Advanced Hearing Solutions

Communicating with a person who has a hearing loss can be stressful for both parties. Even when hearing devices are used, proper communication strategies are essential for maximizing the experience. Try the following tips when communicating with a hearing impaired individual. Effective Ways to Communicate with Someone with Hearing Loss Maintain eye contact with the hearing impaired individual, facing them directly. Do not attempt to hold a conversation from another room; visual cues are an important component of successful communication. Make sure you have the person’s attention before beginning a conversation. It helps to state their name so they are aware you are addressing them, and can focus on your words. Speak slowly and concisely. Resist the temptation to shout, which can lead to distorted speech and make your words more difficult to understand. Pause between sentences to ensure what you are saying is understood. Do not cover your face with your hands or other objects. Individuals with hearing loss rely on visual cues to help follow the conversation, and sometimes find lip reading helpful. Avoid eating and drinking while conversing, as well. Try to find a quiet area free of background noise. This can be distracting and cause the hearing impaired individual to miss out on much of what you are saying. Repeat yourself if necessary. Try using a different word or rephrasing your sentence if it is too confusing. Refrain from complex words and phrases. Supplement your conversation by writing down important information. This might include jotting down the topic you will be discussing beforehand. Pay attention to the listener. If they look confused, offer to clarify what you have just said. Remember, communication is a two-way street. Give the other person a chance to speak, and do not interrupt. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

A Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is a hearing device that relies on direct bone conduction to transmit sound. This surgically implanted device bypasses the auditory canal and middle ear, utilizing bones as a pathway for sound to reach the middle ear. It’s an alternative for people with chronic ear infections, congenital external auditory canal atresia and single-sided deafness. These patients usually do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. How Does a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid Work? In a person with normal hearing, sound enters the external ear and travels down the ear canal through the middle ear to the cochlea, or inner ear. This process is called air conduction. For individuals with certain types of hearing loss, sound is unable to travel down these pathways. The Bone Anchored Hearing Aid takes advantage of the bones’ natural conductive abilities by sending sound vibrations directly to your inner ear, bypassing the auditory canal and middle ear completely. The device is made up of three components: a titanium implant, an external abutment and a sound processor. Once the surgical implant is in place, it gradually fuses with the skull bone over a period of several months in a process known as osseointegration. The unit is then ready to be fit and programmed. The sound processor transmits vibrations through the external abutment to the implant, where vibrations in the skull and inner ear stimulate the nerve fibers responsible for hearing. Bone Anchored Hearing Aids are a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment alternative that enables many hearing-impaired individuals to communicate more effectively. It has been available in the U.S. since 1977. Candidates for these devices are typically patients with conductive and mixed hearing losses, or those with unilateral (single-sided) hearing loss. Cochlear BAHA Implants The Cochlear Baha® 5 Power and Baha® 5 SuperPower Sound Processors are amazingly smart and incredibly powerful bone anchored hearing aids. They use the most advanced technology to help you hear better in any situation. Both devices are made for iPhone, wirelessly connecting to iPhones, iPads® and iPods®. The Baha 5 Power features a volume rocker for easy volume control as well as a long battery life of 160 hours. The device comes in a range of colors so you can choose the option that best fits your needs. The Baha 5 SuperPower is the industry’s first and only head-worn super power solution for those with hearing loss. This device is idea for those who struggle to understand conversations, even with a powerful hearing aid. Oticon Ponto Implants Oticon’s Ponto 3, Ponto 3 Power and Ponto 3 SuperPower provide premium sound quality and a greater volume range, so loud sounds remain loud but not distorted and softer sounds are audible. The unique UltraDrive™ technology within these devices helps reduce the risk of feedback while the FreeFocus directional system provides 15 percent better speech understanding in the majority of situations. All of the Ponto 3 devices can be used with Oticon Medical Streamer and ConnectLine App on both Apple and android devices. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Hearing aids are a major investment, and you’ll want to get the most out of them that you can. Regular maintenance can help extend their life, and is a must considering the conditions they are exposed to on a regular basis. Moisture, heat, earwax and dirt can all damage electronic components unless cleaned properly. Hearing Aid Routine Maintenance Procedures Ideally, your hearing aids should be cleaned daily. