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To understand the difference between analog and digital hearing aids, you need to first appreciate the history of analog versus digital, and the different ways that they amplify and process sounds. Analog technology emerged first, and as a result most hearing aids were analog until digital signal processing (DSP) was invented, after which digital hearing aids appeared. At this point, most (90%) of the hearing aids purchased in the United States are digital, although analog hearing aids are still offered because they’re often less expensive, and because some people prefer them.Analog hearing aids handle incoming sounds by taking the electrical sound waves as they emerge from a microphone and amplifying them “as is” before sending them to the speakers in your ears. Digital hearing aids take the sound waves from the microphone and transform them to digital binary code. This digital data can then be manipulated in many sophisticated ways by the microchip within the hearing aid, before being transformed back into regular analog signals and sent to the speakers.Analog and digital hearing aids carry out the same work – they take sounds and boost them to enable you to hear better. Both analog and digital hearing aids can be programmable, which means that they contain microchips that can be customized to alter sound quality to match the user, and to create various settings for different listening environments. As an example, there can be distinct settings for low-noise locations like libraries, for busy restaurants, and for large areas such as stadiums.But beyond programmability, the digital hearing aids often offer more controls to the wearer, and have additional features because of their ability to manipulate the sounds in digital form. For example, digital hearing aids may offer numerous channels and memories, permitting them to store more environment-specific profiles. Other features of digital hearing aids include the ability to automatically reduce background noise and eliminate feedback or whistling, or the ability to prefer the sound of voices over other sounds.In terms of price, analog hearing aids are in most cases less expensive, although some digital hearing aids are nearing the cost of analog devices by eliminating the more advanced features. There is commonly a noticeable difference in sound quality, but the question of whether analog or digital is “better” is entirely up to the individual, and the ways that they are used.

Excerpt: “The audiologists at Arizona Balance & Hearing Associates agree that getting the word out about the National Hearing Test is very important. Just as important is having local audiologists available in Phoenix to perform comprehensive hearing tests and offer individualized counseling for people who score outside the normal range on their screening.”Read full press release at:https://www.prweb.com/releases/hearing-test/Phoenix/prweb10392522.htmDownload PDF: Click Here

Around 6 million U.S. teenagers have some form of hearing loss, which signifies an increase of approximately 33 % over the last twenty years. While authorities claim that this hearing loss is in part caused by sustained exposure to high volumes of music from phones and MP3 players, participation in marching band is yet another contributing cause. As nearly every city high school and college has a marching band, participation is a very common activity among teenagers.Unsafe decibel levels for teens.Volume, or noise level, is measured in decibels (dB). Adults and children can suffer hearing loss from exposure to noises over 85 dB. Marching band includes a variety of instruments, some of which easily cross over that threshold during rehearsals and performances. For example, Duke University students were exposed to decibel levels of 99 over a half hour during drumline practice. However, playing those instruments indoors for rehearsals can be even more harmful to teens’ hearing. Unfortunately, many youths don’t reduce the volume of their instruments when playing inside.Prevention and protection strategies. Musicians earplugs are effective at reducing the sound levels that reach the inner ear. These professional earplugs are designed to fit perfectly in the teen’s ears. Musicians earplugs can be expensive, which may be a problem for parents. Another effective strategy for protecting young people’s hearing is to reduce the length of time they are exposed to potentially harmful sound levels by breaking up the rehearsals into shorter sessions. Increased awareness among teens and band leaders of the importance of reducing instrument sound levels when playing indoors is also key. Parents, teens, and band leaders should work together to increase awareness and to implement strategies for protecting the hearing of marching band members.

