New Technology Advancement For Profound Hearing Losses

World renowned hearing aid manufacturer, Siemens, has just released a new hearing aid for people whose hearing is severely impaired. The hearing aid is so thin that it can fit behind the ear of a hearing-impaired baby.

The new device, known as 'Nitro', is one-third narrower than its predecessor, and reason being because that it is equipped with high-performance microchips.

The new device offers an unprecedented sound volume even at the high amplification required for severely hearing-impaired users.

An important feature of hearing aids is that they sufficiently amplify speech to make it easily audible, but at the same time offer a sound experience that is as comfortable and balanced as possible.

The hearing aid receives sound waves through two microphones. The microchips split the sound waves into individual frequency ranges, on the basis of which they create a finely tuned sound no matter what the acoustic situation. The system automatically offsets audio feedback that creates an annoying whistling sound.

Although hearing aids generally have trouble dealing with a babble of voices such as occurs at parties, the new system can also handle such situations by making background discussions quieter so that the wearer can concentrate better on what his or her interlocutor is saying.

The technology within the hearing aid enables it to process a broader range of frequencies and split sounds into as many as 48 individually optimised channels.

Although this results in a huge number of calculations, it does not cause any noticeable sound delays, because the system processes 250 million commands per second. This makes listening with a hearing aid much less strenuous than was previously the case.

The signals from the two directional microphones are individually processed in parallel, enabling the system to more quickly eliminate audio feedback and identify sound sources so that irritating background noises can be filtered out.

Siemens engineers enabled left-ear and right-ear hearing aids to exchange data for the first time in 2004. This allows users to recognise differences in the signals received at each ear so that they can localise a sound source, for example.

I hope I have not bamboozled you with all of my technology speak. Suffice to say, this hearing aid is a fantastic advancement in helping those who have a profound hearing loss. The latest microphone technology in this device reduces listening fatigue substantially and right now no other hearing device for profoundly hearing impaired people can offer a comparable performance.

The key features to take from this new hearing aid are:

• A third thinner than its predecessor
• Very high sound volume and high amplification
• Comfortable and balanced sound experience
• Twin directional microphones: giving you more balanced hearing
• Feedback management to filter out unwanted sounds
• Wireless connectivity: compatible with a range of accessories allowing sound from audio sources directly to your ears

 

 

Don't let Hearing Loss Break Your Heart this Valentine's Day

“Are you even listening to me properly?”, “We’ve already discussed that.”, “You don’t understand me!” Let’s be honest: Is there anyone who’s never heard one of these phrases?

It’s no secret that functioning communication is a basic requirement of a harmonious and happy relationship. However, what if the relationship is the very thing that’s impaired, because one of the partners is affected by hearing loss?

One international hearing loss campaign, called Hear The World, has concerned itself with just that question and, in time for Valentine’s Day on 14^th February, is publishing surprising results of the “Hearing is Living” study.

Among other things, it shows that 1 in 3 people with hearing loss feel more attractive, lead better partnerships and enjoy a more fulfilled love life since wearing a hearing aid.

This is fantastic, but worryingly, 50% of respondents with hearing loss but without a hearing aid, had not yet consulted a specialist about it, which makes studies like this so important as it helps to start the conversation and thereby raise awareness.

Taking action with hearing loss can make a huge difference to your life and your family’s life. If you are experiencing problems I urge you to book a hearing assessment with your local audiologist.

Digital hearing aids have proved to be a major success in the enhancement of people’s lives. The technology is available in entry, mid-range and superior classes all of which have different features and capabilities.

One of my patients wrote these few words which sums up her happiness ‘A year ago I came to you a living hell, now I am a living heaven. Thank you for improving my life….’

 

'Tinnitus was so loud, he was suprised I couldn't hear it!'

Imagine wearing a pair of headphones which are playing the sound of a whistling kettle.  Imagine wearing those headphones all day, and all night, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Horrific it might sound, but that’s what life was like for one of my Suffolk patients – the victim of a debilitating condition known as tinnitus. The noise in his ears was so loud, he told me he was surprised I couldn’t hear it.

My company The Hearing Care Centre getting involved with Tinnitus Awareness Week this week (3^rd-9^th February 2014), to try and help raise awareness about the condition.

Although around one in ten of the UK population is affected by tinnitus (and that adds up to more than a few thousand in Suffolk alone) it’s extremely difficult to provide medical help because the sound isn’t usually caused by anything physical or biological which can be cured, it comes from within the sufferer themselves.

It appears drugs are no help either:   certainly there is not as yet, conventional or complementary medication that has been shown to ease tinnitus and it is thought that repeatedly trying unsuccessful therapies worsens tinnitus.

It was because he’d not been able to find relief that our man with the whistling kettle turned to The Hearing Care Centre.   Fortunately we know that in a large number of cases, tinnitus sufferers, who are often elderly, also have hearing loss which exacerbates the situation.

