Robert W. Sweetow, Ph.D., Professor of Otolaryngology, University of California, San Francisco

Introduction – Hearing Aids are Not Enough

We don’t really hear in our ears; we hear in our brain. Hearing aids can help a person detect softer sounds, but they don’t necessarily provide good listening skills. There is a fundamental difference between hearing and listening. Normal hearing alone does not assure that one is a good listener. We all know people who have normal hearing but are pretty poor listeners. Conversely, many hearing- impaired individuals are wonderful listeners. While hearing is a physical function that requires an auditory system that allows access to sound, listening is a skill that requires effort, and when a hearing loss is present, that effort becomes particularly difficult.

Good listening skills are one of the components essential for effective communication. As technically advanced as modern hearing aids might be, they alone cannot produce the listening skills needed for communication. There are a number of reasons for this.  For example, to be a good listener, one must integrate a number of skills including attending, understanding, and remembering. Unfortunately, many of these cognitive skills deteriorate as we age. This may show up as a worsening of short-term memory, or increasing difficulty understanding rapidly presented speech. Modern hearing aids have certainly improved the quality of sound in noisy environments, but they do not eliminate background sounds. People with hearing loss have particularly great difficulty understanding speech in noise. In addition, we now have evidence that a loss of hearing in the ear literally produces physical changes in the brain. These changes are called neural plasticity and data show that when parts of the brain are not being utilized, they actually change their function (and usually not in a positive manner). Thus, the old adage of “use it or lose it” actually applies to listening because the hearing impaired person’s brain may not be receiving the kind of stimulation it needs to maintain its proper function.

In addition, confidence that what you thought you heard was in reality what was spoken, is vital. Often, when people lose confidence in their ability to communicate in noisy social situations, they simply drop out and avoid those environments. While this may save them effort and embarrassment, it ultimately costs them important personal and social contact.  Some individuals utilize compensatory strategies that may result in successful hearing aid use. Others, however, are not so fortunate.  In fact, it is not uncommon for people with hearing loss to develop counter-productive compensatory behaviors, such as nodding their heads as if they heard, or monopolizing the conversation so that they don’t have to rely on their hearing. As stated earlier, modern, well fit hearing aids can provide audibility, but may not resolve susceptibility to noise, or degradation of cognitive skills associated with aging.  The need for additional therapy beyond that provided by devices alone is underscored by the fact that individuals presenting similar hearing patterns frequently report a wide range in satisfaction and benefit from amplification.

Supplemental Communication Strategies Are Needed

The good news is you can optimize your hearing aid hearing experience using a number of methods, strategies and techniques as documented on the Better Hearing Institute website:

• Having realistic expectations about your hearing aids
• Teaching your social network “clear speech”
• Employing communication strategies with your social network
• Utilizing proven strategies for hearing better in noisy situations
• Joining a self-help group to share methods and techniques for optimizing your hearing aid experience
• Using other assistive technology in addition to your hearing aids
• Use of closed-captioned TV or movies
• Speech-reading (formerly called lip-reading) lessons
• Training your brain to listen (auditory retraining therapy)

Supplementing hearing aids with additional rehabilitation methods as mentioned above can be very useful in giving you the kinds of skills and communication strategies that can make the difference between understanding versus being left out of a conversation, particularly in tough listening environments. Talk to your professional about establishing a comprehensive communication enhancement plan for you.

Training Your Brain to Listen

The great news is you can minimize your listening skills from deteriorating and you can improve your ability to function in noisy situations.

Comprehensive auditory rehabilitation uses any and all approaches to compensate for hearing loss. While hearing aids are often an essential element of aural rehabilitation, other vital components are education to help you understand what is going on in your own body and brain, learning and incorporating interactive communication strategies, and cognitive and auditory training, processes designed to enhance the ability to interpret auditory experiences by maximally utilizing whatever physical capacity remains.

Supplemental, adjunctive therapies are used for many disorders. When a person injures an arm or leg, for example, professionals and patients recognize the importance of physical therapy to strengthen adjacent muscles and instruction to optimize function. Similarly, it is likely that the mere introduction of amplification (hearing aids) will not produce optimal re-adaptation of the auditory system and most advantageous auditory skills unless accompanied by training.