Navigating through the world with hearing loss can be difficult at times, particularly when you need to depend on your hearing for health and safety. Many individuals with hearing problems find that driving a car can become a challenge. Fortunately, just because you have difficulty hearing doesn’t mean that safe driving is out of the question. Keep these safe driving tips in mind the next time you get behind the wheel.Keep up with car maintenance: You know that if your motor is making a strange sound there is probably a problem with it. However, if you can’t pick up on audio clues that something is wrong with your vehicle you may end up driving an unsafe car. Stay up to date with routine maintenance to make sure your car is in proper condition.Don’t drive if you are not comfortable: If your hearing loss makes you feel uncomfortable while driving a car it’s best to avoid it. Take advantage of public transportation or other driving alternatives. Driving while stressed or uncomfortable may make you more likely to make dangerous errors, so don’t get behind the wheel unless you are feeling safe and confident.Reduce distractions: If your hearing isn’t ideal you will have to be more reliant on your other senses, such as vision. Therefore, you can put yourself (and your passengers) in danger if distractions such as electronic devices or food draw your eyes away from the road. Similarly, listening to the radio can make it even more difficult to hear sirens, horns, and other important traffic cues. Get rid of any influences that get between you and the road to make sure you aren’t missing crucial information.Drive with your hearing aid in mind: If you wear a hearing aid be sure you don’t get behind the wheel without it. It’s also important to make sure your car’s environment is conducive to proper hearing aid functioning. Rely on your car’s climate control system to maintain a comfortable temperature rather than opening the windows. The draft caused by rushing wind can reduce your hearing aid’s effectiveness, potentially putting you at risk.Hearing loss doesn’t have to keep you from driving if your doctor approves. Stay safe out there!

When many people think of post-combat injuries among veterans, they think of missing limbs, post-traumatic stress, and brain trauma. Hearing loss, though, may not often come to mind. Check out these 5 surprising facts about hearing loss among veterans to learn more.The most common post-service malady happens to be hearing damage or loss. – Hearing loss is even more common than PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Loud explosions from bombs aren’t the only threat to hearing – general combat and everyday military noise can cause harm as well. Improvised explosive devices, loud weapons, and other sounds such as the engines of ships, planes, and tanks can cause tinnitus and temporary to permanent loss of hearing. Hearing loss is especially common among post 9/11 veterans. Indeed, the numbers of soldiers who suffered hearing loss or tinnitus after the attacks on the World Trade Center swelled to 414,000.Soldiers are more likely to suffer hearing damage than civilians. – According to the Center for Disease Control, post-combat soldiers are 30 percent more likely to have severe hearing impairment than nonveterans. Even more concerning is that among those who served from September 2001 to March 2010, veterans were four times more like to suffer hearing loss than nonveterans.Hearing loss may be more prevalent now than it was for soldiers in the past. – Larger and louder weapons technology very likely contributes to higher numbers of veterans with hearing loss. Intensely loud field generators, bombs such as “bunker busters,” and even modern helicopters can cause hearing impairment if soldiers don’t take precautions.Many veterans suffering from hearing impairment don’t seek medical help right away. – According to experts, many soldiers with hearing loss or tinnitus choose to live with the problem, rather than getting help. Astoundingly, it takes an average of 7 years for a person to get help for hearing damage.Breakthroughs in neuroscience may help those who suffer severe tinnitus. – Some scientists assert that low serotonin levels may be linked to how severe a person’s tinnitus can be. Low serotonin can cause insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Tinnitus therapies combined with antidepressants have aided some veterans who are chronic sufferers of tinnitus.

Hearing loss can happen at any age. In fact, nearly 12 percent of kids age 6 through 19 have noise induced hearing loss according to the American Academy of Audiology. Of all birth defects, hearing loss presents itself more often than any other congenital defect in the United States. In fact, the American Speech and Language Association reports that approximately 12,000 babies are born each year with hearing loss.Kids with hearing impairment can benefit greatly from early diagnosis and treatment. – Early identification and assessment of hearing losses is vital. Studies have shown that infants whose hearing loss is detected after 6 months of age did comparably worse on language skill development compared to infants where the loss was detected and treated before 6 months.Childhood hearing losses aren’t necessarily lifelong.– Not all hearing loss is the result of a long term permanent defect. Minor conditions such as a build up of earwax or an infection could cause reversible hearing loss. Some conditions resulting in hearing loss are temporary and can be resolved with medical treatment or minor surgery. Ear infections left untreated could cause permanent hearing loss, so be sure to seek medical attention right away when there is a possibility of ear infections.Some hearing loss can be prevented. – You may not realize that noise related hearing loss is very common and it can be avoided all together. Using protective ear plugs or ear muffs is a must for protecting kids from noise induced hearing loss. Also, parents should lower the volume on stereos and other electronics.Hearing loss may delay your child’s ability to learn normal language skills. – Children learn more about language from birth to 3 years of age than they do at any other time in life because during that time the brain is more receptive to learning language. Young children need to have proper hearing function in order to develop normal speech patterns. In order for children to learn proper reading skills, they must first develop good language skills.Hearing loss signs and symptoms are often times initially observed by parents. – In many instances parents are the very first to notice something is not quite right in young kids with hearing loss. Signs to watch for include: response to music and making jabbering sounds. Around 9 months of age kids should be repeating back sounds and should also understand some simple phrases and commands. For a more in depth list of normal milestones for babies and young children to assess possible hearing loss, ask your hearing specialist or audiologist. Be sure to find out about recommended screenings as well.

