two Seminars:

Piatto Grill

90 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights [MAP]

Tuesday, August 16th at 12 noon

RSVP: (914) 245-6618

Tombolino Ristorante

356 Kimball Ave, Yonkers [MAP]

Wednesday, August 17th at 12 noon

RSVP: (914) 968-7555

Please Come In!

When we fit you with hearing aids we ask you to come back for follow-up.  We schedule the first follow-up visit a week or two following the fitting. This is a very important visit as it allows us to answer your questions, confirm comfort of fit and sound, and review the many details that we covered during the fit.  We will ask you where you see improvement, and what still needs work.  Virtually all of the hearing aids that we fit can be modified right in the office.  Your observations will guide us in fine tuning the hearing aids to best meet your needs and preferences.

It may take a few visits in the beginning to be sure your hearing aids are optimally set for you, and you are confident in using them successfully.  Once we have you “on track” we still want to see you for routine clean and check visits (usually every three months).  We do not charge you for these visits during the warranty period, which may vary from one to three years. 

Here is why we ask you to come in for “Clean and Check” appointments, even if you’re not having a problem:

• As you learn to listen with hearing aids your listening demands may change, and we may modify your settings to give you the best results possible.
• You may – or may not – want additional control of your hearing aids through program options – you are in charge of how automatic your hearing aids are.
• We find many patients benefit from a review of care and cleaning from time to time.
• We will check that the microphones and receivers are clear of debris and working at their best. Sometimes simply cleaning the hearing aids and changing the filters that protect the microphones and receivers will brighten the sound quality – even if you had not perceived a problem.
• Many hearing aids “log” your hearing aid usage, the types of environments you are in, and how you are using your volume controls or program buttons. By monitoring your usage we are guided to make adjustments that will enhance your experience.
• We will check your ear canals to be sure they are free of any wax that might compromise the function of your hearing aids.
• We will review with you the routine care you should do daily to keep those instruments at peak performance. Your hearing aids live in a warm and moist environment, and the earwax with which they come in contact (salty and acidic) can harm the electronics. But a little care can often prevent problems before they happen.
• Frank conversations about your goals will let us determine if they are being met, or if you need additional support (perhaps with a streamer or remote control) to help you further. A reminder about good communication strategies can also fill the gap between help from the hearing aids and maximal benefit.

If you have a concern, please call right away so we can help.  Do not wait for that scheduled appointment.  If we do not hear from you, we cannot address your concern.  We are here to help you.

So, please come in!  By keeping your scheduled appointments you are helping us do the job we want to do for you.

The Road to Change

I’ve lived in the same house since 1978, and I’ve had the same job since 1985, so you can see that I don’t make changes lightly! Making decisions and implementing change can be tough. I have surely found myself thinking: “On one hand….but on the other hand…” I get it!!!

Yet, changing habits is fundamental in hearing health care. When we recommend something to you, we are asking you to change some habits. Implementing change is often a journey. When people change habits psychologists have found they follow a well-recognized pattern. Let’s look at this pattern and see how we can use these stages to describe the journey to better hearing health:

Pre-contemplation: At this stage the person does not realize or believe that there is need for change. Someone else may have initiated the appointment such as a physician or family member. The person may be surprised by the perceptions of others, and may make excuses for missing conversation, such as “other people mumble” or “I wasn’t paying attention.” The audiologist listens and offers information, but he or she may not be ready for intervention.

Contemplation: There may be ambivalence at this stage. The person may still be comfortable with the status quo, but may be beginning to explore the consequences of doing nothing. At this point, we acknowledge ambivalence, and start to explore the person’s experiences with communication and hearing. We begin to offer advice about options for improving the situation.

Preparation: As the person moves on to the preparation stage, they reach a tipping point and decide to act on the hearing loss. Now the person is motivated, and is looking for information on the best path forward. We are here to offer advice about what it takes to facilitate communication. There are always a variety of options and so it’s important that both the person, the family, and the professional are open to listening and exchanging ideas that make the most sense for this particular situation.

Action: A person in the action phase is moving ahead. Having resolved the initial ambivalence, the person feels positive. This is the point where the decision that had seemed daunting now feels less difficult than anticipated. This is the time to focus on the anticipated benefits of improved hearing and communication. As in any decision we make, it’s so much easier once we are on the path to action.

Maintenance: This is the stage that moves from a place of stress to a place of contentment. The person is now taking advantage of amplification and better communication strategies. The goal of this stage is to feel successful and comfortable with the new behavior (amplification and communication strategies). These new habits are fully integrated into his or her lifestyle. The person is now using amplification confidently…and we continue to be there for support and assistance as needed.

Of course, not every decision is a step-be-step process for every person. Sometimes it’s a journey, and sometimes it’s a slam dunk. Either way, change involves a little adjustment. But before you know it, you’ll have a “new normal” - you’ll be in a better place, wondering why you didn’t get there sooner.