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe all surfaces. Do not use water, solvents, cleaning fluids or alcohol, as moisture can damage your devices. Don’t overlook the microphone inlet, which can become clogged with debris, and the battery contacts, which attract dust and dirt. Most hearing health care providers sell a multi-tool, a versatile cleaning tool that consists of a wire loop, magnet and brush. This is useful for removing wax and dirt from hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in your hearing aids, and the magnet aids in battery removal. If a multi-tool is not available, you can usually buy each component separately. Be sure to apply hairspray and facial lotions before inserting your hearing aids. The same applies to face washing. Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Tips Despite your best efforts, your hearing aids might still cease functioning normally on occasion. Before taking them in for repair, there are steps you can take at home that might resolve the problem. If there is feedback or whistling when your hearing aids are inserted, the devices might have been inserted improperly. Try removing and reinserting to see if that solves the problem. If not, earwax might have accumulated and clogged the ports; clean them thoroughly with your multi-tool or wax pick. If the sound is distorted or unclear, your battery or contacts might be dirty or corroded. Try cleaning the battery surfaces or replacing the battery. Sometimes merely opening and closing the battery compartment door will help. Make sure your device hasn’t inadvertently been switched to T-coil mode. If there is no sound at all, make sure the battery isn’t dead. Check for a clogged microphone or sound outlet, or try changing the wax filter. Contact Us if Further Repair is Needed If these tips do not solve your problem, you’ll have to take your hearing aids in for repair. Cost will depend on what is damaged, which replacement parts are needed and whether your device is still under warranty. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

When your audiologist recommends hearing aids, selection is only the beginning of the process. Equally important is the fitting, which involves programming your hearing aids and making adjustments to provide the correct levels of amplification for your particular hearing loss. Counseling is a necessary step to ensure you have realistic expectations, and is crucial for long-term success. Before you ever put on hearing aids, you’ll receive counseling to prepare you for this change in your lifestyle. While hearing aids will undoubtedly improve your communication abilities, it is important to understand they are not a cure for hearing loss, and do have certain limitations. Learning what to expect beforehand will help you achieve the maximum benefit from your devices. Initial Fitting When you receive your hearing aids, you will need to schedule a fitting appointment to make sure they are programmed to the optimum settings for your specific hearing needs. Your audiologist at Advanced Hearing Solutions will check the physical fit to make sure they are comfortable. They will then be programmed and adjusted based on your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. The hearing aids will be placed in your ears and turned on, allowing your audiologist to measure the volume levels to ensure that you are hearing the full range of sounds properly. Your audiologist will then discuss care and maintenance of your hearing aids. You will learn how to use them correctly and make adjustments for different hearing environments, insert and remove them, change the batteries and clean and care for them properly. You will also learn tips and strategies for better communication. Follow-Up Hearing Aid Appointments A follow-up visit will be scheduled a few weeks after your initial fitting. During this appointment, your audiologist will fine-tune and adjust your hearing aids as needed and answer any questions you may have. It may take a while to adjust your hearing aids to their maximum effectiveness, so additional fitting appointments may be needed. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We offer in-home hearing care. The audiologists at Advanced Hearing Solutions are available by appointment to provide you with competent and professional in-home hearing care. How In-Home Hearing Care Works We care about your hearing health. If you call with a problem but cannot make it into the office, we will come to you. We have found that when visiting our patients at their homes, issues can be resolved quickly and easily. This type of home care works best after we have seen you in the office for a complete audiologic evaluation and hearing aid fitting. In order to provide the best care possible, all new patients must come into the office for an initial appointment. The goal of this in-home hearing care program is to help all of our patients hear better and reconnect with their environment and loved ones. For those with physical limitations or travel restrictions, shuttling between home and our office can be challenging. We believe every patient is entitled to quality care, regardless of their limitations. House Call Hearing Solution Services Some of the in-home services we provide include: Repairing a broken or malfunctioning hearing aid. Ear cleanings. Fitting of a new earmold. Programming hearing aids. Educating patients on the care and use of the hearing aids. Connecting assistive devices to a phone or television. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are portable systems that help individuals with hearing loss communicate more effectively. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds, ALDs work by separating speech from background noise. This allows the person with the hearing impairment to hear more clearly. Some ALDs are used in conjunction with hearing aids, while others work as standalone devices. ALDs are useful in a number of situations, primarily those involving distance, poor acoustics and noisy backgrounds. Types of Assistive Listening Devices There are several different types of ALDs available, for both large facilities and personal use. Some focus on amplifying speech, while others utilize computer programs to convert text to speech. Some of the different types include: FM Systems FM systems rely on radio signals to transmit amplified sounds directly to your hearing aid. They consist of a microphone, transmitter and receiver, and are used in a variety of public places such as classrooms, restaurants, movie theaters and churches. The microphone is worn by the person speaking (or placed in close proximity to the sound source) and the signal is broadcast from the transmitter to the receiver, which is tuned to a specific frequency. Personal Amplifiers Personal amplifiers are essentially small FM systems used in smaller, more intimate settings where radio signals are less effective; they are often used when watching television, traveling by car, or outdoors. The microphone is built directly into the unit, and is often directional, allowing you to aim it in the direction of the sound source in order to pick up the signal most effectively. Infrared Systems Infrared systems work on the same principle as FM systems, but use infrared light instead of radio waves to transmit sound. The transmitter converts sound signals into light and beams those to the receiver, which then translates the light signal back into sound. An advantage to infrared systems is the fact that their signal is unable to pass through walls as it does with FM systems, eliminating competing broadcasts that might hamper the listener and preventing confidential information from being disseminated. They are particularly useful in courtrooms and large movie theaters. Hearing Loops Hearing loop, or induction loop, systems utilize electromagnetic energy to transmit sound directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant. They consist of a sound source (public address systems are popular), an amplifier, a loop of wire and a receiver or telecoil (t-coil), a tiny wireless receiver built into many devices. When you are in close proximity to the loop, you will receive clear sound free of background noise. Hearing loops can be connected to all types of audio sources, and are often set up in public facilities such as airports, churches and lecture halls. Alerting Devices Alerting devices hook up to telephones, alarm clocks, doorbells and other electronic devices. They alert you through a loud sound or flashing light, making you aware of an incoming phone call, a visitor at the door, etc. TV·Ears® TV·Ears allow the user to listen to their television as loudly as they want, without bothering those around them. The headset contains Voice Clarifying Circuitry, which is powered by an advanced microchip that instantaneously amplifies and clarifies television dialog while dampening background noises so you can hear clearly. Since their invention in 1998, TV·Ears have been known for their quality, clarity and ease of use. Amplified Telephones These telephones come with a built-in amplification and tone control, which allows users to turn the volume up higher than a traditional phone and adjust the frequency of the caller’s voice to match their degree of hearing loss. There are a number of different telephones to choose from, depending on the amount of amplification you need. Pocket Talkers These devices are able to both amplify the sounds closest to you and reduce background noises. They are ideal for one-on-one conversations and small group discussions. Pocket Talkers can be used with or without hearing aids. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Hearing aids aren’t just available in a wide range of sizes and styles: nowadays, they can also accommodate a variety of accessories. Deciding which, if any, will benefit you can be tricky. You may want to speak with an audiologist at Advanced Hearing Solutions to learn more about any particular product. Some of the more popular hearing aid accessories include: Wireless accessories. Utilizing Bluetooth® technology, wireless accessories enable you to hear better in situations where there is a lot of background noise or distance between you and the speaker. These include wireless microphones, remotes and television headsets.Wireless Hearing Aid Accessories in Rancho Bernardo & SD FM Systems. These are helpful in educational situations (a teacher’s words are transmitted directly into the student’s ears) and for children. Transmitters and receivers work together