Nearly all public places and businesses have modified their buildings for accessibility to wheelchairs, an extremely visible disability, but may be unaware of the less obvious challenges confronted by people who have hearing loss. Installing a hearing loop clarifies speech and other sound for patrons with telecoil compatible hearing aids, is less expensive than other modifications and may increase visitors or customers. If you or your loved ones notice that hearing the goings-on at venues you visit regularly is a difficult task, you can help instigate positive change.Churches, synagogues & mosques. Few places of worship have modern hearing loops installed. Many don’t have any assistance for the hearing impaired. Others are using outdated technology that is not convenient or hard to use. If this is the case, let the leadership team know of the advantages of this type of system, such as using a telecoil to hear the sermon clearly through your own hearing aid or implant. Outline the idea in a page of your weekly bulletin or community newsletter.Theatres, auditoriums & athletic arenas. In the United States, it is a legal requirement for pubic assembly spaces to have audio amplification. A hearing loop is an easy way for a venue to comply with this law. To promote this need, you can write to or meet with the people in charge of these public spaces and business to explain the need and benefits. For example, accommodating the hearing challenged will increase the number of visitors in these places.Information to share. When you approach the managers of these venues, you’ll want to be prepared with information so you can build understanding and awareness. You’ll probably need to start at the beginning by explaining what a hearing loop system is and how it works. You’ll want to have some ballpark figures on cost. Have a prepare list of benefits from the patron’s perspective and the venue’s perspective. Explain to them the benefits of their increased business. Even if they don’t engage in the concept the first time, make yourself available as a resource for additional information and inquire if you can touch base with them every few months to continue the conversation.

If you’re using or considering purchasing a hearing aid with a telecoil function, you might be curious about what it does. This tiny coil of wire may seem simple, but the advantages it can provide to individuals who use it are manifold. This short article explains the fundamentals of what a telecoil is and how it operates to improve your hearing ability.Telecoils inside hearing aids detect magnetism. Standard microphones and amplifiers in hearing aids amplify all the sounds that they encounter, but a telecoil only transfers magnetically created sounds. The telecoil was first introduced to enhance listening ability on the telephone. Older telephones used highly effective magnets in their speakers, generating magnetic signals that telecoil-equipped hearing aids could pick up on. Modern phones don’t naturally create these signals, but many are equipped with supplemental electronics that make them telecoil compatible.The telecoil feature isn’t just used in phones. Many public places, including auditoriums, stadiums and movie theaters, are equipped with Assistive Listening Systems that employ telecoil technology. You may find that a venue will offer you a headset to assist in transmitting these signals. Users often say that the clarity of the sound they pick up magnetically surpasses the sound quality transmitted through the air acoustically.The way you use your telecoil will vary depending on the age, type and size of your hearing aid. The telecoil function is more prevalent in larger hearing aids, including those with a case that fits behind the ear. Older hearing aids can be switched between telecoil and non-telecoil modes using a physical switch on the device. Newer models are often pre-loaded with program modes, allowing the user to switch on their telecoil by pressing a button on the device or on a remote control.You may have learned about interference when using a telecoil: it can happen, but it’s uncommon. You may notice a buzzing sound that grows louder the closer you get to a CRT computer monitor, old fluorescent light, or another cause of interference.The rare interference is the only downside to telecoils. They are really wonderful additions that offer many added benefits. Telecoils are generally inexpensive and well worth including in any hearing aid.