We tested his hearing and discovered he did have a significant hearing loss, and fitted him with hearing aids.   I won’t say it was a miracle cure, because it wasn’t, but he told us it had changed his life.  Now everyday sounds he hadn’t been able to hear because of the noises in his ears, were clearly audible, and they in turn, suppressed the aggravation caused by the tinnitus.

I cannot emphasise how much difference identifying the hearing loss made to this man.  At his first follow up appointment he said he had been to a restaurant and heard the conversation clearly– something he hadn’t heard clearly for years.

Unresolved tinnitus is more than just a noise:  it can make communication difficult for the sufferer and the unrelenting sounds can cause stress which in turn makes the condition worse.  It really is like a spiral; the condition causes stress and stress makes the condition worse.

Interestingly, experts believe that even those without significant hearing loss may find hearing aids are helpful. Straining t listen causes increased hearing sensitivity and this can allow tinnitus to emerge or, if present already, to worsen. Correcting even relatively mild hearing loss reduces this central auditory gain and thereby reduces the level of the tinnitus. Hearing aids are said to be useful even if the hearing loss is not at a point that aids would normally be considered.

Tinnitus Awareness Week is organised by the independent charity the British Tinnitus Association which is hoping to reach thousands of people of all ages across the country through its campaign.

For much more information, advice, support, videos or a FREE info pack, please visit www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/tinnitus  

 

 

Hearing aids me? I don't think so!

Here's another story from one of our lovely patients for our Now Hear This series.

Robert from Ipswich, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

I'm too young to wear a hearing aid!

I work for Barclays and came to see Karen years ago and straight away she spotted something wrong with my hearing. At the time I didn’t want to hear it if you pardon the pun and so I ignored her advice and left!  I struggled on for five or so years, and then I came back to The Hearing Care Centre about two years ago and despite me ignoring them the first time Karen was brilliant and so I haven’t looked back since.

My problems became noticeable particularly with my job – I’m a mortgage adviser. I talk to customers all day long and when they were facing me I could cope but I noticed as soon as I turned away or they did,  I realised I couldn’t hear them. The other thing was, I was finding I was constantly tired from just trying to listen. In my head I suppose I thought a hearing aid would look like a brick fitted to the side of my head! When I finally had hearing aids fitted by The Hearing Care Centre they couldn’t have been smaller – at the tender age of 36 you care about that stuff. Finally at work I was able to become much more involved within the team again. I knew I  had valuable things to contribute in our team meetings but I didn’t say anything before as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hear people’s responses. I found in a group situation it was even harder to make out what people were saying, especially if several people spoke at once. My poor Manager thought I was just being stubborn! I also found my lack of hearing affected my personal relationships at home and also with my friends. Unfortunately my wife and I split up, I’m not blaming my hearing entirely but I do think it was a contributing factor. I have found now that I have my hearing aids it’s actually helped my confidence. I used to find it difficult to make new friends but now I can hear I don’t feel like that anymore.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

I always share my story with people; I would always tell them to go and see The Hearing Care Centre and Karen.  When I went back again to see her she explained the process so effectively I wondered why I didn’t take her advice before, perhaps I didn’t want to believe how bad it was. I’m now happier and more confident and in a new relationship too, so yes I think it’s vital you look after your hearing and The Hearing Care Centre can help you do exactly that. 

Thanks Robert, such a wonderfully personal and honest account and we're glad to have been able to help - eventually!

Regards Karen 

Hearing again is like a breath of fresh air for Chorister

As part of our Now Hear This series, we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about why he chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Mike from Melton, Suffolk

My hearing deteriorated many years ago and it was making me rather miserable to be honest. I had been to see people about my hearing but it wasn’t getting a great deal better and then I came across Karen. She was like a breath of fresh air; she dealt with me, I though,t very professionally. I had a very in-depth assessment using a special machine at The Hearing Care Centre and she encouraged me to try the hearing aids she recommended. She managed to find the hearing support which was right for me as there are lots of different makes on the market and she just knew what would work for me and it does!

Before my aids a note was just a note

Without them I can hear almost nothing these days but with my aids I can hear and sing in the choir at church, I can easily switch quickly to the hearing loop and then back again when I’m not there. It’s the little things I notice the most with these aids, like I can again appreciate the difference between semi tones in the music – I think these aids are far more accurate than anything I used before I met Karen. In those days a note was just a note to me.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

 I’m always recommending people go to see Karen and her team. For example I have a friend a couple of years older than me and he stands next to me in the choir. He wears two hearing aids himself and he can’t hear a thing! The other thing which is a big difference is that unlike the NHS clinics I can always come back whenever I need to.If I need some more advice or feel I need help with my hearing aids The Hearing Care Centre are happy to see me whenever I need to go in there and it’s not like that on the NHS.