Group rehabilitation can provide this training and has been shown to improve patient satisfaction. However, most hearing healthcare professional do not offer this type of service. For most people a more individualized approach allows for more intensive therapy along with proceeding at the individual’s optimal pace.

In addition, there are exercises you can try immediately. Here are three examples:

• Use closed- captioned TV, or record programs using a DVR or TIVO. Watch the show live. Then replay it with closed captioning or by slowing it down.
• Listen to, while reading, audio books.
• Buy two copies of the newspaper. Have your spouse or colleague read the newspaper aloud while you are listening only, and then go ahead and read it yourself. Try this in quiet at first, and then proceed to noisier listening environments.

Self-help Computer Assisted Training Programs (LACE)

There are currently low cost training programs available through your hearing healthcare professional that allow people to perform supplemental training in the privacy of their own homes. They are proven methods to improve one’s ability to listen more effectively especially in noisy situations, which is the main complaint of people with hearing loss.

One such auditory training therapy program designed to help the brain listen, Listening and Communication Enhancement (LACE) , is done using a computer or DVD. LACE is designed to enhance listening and communication skills, get the patient involved in the therapeutic process, improve confidence levels, and provide communication strategies. The program consists of a variety of interactive and adaptive training tasks for listening to speech in noise, rapid speech, and auditory memory. Besides the immediate feedback given for each task, LACE provides the patient with a graph depicting daily improvement and progress from the start of the training.

It should be reinforced at this point that better hearing is not a passive process where you simply let the hearing aids do all the work; success does not rest solely on the hearing aid and the expertise of the hearing healthcare professional. To optimize your hearing aid experience you must become an active participant. One of the best ways to do this is to become an active listener using software like LACE.

LACE training is conducted in the privacy of your own home at a pace comfortable to you; though some hearing healthcare professionals may have a computer lab where you can take all or part of the training in their office. LACE consists of twenty 20-30 minute listening exercises of progressing difficulty and can be completed in ten days, or longer if you wish. Research on thousands of people with hearing loss demonstrates that you can expect on average a 40% improvement of speech comprehension in noisy situations, if you complete the training program. Using the listening skills you will acquire with this software, along with communication strategies as well as the advanced features of your hearing aids such as directional microphones or wireless technology you could do even better depending on your degree of hearing loss.

Here are some questions and answers about LACE.

Q. How do I know if I need LACE auditory retraining therapy?
A. All people whose hearing loss is less than profound or deaf will benefit from auditory retraining therapy. In fact even normal hearing people can benefit by training their brain to listen better in noisy situations.

Q. Where do I get LACE software?
A. You can get LACE directly from your hearing healthcare professional or you can order it online at www.neurotone.com.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. The cost may vary based on the hearing aid you purchase from your hearing healthcare professional and based on which versions you purchase (DVD for TV, CD-ROM for computer, or both). In general, the price will vary between $100-$149.

Q. What equipment will I need to do LACE?
A. It is preferred while wearing your hearing aids that you use a computer with loudspeakers through your mouse or keyboard. If you do not have a computer the DVD version allows you to take the listening skills training using the DVD remote but for those with manual dexterity problems this may be difficult. In addition you will not be able to connect to the Internet to send your on-going results to your hearing healthcare professional, which is a helpful part of your therapy program.

Q. Will my acquired listening skills be permanent?
A. Yes they will; but some people may need refresher training with their software.

Summary Points

• The mere use of hearing aids will not produce optimal improvement in your hearing unless accompanied by training.
• The process of better hearing requires you to become an active participant.
• Modern computer technology now allows you to train your brain to listen and focus thus optimizing the use of your hearing aids.
• Using the listening skills you will acquire through self-pace computer training, along with the employment of communication strategies and the advanced features of your hearing aids such as directional microphones, telecoils or wireless technology you will be well on your way to improving your ability to communicate more effectively and enjoy the world of sound.