to overcome background noise, distance and reverberation, and contribute to a better learning experience. Assistive Listening Devices/Personal Amplifiers. A microphone placed close to the speaker amplifies the sound that reaches your ears, giving your hearing aids a boost. Excellent for lectures, church service, theaters and television. Earwax filters. Filters prevent earwax, a leading cause of damage to electronic components, from entering the hearing aid. This helps prolong the life of the instrument and provides you with clear, natural sound. Cleaning kits. Keeping your hearing aids clean can result in a longer life for your instruments. Cleaning kits give you a leg up on keeping your device in prime working condition. They typically include a wax removal brush and pick, a tube and vent cleaner, battery door opener and battery replacement magnet. Batteries. It’s wise to have extra batteries on hand in case your current ones die in the middle of an important listening situation. Especially helpful when you’re traveling.Hearing Aid Batteries in Rancho Bernardo & SD Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Hearing aids are a boon to millions of Americans with hearing loss. But as well as they perform, they do have their limitations. They won’t work for all types of hearing loss so for some individuals, Implantable devices might be the key to improved communication. What are Implantable Hearing Devices? Bone anchored hearing devices are surgically implantable systems used to treat hearing loss through bone conduction of sound vibrations. They differ from standard hearing aids, which enhance and clarify acoustic sounds that enter the ear canal. How do Implantable Devices Work? Implantable Device Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SDThese implantable hearing devices bypass damaged portions of the hearing system by sending sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the skull bone. The biggest benefit of bone-anchored hearing devices is that they bypass the outer and middle ear structures, helpful when problems in these areas prevent sound waves and signals from reaching the inner ear along the typical acoustic pathway. Bone anchored hearing devices transmit sound vibrations through an external abutment to the titanium implant, which naturally fuses, or “ossifies,” with the skull bone over time. The skull bone acts as a conductor, transmitting these sound vibrations to the inner ear, where the nerve fibers responsible for hearing are stimulated. This treatment is especially useful for patients with conductive hearing loss and single-sided deafness. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you’re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you’ll be pleased to learn today’s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy. Here are the styles available: Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SD Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear’s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others. The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss. In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SD In-the-Canal (ITC) This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It’s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life. For patients with mild to moderate hearing loss. In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SD In-the-Ear (ITE) This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust. A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style. Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SD Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear. It’s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids in Rancho Bernardo & SD Behind-the-Ear (BTE) The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60 percent of users choose this type), a BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold. Though more visible than other styles, the BTE is simple to use, making it a popular choice for children. It’s powerful enough for all types of hearing loss. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

What is Tinnitus? Ringing in the ear, or tinnitus, is a widespread condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Some people describe it as a hissing, roaring, whooshing or buzzing sound instead of ringing. It may be sporadic or constant, and is a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. There are many factors that can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus Types & Causes Tinnitus is categorized as being either pulsatile or nonpulsatile. People who suffer from pulsatile tinnitus report hearing the sound of their own pulse. It is caused by abnormal blood flow within the arteries of the neck or inside the ear, and is fairly rare. Possible causes include fluid in the middle ear, ear infections, high blood pressure, head and neck tumors or blocked arteries. Nonpulsatile tinnitus – ringing in the ears not accompanied by any type of rhythm – is considerably more common. It can be caused by a variety of conditions including presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), noise exposure, impacted earwax and otosclerosis (stiffening of the bones in the middle ear). Other causes that are less common include Meniere’s disease, TMJ disorders, ototoxic medications, thyroid conditions, head or neck trauma and acoustic