Thanks Mike your comments are very kind and much appreciated. If you'd like not only to hear again but hear with clarity and definition why not give us a call?

Until next time

Regards

Karen

Treating me differently is no laughing matter

For our Now Hear This series, we feature another of our patients who has kindly agreed to talk about how people treated him differently initially when he had hearing concerns. 

Michael from Stutton, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

Busy supermarkets with all the background noise can be tough

I’ve been with The Hearing Care Centre since October 2012. Previously to that I had National Health hearing aids for five years which to be honest weren’t really adequate. The hospital told me there was nothing more they could do for me so that’s when I turned to Karen and The Hearing Care Centre. She explained that my prescribed NHS aids were very basic and there was so much more choice to consider. We chose mid range aids to improve the quality of sound which are fully automatic so they greatly increase not only the volume but the quality of that sound coming into your ears. They are also extremely comfortable to wear compared to what I had before. I was becoming tired of the way people treat you when you have a hearing problem. I remember being at a supermarket checkout and having to say pardon to the cashier and she replied with ‘Are you thick or something?’ Even friends who mean well think its ok to poke fun at me because of my lack of hearing; its ok perhaps the first couple of times but NOT when they continually refer to it. When you think that the everyday things you take for granted are the things I struggle with, for example using a phone without my hearing aid would be impossible.

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Once you reach say 55 I believe you need to regularly have your hearing checked, I mean you do for your eyes and think nothing of it. I got my father-in-law who couldn’t hear at all on the phone to go and see Karen and he’s very happy with his new hearing aids from The Hearing Care Centre. People say to me, yes but if I go privately I’ll have to pay -  trust me it’s worth it! If you go along when they are doing a free hearing test you have nothing to lose and they even let you try them out before you make a final decision.  You will be amazed at what you can hear again. I can now hear my grandchildren and walk safely with a pet or a child again as I can hear the traffic coming behind me. The biggest difference probably for my wife, is that the TV is now back to a normal and comfortable level for us both, although occasionally I have to tell her to turn it down!!

If any of Michael's or our other patients stories on this blog have struck a chord with you, we are here to help. Having a hearing test doesn't necessarily mean you'll need our help but at least you will know either way. 

May I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Until my next blog in 2014, regards Karen. 

Feeling isolated in a room full of people?

Here’s another story from one of our kind patients in our Now Hear This series, taking about why she chose The Hearing Care Centre.

Jill from Hadleigh, Suffolk

Why did you decide to have your hearing checked by The Hearing Care Centre?

It was about 13 years ago now, I had two small children at the time and I realised they would be chatting away to me on the way to school and I couldn’t hear them properly. What was much more worrying was that I couldn’t hear the oncoming traffic as we stood waiting to cross the road. I was also a teacher at the time and teaching those with high pitched voices in a group, well to be honest it was becoming a nightmare. Saying that I did manage and the children didn’t seem to notice but I would be so tired by the end of each day from the sheer concentration needed. When I went to Karen she suggested also learning to lip read, I would never have given that a thought had it not been for her. The trouble is with hearing loss, people forget that you have a problem as it’s not obvious so they mumble or turn their heads away or worse – put their hands in front of their mouths when speaking! There are times therefore when you can feel very isolated in a room full of people; even just driving in the car, with friends all chatting away.

Hearing loss can make you feel isolated in a car full of people

I literally can’t hear - it’s just a noise which you can’t decipher. Oddly though it’s your own family who forget the most, they will ask me a question or continue a conversation whilst they have their head in the fridge or when the kettle is boiling!

What would you say to others who are unsure about having their hearing checked? 

Go! I initially went to my GP as I knew I was struggling, he suggested I go to see The Hearing Care Centre for a test and to be honest I just sat on his advice for a whole year before I did anything. It was a massive shock when I finally did have it checked but Karen helped me to get over it. The NHS analogue hearing aids are completely useless for me as my low frequencies which they pick up are actually quite good it’s my high frequencies I can’t catch and they don’t help.  I’m very lucky in that my husband has also been very supportive and is a good communicator. Sadly most people are not and you find you are constantly asking them to slow down. I’m lucky in that my hearing loss is moderate and I have a job, it does worry me though that if that job were to end I would struggle in a normal interview situation, especially if they wanted me to answer the phone for them as I need a specially adapted one. Its situations like these people don’t think about when their hearing starts to deteriorate.That’s why it’s so important to get someone like The Hearing Care Centre to look after it. If everyone did as much as Karen and The Hearing Care Centre team do to help with peoples hearing loss, the world would be a much better place.

A hearing test at our offices around Suffolk is simple and comfortable, don't be left in the dark the sooner you come and see us the more we can help.

Until next time

Regards

Karen