From The Better Hearing Institute, www.betterhearing.org

Nov. 14, 2011. About one in five Americans ages 12 and older suffer from hearing loss that’s severe enough to make communication difficult, researchers from Johns Hopkins University found.

About 30 million Americans, or 13 percent of the population, have hearing loss in both ears, and 48 million, or 20 percent, in at least one ear, according to a study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine. That exceeds previous estimates, which put the number of people with hearing loss at 21 million to 29 million, the researchers said.

The study also found that hearing loss doubled every decade of life. Deficient hearing has been linked to a greater risk of dementia, poor cognitive function and falling in the elderly, said lead study author Frank Lin, an assistant professor of otolaryngology and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. The impact of hearing loss on the aging isn’t “inconsequential” and should be treated, he said.

“If you have poor hearing, your brain almost has to work harder to decode and process sound,” said Lin in a Nov. 11 telephone interview. “If you brain is having to reallocate resources to hearing, it probably comes at the expense of cognition or thinking ability.”

Researchers in the study used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys from 2001 to 2008 for all participants ages 12 and older who had their hearing tested over that period. The survey is thought to be representative of the U.S. population.

Worse With Age
For those in their 40s, about 2.8 million suffer from hearing loss in both ears and 5.6 million have the condition in at least one ear. That number jumped to 8.8 million for people in their 70s who had hearing loss in both ears and 10.8 million for those who had hearing loss in at least one ear, the study showed.

Women and black people were less likely than other groups to suffer from hearing loss, the study found. Lin said estrogen may be protective of hearing and the same cells that make skin dark may also play a role in preventing hearing loss.

Today’s study “gives us the real scope of the problem for the first time and shows us how big of a problem hearing loss really is,” Lin said in a statement.
By Nicole Ostrow

Resource: Better Hearing Insititute www.betterhearing.com

Based on Spice+ technology, the Phonak M H2O hearing aid is the perfect choice for those seeking excellent performance for an active lifestyle.

Stäfa, Switzerland (October 31, 2011) – Today’s hearing aid users are clear about their expectations: They want a device that offers reliable performance across a wide range of listening environments. The new Phonak water and dirt resistant portfolio is designed to meet these requirements. Whether enjoying conversations in a restaurant or heading out sailing on the open seas, users can enjoy themselves without having to worry about their hearing aids. The Phonak water and dirt resistant reliability is available in a range of versatile micro-sized BTEs, a powerful CRT and a dedicated pediatric device.

Featuring an impressive level of water and dirt resistance (IP67) the new Phonak M H2O models are the perfect companion – both indoors, and outdoors, ranging from jogging and cycling to water-based activities. The new housing is designed to be water and dirt resistant, with special attention paid protection of the microphone sound inlet and battery door – all of which support reliable performance in these various environments. This micro-sized hearing aid is equipped with a telecoil, an on-board manual control and is FM compatible (ML15i receiver). Together with all the other performance highlights, the M H2O is the ideal choice for a broad range of applications.

Based on the new Spice+ technology, Phonak M H2O offers a unique performance and feature set. Spice+ delivers significantly enhanced sound quality, a more natural hearing experience in a quiet environment, improved first fit acceptance and a simplified fitting workflow. To cover all needs, the new M H2O is available in three price and performance categories, joining the product families Phonak Ambra (premium), Phonak Solana (advanced) and Phonak Cassia (standard).

“With our new portfolio, we introduce truly reliable hearing solutions that offer outstanding performance and a high level of water and dirt resistance. Users can perform a great deal of sport activities without having to worry about their hearing aids”, says Alexander Zschokke, Interim CEO of Phonak.

The water and dirt resistant portfolio is completed by the introduction of the new Naída S CRT, an external receiver device for those who do not want to compromise when it comes to a powerful, yet discreet hearing solution. Additionally, the new Nios S H2O, also a member of the M H2O product family, is an extremely robust and durable hearing aid of the pediatric portfolio, offering micro-sized housing perfectly suited for small ears.

About Phonak
Headquartered near Zurich, Switzerland, Phonak, a member of the Sonova Group, has developed, produced and globally distributed state-of-the-art hearing systems and wireless devices for more than 60 years. The combination of expertise in hearing technology, mastery in acoustics and strong cooperation with hearing care professionals allows Phonak to significantly improve people’s hearing ability and speech understanding and therefore their quality of life.