neuromas. Tinnitus is also classified as being either subjective (heard only by the patient) or objective (ringing can be heard by an impartial observer, such as a doctor). Most cases of tinnitus are subjective in nature. Tinnitus Treatment Options Tinnitus can’t be cured, but there are treatments that make it less of a distraction. The approach taken depends on the underlying condition responsible for the ringing in your ears. Sometimes, simple steps like removing built-up earwax or switching to a new medication can markedly decrease symptoms. Others benefit from noise suppression therapy or masking techniques designed to cover up the ringing noise. White noise machines, fans, air conditioners and humidifiers are all popular, easy to use options. Tinnitus retraining devices, which rely on patterned tones, are a newer technique that has proven beneficial to many patients. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Audiology evaluations consist of a series of tests used to determine whether a hearing loss exists and, if so, measure its type, degree and configuration. An audiologist will assess the results of each individual test in order to develop a treatment plan geared toward your unique hearing loss. Who Should Be Given an Audiology Evaluation? An audiology (or hearing) evaluation can benefit patients of all ages, even those who do not exhibit signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a progressive condition that often develops slowly. Many people are not aware of a change in their hearing because they gradually adapt to the subtle changes in their hearing ability over time. Studies indicate that it takes seven years, on average, for a hearing impaired individual to seek treatment. An audiology evaluation should be the first course of action for anybody who even suspects a hearing loss. The sooner a diagnosis of hearing loss is made, the more successful treatment will be. Early detection means more options for the patient. Many physicians urge making audiology evaluations a routine part of your overall health care, much like regular vision exams and dental checkups. They are quick, painless and provide immediate results. Audiology Exams A comprehensive audiology evaluation consists of a series of individual diagnostic tests that measure different aspects of your hearing. Following a physical examination and a review of your medical history, you will be given any or all of the following tests: Pure Tone Testing Pure-tone testing (also known as pure tone audiometry) uses air conduction to measure your ability to hear sounds of various pitches and volumes. Wearing headphones, you will be asked to identify a series of tones by raising a hand, pressing a button, or responding verbally. The results are charted on an audiogram, a graph that shows the type, degree and configuration of your hearing loss by comparing pitch (frequency) with loudness (intensity). The pattern recorded will help your audiologist determine your hearing threshold. Bone Conduction Testing Bone conduction testing is another type of pure-tone test that measures the inner ear’s response to sound. If there is damage or a blockage in the outer or middle ear, bone conduction audiometry testing may be used. Instead of sending the tones through the ear, this type of testing is able to bypass the outer and middle ear and send the tone directly to the inner ear. A small vibrator is placed behind the ear. The device sends out a vibration that passes through the skull bone to reach the inner ear. If the results of this test are different than the air conduction test, your audiologist can use this information to determine whether you have a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Alternatively, a two-pronged metal tuning fork may be placed behind the ear or on the forehead. When vibrated, it produces a tone that travels to the cochlea via the skull. Your response determines how well sound travels through different parts of your ear, helping the audiologist diagnose your type of hearing loss. Bone conduction testing is often used in place of air conduction testing when an obstruction in the outer or middle ears is present. Speech Testing Speech (or word recognition) testing is used to measure your speech reception threshold (SRT), or the faintest speech you can understand 50 percent of the time. This is compared with your pure-tone test results to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, your ability to separate speech from background noise will be recorded. Speech testing may be administered in either a quiet or noisy environment; results are recorded on the audiogram for easy visual reference. Middle Ear Testing Middle ear tests are a series of tests used to measure how well the middle ear is functioning. Tympanometry Tympanometry is a test of the middle ear used to detect fluid, wax buildup, eardrum perforations and tumors. It measures movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure; the results are recorded on a chart called a tympanogram. Acoustic Reflex Testing The acoustic reflex test measures involuntary muscle contractions of the middle ear, and is used to determine the location of your hearing problem (the ossicles, cochlea, auditory nerve, etc.) as well as the type of hearing loss. Call Advanced Hearing Solutions at (858) 312-1327 for more information or to schedule an appointment.