Are you in DENIAL about Hearing Loss?

Posted on September 16, 2011 by admin

Imagine having to ask people to repeat themselves – they are
mumbling, you think.  Imagine missing out on important parts of a conversation – trying to fill in the blanks.  Imagine you can hear just fine, thank you very much.  Or maybe your hearing really has declined?

Most hearingloss is very gradual so it can go unnoticed for a long time.  We miss the clues and deny the facts.  D-E-N-I-A-L is very common.  We can’t see or feel hearing loss.  Yet, hearing is one of our most important senses.   It keeps us connected socially – or not.  It is important to our employment, yet we are afraid to say anything for fear of retribution or loss of a job.  It is important to our safety and well-being to hear sirens, horns or impending danger.

When did eye glasses become ok but not hearing aids?  We’ll spend several thousand dollars to have our eyes fixed with a laser but we are reluctant to spend the same to improve our hearing.  The bad part about denial of your hearing loss is that your brain actually forgets the sounds you used to hear and now do not.  The longer this goes on, the harder it is for the brain to relearn these sounds when you are finally fit with a hearing aid.  Relate this to your brain adjusting to new bi-focals or tri-focals in your glasses or contacts.  It can be unnerving and actually painful when sounds are brought back into your life until the brain adjusts.  Some people quit using their hearing aids for this reason!  Sure, hearing aids are not perfect and do not “cure” hearing loss any more than glasses cure vision loss, but they are a step toward maintain quality of life.

With the Baby Boomers making up about 1/3 of the hard of hearing population in the US, hearing loss is becoming more common in conversation.  Access for the hard of hearing in many private and public venues is becoming an issue.  New revised ADA standards effective 3/15/12 clearly mandate that all public venues of any size with a sound system must provide assistive listening devices.

Hearingloops are the favored system by many and loops are becoming more common in the US.   Grass roots initiatives are gaining ground in many states including Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Florida, New Mexico and Arizona.

Advocacy for hearing access is on the rise after being shoved under the carpet for many years.  We at Assist 2 Hear are trying to do our part in promoting access for the hard of hearing and educating the public and hearing professionals about what is available to help the hard of hearing, most notably induction hearing loops.

Are you ready to acknowledge your hearing loss and do something about it?  Get to know your rights. Let us know what you are doing to improve hearing access in your community and how others can join the bandwagon!

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Business Solutions to help you hear better at work!

Posted on August 18, 2011 by admin

As our hard of hearing population increases, many find themselves struggling to hear at work.  Whether in an office, on a construction site or in your car, there are many options to help out.

In offices, there are phone amplifiers and headsets or neckloops to go with them. A great combination is the ClearSounds CLA7v2 neckloop with the IL-95 or M22 phone amplifier.  Another option is the Quattro Bluetooth neckloop with the QLink Bluetooth Transmitter.  For those without t-coil equipped hearing aids, a headset or earbuds are available to plug in to the IL-95 or M22 amplifier.  A simple solution is an amplified business phone with one or two lines for those that don’t spend a great deal of time on the phone.  Your employer may provide you with some of these solutions as part of compliance with ADA or EEO.

A construction worker may find a clipboard loop a practical solution out in the field or in the office.  The clipboard has a microphone in the end that can be pointed to the speaker or the included lapel microphone can be used as well.

A portable loop is a great way for anyone to carry their own personal loop with them to meetings, restaurants, doctor appointments, etc.  These rechargeable loops could become your best friend to hear in many different venues.

To hear better on cell phones, personal neckloops for those with t-coils in their hearing aids offer sound to both ears.  The ClearSounds CLA7v2, Amplicom NL100, Artone Bluetooth Loopset or the Quattro Bluetooth neckloop can be connected to cell phones with a connector cord or Bluetooth pairing.

Do you have suggestions on how to hear better in different work environments?  Please share your successes or failures.

For more information, visit www.assist2hear.com .

 

 

 

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YOU CAN PREVENT Noise Induced Hearing Loss!

Posted on August 11, 2011 by admin

Yes, you can prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).  Our world has become increasingly noisy.  We have power everything – tools, cars, stereos, appliances, hair dryers, etc.  Add MP3 players, IPods and earbuds and we have the perfect recipe for NIHL. How many times do you pass someone with earbuds in their ears and you can hear what they are listening to?  Obviously the sound is too loud.