Phonak offers a complete range of digital hearing instruments, along with complementary wireless communication systems. With a worldwide presence, Phonak drives innovation and sets new industry benchmarks regarding miniaturization and performance.

For more information, please visit www.phonakpro.com and www.phonak.com.

Resource: Better Hearing Insititute www.betterhearing.com

Detroit — The bad news: A study by Henry Ford Hospital shows a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. The good news: The study also shows that, in most cases, the rupture heals on its own and surgery is only necessary for the most severe cases. The study was presented at the recent Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in Chicago.

“In the past, many otolaryngologists have wondered if surgery is really necessary to treat a ruptured eardrum. The results of this study show that 97% of cases healed on their own within 2 months, proving that most cases do not require surgery,” says Ilaaf Darrat, MD, an otolaryngologist at Henry Ford Hospital and co-author of the study.

More than half of patients seen in otolaryngology clinics, regardless of their primary complaint, admit to using cotton swabs to clean their ears, and if the cotton swab is pushed too far in the ear canal, it can cause tympanic membrane perforations (TMP), which can lead to facial paralysis and vertigo.

The Ford Hospital study included 1,540 patients with a diagnosis of TMP from 2001 to 2010. Patients with a cotton swab injury were subdivided into two groups: observation and surgery. Successful outcomes were defined as healed TMP, resolution or improvement of vertigo, tinnitus or facial nerve paralysis, and/or closure of the air-bone gap.

A ruptured eardrum can be treated in one of two ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The most common method of treatment is observation of the perforation by an otolaryngologist because often the eardrum will heal on its own within 2 months. More severe cases are treated with surgery.

While the study found that most cases of ruptured eardrum heal on their own, neurological deficits, such as facial nerve paralysis, require surgical intervention to repair the eardrum. Surgical intervention proved very successful, with only one patient suffering mild, but improved vertigo.

Study co-author Michael Seidman, MD, FACS, director of the division of otologic and neurotologic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, recommends that instead of cotton swabs, patients should use the following alternatives to clean the inner ear:

• Take cool peroxide, hot tap water and mix equally. Be sure it is body temperature and gently irrigate the ear one or two times per month.
• Take plain vinegar and water and use four or five drops in the ear once a week.
• See a doctor, who can remove ear wax for you.
• Try an over-the-counter treatment such as Debrox.

Darrat and her colleagues concluded that proper follow-up with a doctor to test hearing after a case of ruptured eardrum is essential to ensure that no hearing loss was caused.

SOURCE: Henry Ford Hospital

Resource: Better Hearing Insititute www.betterhearing.com

Washington, DC, September 13, 2011 — The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) announced today that in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 2-8); National Depression Screening Day (October 6); and World Mental Health Day (October 10), it is educating the public on the link between hearing loss and depression.

A growing body of research indicates that people with untreated hearing loss may be at an increased risk of depression. Studies also show that when these individuals use hearing aids, they experience significant improvements in quality of life and decreased depressive symptoms; have significantly higher self-concepts compared to individuals with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids; and experience significant improvement in their functional health status.

“When left unaddressed, hearing loss can lead to isolation and other emotional conditions that can affect both qualify of life and mental health,” says Sergei Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s Executive Director. “BHI therefore is encouraging people to take a free, quick, and confidential online hearing test at www.hearingcheck.org to determine if they need a comprehensive hearing check by a hearing professional.”

Depression is a serious, common, and complex illness that affects an estimated 121 million people worldwide, according to the World Federation for Mental Health. In the United States alone, major depression affects 15 million American adults, or approximately 5 to 8 percent of the adult population in a given year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports. What’s more, depression frequently co-occurs with a variety of other physical illnesses.

The link between unaddressed hearing loss and depression is compelling. For example, a large-scale study by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that people 50 and older with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration, emotional instability and paranoia, and were less likely to participate in organized social activities than those who wore hearing aids. The degree of depression and other emotional or mental health issues also increased with the severity of hearing loss.