Whenever a sound wave strikes your ear, miniature nerve endings in your inner ear translate them into electric signals that your brain understands as sounds. If these nerve endings are destroyed, or if damage occurs in other areas of the inner ear,sensorineural hearing loss can result.A person who is suffering from sensorineural hearing loss is not necessarily completely deaf. In fact, in many instances only particular sounds become hard to hear. An individual affected by sensorineural hearing loss make claim that some sounds are actually too loud while other sounds are muffled and indistinct. Noisy conditions can make it difficult for you to single out speech patterns. Men’s voices frequently sound clearer than higher-pitched women’s voices and following conversations with several speakers is particularly difficult. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may also find themselves feeling dizzy or experiencing ringing in the ears.Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a number of factors. In some cases the individual has this problem from birth. Congenital sensorineural deafness can be caused by genetic syndromes, as well as by infections that can pass from mother to infant..Sensorineural hearing loss that starts later life can have many different underlying causes. Acoustic trauma, contact with an exceedingly loud noise, can lead to this issue. Steady exposure to lower level noise, such as listening to loud music or working with noisy equipment, can also lead to inner ear damage.Sensorineural hearing loss can come on suddenly, such as in the case of viral infections. These infections include measles, meningitis and mumps. Meniere’s Disease, a syndrome that causes vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus, can also lead to fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. Both conditions can potentially be treated with corticosteroids.Abrupt changes in air pressure and head trauma can cause sensorineural hearing loss, as can other physical issues such as tumors. Otosclerosis, a hereditary disorder in which a bony growth in the middle ear disrupts hearing, is another physical cause of sensorineural hearing loss.While sensorineural hearing loss can have a profoundly negative effect on your quality of life, there are treatment options available.

Excerpt: “Because tinnitus is such a widespread issue in the U.S. and in Phoenix in particular, the audiologists at Arizona Balance & Hearing Associates are regularly researching new treatments. Tinnitus research is a very active field with many studies and research trials conducted each year.”Read full press release at: https://www.prweb.com/releases/tinnitus-treatment/phoenix/prweb11666130.htmDownload PDF: Click Here

Shopping for hearing aids will expose you to a variety of styles, including receiver-in-canal (RIC). The receiver in canal hearing aid shares numerous benefits with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid while possessing some distinct advantages unique to the receiver in canal. This short article explores some of the main pluses and minuses of the RIC hearing aid style.Many readers will be familiar with behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids where all the components are housed inside a single case. RIC hearing aids, on the other hand, separate the components into two major sections. A case behind the ear holds the aid’s amplifier and microphone, while a small bud that contains the receiver is used inside the ear canal. A small tube connects the receiver to the case.Separation of the receiver into its own compartment has several advantages. Feedback and occlusion tend to be much less of a problem with RIC devices than they are with other hearing aids. Listeners also enjoy a more natural sound, making the listening experience much more comfortable. This type of device a great choice for listeners with mild to moderate hearing issues because it amplifies high-pitched tones exceptionally well.The physical configuration of RIC devices also provides a number of advantages. Separating the two components allows the device to remain very small, making it unobtrusive and easy to hide. This small size also makes it very comfortable and easy to fit.RIC devices do have several disadvantages. Compared to other types of hearing aids, RIC aids are particularly vulnerable to moisture in the ear, necessitating frequent repairs. Because they are so comfortable they are actually easier to lose: if you are not used to feeling them in your ear, you may not notice when they are gone. Lastly, this style of hearing aid is often higher in price than its cousins, so some shoppers may have difficulty fitting them into their budgets.Receiver-in-ear hearing aids do have their flaws, but their numerous advantages make them a worthwhile choice for many listeners. Seeking the advice and assistance of a hearing specialist is the next step in selecting the best hearing aid for your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Hearing someone who is seated next to you in a silent room is not the same thing as following a lively conversation around a busy restaurant table. The majority of digital hearing aids can adjust to different conditions like these by using a variety of “listening programs”. Having access to multiple listening programs helps to ensure that you can hear at your best whatever situation you are in.When you first receive your hearing aid, your hearing professional will program your device with an external computer. This process allows a number of individual processing characteristics to be fine-tuned into a number of distinct listening programs. When you start wearing your device, these programs can be accessed manually or automatically to match whatever situation you find yourself in.Today’s hearing aids are quite powerful, and many are capable of running a wide variety of listening programs. Some programs work to reduce background noise, eliminate feedback or shift higher-frequency sounds into a more comfortable range, while others are designed to make speech patterns easier to identify. These are just a few of the programs you can take advantage of – talk to your hearing professional to find programs that are most relevant to your situation.The method you use to access these different programs varies from device to device. Some hearing aids are sold with a small external controller that allows you to switch from program to program as well as access other features. You may be able to switch from program to program via a small switch, or your device may determine the best program for the situation without requiring your input.Young children with hearing issues may be good candidates for hearing aids with multiple listening programs. Having a number of available programs allows parents to quickly find a setting that is most comfortable for their child. This can help audiologists determine what settings will lead to the best hearing experience for the child.The additional flexibility and convenience that come with multiple listening programs helps hearing aid wearers achieve a more comfortable listening experience.