Some noise levels result in gradual hearing loss while others can damage hearing immediately. Sounds over 110 decibels (dB) may damage hearing immediately, while
sounds from 80-100 dB may damage hearing over time.

This chart from www.sightandhearing.org shows levels of common sounds
found in our everyday life.

Noise Thermometer

You can see that we are exposed to damaging
sounds on a regular basis.

A general rule of thumb is that if
you have to raise your voice to be
heard over the noise, you are in
a dangerous range.

Excessive noise damages the delicate
hair cells in the inner ear. This damage
results in sensorineural hearing loss
and often tinnitus (ringing of the ears).

 

 

So, what can you do to prevent noise induced hearing loss?

  1. Limit time in loud noise
  2. Wear hearing protection in loud environments
  3. Ask your employer for hearing protection on the
    job.
  4. Buy quieter products – compare dB ratings
  5. Keep the volume low!

It is not a surprise that hearing loss is on the rise.  Already, about 36 million Americans have hearing loss. Many deny it and only about 25% wear hearing aids.  Hearing loss is termed the “invisible disability” because most people don’t want to advertise their hearing loss and have not been advocates for communication accessibility.  This appears to be changing as more and more are affected by hearing loss and are demanding hearing access, which is clearly covered by ADA.

Share your experience with Noise Induced Hearing Loss and how we can help prevent it.  For more information on hearing loss, products for the hearing impaired and hearing protection, visit www.assist2hear.com .

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Loop systems Get Used while FM/Infrared Headsets Gather Dust!

Posted on August 4, 2011 by admin

A rolling stone gathers no dust – but FM headsets do!  Just ask any venue that has an FM or Infrared system in place for the hard of hearing.  Headsets just don’t get used.  Why?

Let me count the reasons:

  1. Headsets mess up the ladies’ hair
  2. Headsets advertise hearing loss
  3. Headsets are generally uncomfortable
  4. Batteries may not be charged
  5. Headsets may walk off and disappear
  6. Sanitary issues for many people – require maintenance
  7. Just don’t work for those with hearing aids – hearing aids must be removed!
  8. Interference can be an issue for FM – Infrared requires a direct line of sight

FM and Infrared systems generally work well but just don’t get used.  So a venue can install an FM or Infrared system for less than a hearing loop up front, but at what cost per user?  One church had an FM system that ONE person used.  After installing an induction hearing loop, there were TEN users.  Hmmm……

Once a hearing loop is installed, there is virtually no maintenance, except for the
few loop receiver headsets for those brave souls that will use them.  And those that have spent $2,500-$7,500 for a pair of hearing aids can put them to use by switching to the telecoil (“T”) setting to enjoy clear sound through the aids that are already programmed for their own hearing loss.  No fuss, no muss!

Hearing loops open up a whole new audience that has not been adequately served in our Country.  The number of people that can listen in the loop is unlimited where FM and Infrared systems are limited by the number of headsets available in the venue. Hearing loops are universal so a hearing aid wearer can hear in looped venues around the world.

Both FM/Infrared and Hearing Loop Systems meet ADA standards for accessibility in public venues.   However, the new ADA standards effective 3/15/12 require that 25% of the required assistive listening headsets be hearing aid compatible.  If a venue has a hearing loop installed, this requirement does not apply.

With induction hearing loops, people bring, maintain and use their own wireless receiver (the hearing aid) – invisibly!  For more information about hearing loops, visit ww.assist2hear.com .

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The Perfect Marriage – Hearing Aids AND Hearing Loops!

Posted on July 27, 2011 by admin

Do you wear hearing aids?  Are you in the loop?
Hearing aid manufacturers have made big strides in improving hearing loss with digital
aids, Bluetooth applications, and improved technology to discern the sounds we hear. But hearing aids still are not very effective in noisy environments or large venues where the distance to the speaker and sound reverberation is an issue.