An Italian study, published in Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, involved working adults aged 35 to 55 who were affected by mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears. In this study, those with hearing loss reported higher levels of disability and psychological distress—and lower levels of social functioning—than a well-matched normal control population. The hearing-impaired individuals experienced reduced ordinary social activities, increased relational problems with family and friends, and greater emotional difficulties at work. They also showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, phobic anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, and hostility.

Another survey, released by Australian Hearing, also found that people who suffer from hearing loss may be at increased risk of developing the debilitating effects of depression.  The survey found that 60 per cent of those with hearing loss had displayed symptoms associated with depression. And almost 20 per cent demonstrated at least three key symptoms of depression. Specifically, 52 per cent had displayed increased irritability and frustration; 22 per cent had trouble sleeping or experienced restlessness; and 18 per cent showed a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.

The good news is that research also indicates that hearing aids can help. A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics examined the effects of hearing aids on cognitive function and depressive signs in people 65 and older. Researchers found that after three months of using a hearing aid, all patients showed significant improvement in their psychosocial and cognitive conditions.

What’s more, in a recently published study, BHI examined the impact of hearing aids on specific quality of life factors that affect mental and emotional well-being. More than half of the 1,800 hearing aid owners surveyed said they attributed their use of hearing aids to improvements in their relationships at home, their ability to join in groups, and their social life. Close to half said they saw improvements in their self confidence, sense of safety, feelings about themselves, and sense of independence, while one third indicated their mental and emotional life improved.

“By raising awareness of the connection between untreated hearing loss and depression, we hope to make a difference in people’s lives and to mobilize individuals to address their hearing loss,” says Kochkin.

“Mental Illness Awareness Week, National Depression Screening Day, and World Mental Health Day together make October the ideal time for raising awareness of the inter-relatedness of physical and mental health,” Kochkin continues. “We are duly reminded that staying well entails both body and mind; and that as a society, we must address both by better integrating our overall approach to healthcare and keeping people well.”

Resource: Better Hearing Insititute www.betterhearing.com

Washington, DC, November 29, 2011 — Nearly thirty million Americans—almost twice as many as previously believed—suffer from persistent, chronic tinnitus, according to a new study by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). That’s about ten percent of the U.S. population. And for people ages 65 to 84, that number jumps to almost 27 percent. Notably, the study also found that many  tinnitus sufferers reported that their hearing aids  significantly helped them with their tinnitus.

For many who suffer from it, tinnitus can be a source of endless torment and a continual drain on quality-of-life. Often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source. Tinnitus sufferers commonly describe the noise as a ringing, humming, buzzing, and/or cricket-like. Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent. And it can be heard in one ear, both ears, or in the head.

According to the BHI study, four in ten people experience their tinnitus more than 80 percent of the time; slightly more than one in four describe their tinnitus as loud; and about one in five describe their tinnitus as disabling or nearly disabling. Tinnitus is now the number one service-connected disability of returning military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan. There currently is no known cure for tinnitus.

“The good news is there are effective therapies available to help people cope,” said Sergei Kochkin, PhD, BHI’s Executive Director and co-author of the study. “In particular, we found that a variety of sound  therapies and/or hearing aids in conjunction with counseling can help. In fact, 43.5 percent of survey respondents with tinnitus were helped at least mildly with hearing aids. And 3 out of 10 were helped moderately-to-substantially. For those whose audiologists used best practices in fitting hearing aids, that figure jumped to 50 percent.”

According to the study, people with tinnitus report that it most often affects their ability to hear (39%), concentrate (26%), and sleep (20%). Yet for many, tinnitus is even more pervasive. Twelve percent of respondents—or 3.6 million people when extrapolated to the general population—say their tinnitus affects leisure activities, social life, personal relationships, and emotional or mental health. Seven percent of respondents—or an estimated 2.1 million people nationwide—indicate that tinnitus affects their ability to work.