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness) and intermittent hearing loss are three of the more discernable indications of a condition called “Meniere’s disease”. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that may cause disruptions in your hearing and balance.Although science has not yet discovered a cure for this disorder, there are several things you can do to decrease its symptoms and lessen its effect on your day-to-day life.Many people experience Meniere’s disease symptoms in episodes. An episode may begin with a feeling of fullness in the ear accompanied by tinnitus and a decrease in hearing. Vertigo is likely to come next, causing you to feel as though the room is spinning around you. You may feel nauseated and your balance may be impaired. Episodes vary in length, sometimes ending as quickly as twenty minutes or lasting for hours.Many people who suffer from Meniere’s disease experience several such episodes in a short period of time with long periods of ‘remission’ in between. The frequency and severity of each symptom can vary from episode to episode. Vertigo can sometimes signify a more serious condition, so be sure to check in with your doctor if you find yourself experiencing this symptom.There is no clear cause of Meniere’s disease, but researchers theorize that abnormalities in the volume or composition of fluids in the inner ear may be to blame. Scientists have discovered that the amount and pressure of fluid in the inner ear is critical to your hearing and balance. Allergies, head trauma, improper drainage, and viral infections may act as triggers for these fluid abnormalities.While there is no known way to cure Meniere’s disease, you do have options when it comes to managing its symptoms. If you experience nausea during episodes of vertigo, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you feel more comfortable. Physicians may also prescribe drugs that reduce fluid retention as a way to control the disorder. Rehabilitation and hearing aids can help manage vertigo and hearing loss. The effects of vertigo may also be lessened by sitting or lying down as soon as possible after an episode starts and by avoiding triggers that seem to make vertigo symptoms worse.Meniere’s disease does carry some uncomfortable symptoms, but with the help of your doctor it does not need to significantly disrupt your life.

Hearing aids are extremely effective at enhancing a person’s ability to hear, but when worn in a crowded atmosphere they can quickly bombard the listener with unwanted noise. Auditoriums, concert halls, theaters, and places of worship are especially tricky for the hard of hearing. Hearing loop systems offer a straightforward solution to this dilemma, making it very easy for individuals with hearing aids to enjoy movies, sermons, concerts, and other oral presentations without distraction.Hearing loops are a relatively simple bit of technology that works in conjunction with the telecoils that are installed in many modern hearing aids. Originally, the telecoil feature was used primarily to pick up on magnetic signals created by telephones. This allowed the wearer to easily listen to telephone conversations without distraction from background noise. Hearing loop systems use this same concept but on a larger scale, creating magnetic signals that anyone in the area with a telecoil can pick up on.The first part of a hearing loop system is an audio input, often from a PA system or a dedicated microphone feed. This audio signal is fed into a hearing loop amplifier, which drives a current through a cable (or series of cables) looped around the room. Properly installed loops do not have dead zones, which means that anyone with a telecoil who is inside the loop can pick up on the transmitted audio.While newer technology such as FM transmission neck loops are becoming more established among many establishments, hearing loop systems can still offer a number of advantages to the hard of hearing. Their convenience alone makes them a popular choice among venues and patrons alike. Listeners also appreciate their more subtle nature, which allows them to enjoy a concert, presentation, or worship service without the self-consciousness that can accompany wearing a neck loop.Though no hearing technology is perfect, hearing loop systems offer a huge service to many people, giving many listeners a much more enjoyable experience.