“Persistent, chronic tinnitus is a highly intrusive, increasingly common condition that can interfere with a person’s cognition, ability to interact with family and friends, and basic life functions,” said Jennifer Born, study co-author and Director of Public Affairs at the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). “Much progress is still needed in understanding tinnitus and finding a cure. But the results of this study are highly encouraging and prove that many tinnitus sufferers can experience relief and improved quality of life by using hearing aids in conjunction with counseling.”

Exposure to extreme noise is the leading cause of tinnitus, and people with tinnitus almost always have accompanying hearing loss, according to the study authors. In fact, the study found that respondents with more severe hearing loss were more likely to have tinnitus. Yet, more than a third (39%) of people with hearing loss do not seek help specifically because they have tinnitus.

“What surprised us was the large number of people—13 million—who reported tinnitus but no hearing loss,” said Kochkin. “It’s very likely that these individuals were aware of their tinnitus but not their hearing loss—which would indicate that the population with hearing loss is much larger than previously believed.”

As baby boomers age, people listen to portable music players at high volumes, and more soldiers return from combat, the incidence of both hearing loss and tinnitus is expected to grow.

“Unfortunately, relatively few people seek help for their tinnitus,” said Richard Tyler, PhD, study co-author, professor in both the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, and editor of three books on tinnitus, including The Consumer Handbook on Tinnitus. “We need to raise awareness that  effective therapies to help tinnitus sufferers are available.  Many audiologists have attended a ‘tinnitus management’ seminar I organize each September, and I know there are many  experienced tinnitus health professionals ready to help and offer a full evaluation. They can help identify treatment strategies most likely to offer relief. In particular, they will be able to determine if hearing aids can help.”

The study findings, were published in the November issue of Hearing Review. The findings were derived from a nationwide survey of 46,000 households. It is the largest study of its kind.

How Hearing Aids Help
In addition to improving hearing and communication, hearing aids amplify background sound, so the loudness or prominence of the tinnitus is reduced. Simply taking the focus off the tinnitus means relief for many people. Hearing aids also reduce the stress associated with intensive listening by improving communication, which in turn help relieve tinnitus symptoms.

Article taken from Better Hearing Institute. (www.betterhearing.org )

How can hearing loss impact your quality of life?

When someone has a hearing loss, he/she has difficulty hearing and more importantly understanding others around them.  This causes incorrect responses in conversation as well as frustration for not only the person with hearing loss but also his/her family members who have to keep repeating themselves.  Spouses, children, and other family members are missing out on a relationship with their loved one, which, in turn, can often produce feelings of loss and even guilt.

Eventually, as this frustrating situation keeps repeating itself, persons with hearing loss often “give up” and no longer  participate in social activities and interactions.  This then leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Some begin thinking: “Nobody wants me;” “Nobody talks to me;” “Why is everyone shouting at me?”

If, at this point, persons with hearing loss are still not motivated to seek help, they may end up with a serious case of depression.

There are also safety issues to consider when hearing loss goes untreated. Many persons with hearing loss leave their turn signals on without realizing it.  In more serious cases, imagine what could happen if you are on a busy street and can’t hear the sound of a car honking at you to get out of the way? Or your fire alarm goes off, but you keep sleeping?

Fortunately, there is treatment to prevent this downward spiral caused by hearing loss and improve one’s quality of life.

Impact of Hearing Aids on Quality of Life

There is a lot of scientific evidence which support the fact that hearing aids can improve your quality of life.  In its study of 2,000 people with hearing loss and their families, the National Council on the Aging demonstrated a link between the use of hearing aids and significant improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being of the wearer.

Those findings are uniform around the world, as indicated in a 2006 British report entitled “Evaluation of the Social and Economic Costs of Hearing Impairment,” featuring a scientific review of numerous international surveys about the impact of hearing aids on quality of life.  Research from the United States, Europe and Australia was compiled to conclude that:

• Hearing aids users enjoy not only a better quality of life than non-users, but also better overall health.

• Hearing aid wearers are less introverted and more likely to engage in social activities than those who don’t wear them.

• Those who wear hearing aids not only communicate better with people around them, but they also enjoy better personal relationships

Take-Home Message

The use of hearing aids has a beneficial effect not only on one’s hearing abilities, but also on his/her mental and emotional well-being.

It’s simple: when you can hear and understand other people, you are more likely to participate in various activities and family events, and generally remain more active. You will not feel isolated, “out of touch,” and ignored by family and friends.

The Better Hearing Institute sums it up best – Hearing Aids can Boost your:

• Earning power
• Communication in relationships
• Intimacy and warmth in family relationships
• Emotional stability
• Sense of control over life events
• Perception of mental functioning
• Physical health

Think about it this way: your health, safety, and happiness lie (at least in part) in your ears.

In the past wearing hearing aids has made it difficult to use various audio devices such as cell phones and Mp3 players to name a few.  However with today’s latest digital hearing aids combined with Bluetooth technology has changed the way hearing aid users stay connected. Sound is no longer only delivered as sound waves moving through air. No, today, hearing aid users can receive sound delivered directly to their hearing aids wirelessly from a variety of audio devices.

No more tangled mesh of wires. No more missing out. No more disconnected calls. With Bluetooth wireless technology and the right hearing aids, you stay plugged in even when you’re out of the office and on the road. The signal comes through loud and clear thanks to the latest advancements in digital hearing aid technology.

Hearing Aids and a Bluetooth Streamer

Bluetooth eliminates the need for wires, cables and other “hard connections” that were standard issue on hearing aids just a few years ago. Today, using wireless connectivity and the right ear gear, you’re plugged in all day – on the grid and in touch with business associates, family, friends, and listening to your favorite tunes – wirelessly thanks to the adaptation of Bluetooth wireless technology to hearing aids.

One example comes from leading hearing aid designer, Oticon – a company known by hearing professionals as a leader in innovative hearing solutions. Oticon didn’t just add wireless connectivity to its hearing aid lines, it created an entire line called Oticon ConnectLine – a system that allows Oticon hearing aids to connect with virtually any audio device – cell phones, IPods, PDAs and even TV broadcasts, enabling those of us with hearing loss to enjoy our favorite shows at sound levels that don’t hurt the ears of other viewers in the room.

Oticon‘s Bluetooth Streamer, the most important part of the ConnectLine, picks up wireless signals from an array of sources and delivers them directly to your hearing aids wirelessly. In effect, there’s seamless connectivity between the wireless world and your hearing aids. You stay plugged in anywhere. EVERYWHERE!

Hearing Aids that Hook You Up: Connectline from Oticon

Oticon ConnectLine Allows Wireless Connectivity

Full bore connectivity isn’t as easy as it sounds (pun intended). In fact, to create a device capable of translating various wireless signals from a variety of devices is a complex undertaking. Your cell phone, for example, employs one bandwidth while you’re TV or other wireless devices use different bandwidths so you don’t hear the TV through your cell phone and vice-versa.

To solve the connectivity problem so that their lines of hearing aids with Bluetooth provide wireless connectivity across a variety of wireless “platforms,” Oticon has developed a cutting edge technology called ConnectLine to enable hearing aid wearers to access wireless signals regardless of source and type.

The ConnectLine TV adapter, for example, hooks into the back of that brand-new HDTV you just bought and delivers crystal clear sound at levels that all members of the family can enjoy. The hearing aid wearer receives the TV’s audio signal direct into their hearing aids wirelessly and with a manual adjustment, can increase sound volume to a comfortable listening level that best suits his or her hearing loss – the extent of the hearing loss and the specific frequencies in which hearing is impaired. Others in the room? They listen to the TV at normal levels and are unaffected.

Benefit? Everyone is happy with the level of the TV and everyone can hear crystal clear sound.

The ConnectLine Telephone Adapter works with your landline telephone so you hear the person over the phone directly through your hearing aids resulting in clear sound without the worry of feedback. As soon as you are done with your call you can simply go back to normal listening with a simple push of a button.

Cell phones? Not a problem. Your Bluetooth enabled cell phone connects to the ConnectLine Streamer to deliver your calls directly to both of your hearing aids. Essentially your hearing aids turn into a hands free headset allowing you to hear excellent sound quality while maintain your driving ability.

We’ll be posting to our blog very soon, please check back!