Enter the hearing loop.  Hearing aids with t-coils are the necessary components to hear in an induction loop.  Nearly 70% of hearing aids today either have a t-coil (telecoil) installed or can be fit with one.  This tiny copper coil, which costs a couple of dollars and uses no battery power, can make the difference between hearing okay and hearing very well in many situations.  In looped venues, the loop sends a clear signal through the t-coil into the hearing aid wearer’s ears.  The hearing aid is programmed for the user’s own hearing loss and the sound through a hearing loop is nothing short of amazing.

Hearing loop advocates will say that hearing a sermon or presentation through a loop has made a difference in their lives.  I can vouch for that seeing the excitement of my own 87 year old father when we hooked up a hearing loop in his TV room.  Seeing smiles “ear to ear” is proof that the hearing loops work – and work well.

As hearing loops gain acceptance in our country through grass roots initiatives, I believe this will fuel hearing aid sales.  So it seems loops are a win-win for all concerned.
Audiologists and hearing instrument specialists will increase sales AND customer satisfaction, which is key to their business success.  Satisfied hearing aid wearers can enjoy social settings they may have steered clear of before.  And family members are happy to see the hard of hearing individual enjoying life and not having to have the TV blaring, disturbing everyone else in the room!
Businesses with hearing loops may see an increase in customers with a hearing friendly environment.

Some hearing aids have a Bluetooth option, which involves pairing the hearing aid with a phone or TV through a receiver.  Bluetooth is not the same as a hearing loop, is a short range signal, has to be paired through a separate device, is an additional cost, and uses a lot of battery power.  Certainly Bluetooth applications can also improve satisfaction with hearing aids, but don’t forget to get a t-coil too!

Personal hearing loops such as a neckloop worn around the neck can allow the hearing aid wearer with a t-coil to use assistive listening devices such as a Pocketalker, Comfort Duett, or Bellman MINO/Maxi to improve hearing in some settings such as meetings, restaurants, etc.  Portable loops such as the InfoLoop or clipboard loop can help in the office, at home or other situations.  There are small loops for places such as
information desks, pharmacy windows, bank teller windows, etc.

So this tiny, inexpensive t-coil can have a broad range of uses, allowing the hearing aid wearer many options to hear better in different settings.  Hearing aids and t-coils were made for each other!

For more information on Hearing Loops and their many uses, visit www.assist2hear.com .  Share your experience with hearing aids and hearing loops.

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Is Your Business or Public Venue ADA compliant for Communication Access?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by admin

Is Your Business or Public Venue ADA compliant for Communication Access?

Did you know that Assistive Listening Systems are very clearly required by ADA?  The Department of Justice has adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design “2010 Standards” or “Standards”.  The official date for enforcement of the 2010 Standards is March 15, 2012.  New construction or altered facilities begun prior to March 15, 2012 may use either the 1991 or 2010 Standards.

Definitions in ADA 2010 Standards: Titles II and III applying to hearing access are as follows:

Assembly Area.  “A building or facility, or portion thereof, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes.  For the purposes of these requirements, assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, lecture halls, courtrooms, public meeting rooms, public hearing rooms, legislative chambers, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, playhouses, dinner theaters, concert halls, centers for the performing arts, amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, grandstands, or convention centers.

Assistive Listening System (ALS).  An amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared, or direct-wired equipment.

Section 219.2 of the 2010 Standards requires an assistive listening system “in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space.”

Section 219.3 of the 2010 Standards requires that receivers for the ALS shall be provided in each assembly area in accordance with a table based on the seating capacity of the area.  Section 219.3 also requires that a minimum of 25%, but no fewer than two of the receivers shall be hearing-aid compatible.  A hearing aid compatible receiver is typically a neckloop worn by the hearing aid wearer that talks to the t-coils in the hearing aid.  HOWEVER, where all seats in an assembly area are served by an induction loop assistive listening system, the minimum number of receivers required to be hearing-aid compatible are not required to be provided.

An example of the number of required receivers for a 501-1000 seat assembly area would be 20 receivers, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats.  And the minimum number of hearing-aid compatible receivers is one per four receivers, or 5 of the 20 plus the appropriate number over 500 seats.

ADA compliance for the hard of hearing has been lacking, mostly because most of us don’t want to admit we can’t hear.  But that seems to be changing and the new 2010 Standards will hopefully lead to better hearing access for Americans.

Assist 2 Hear, LLC is committed to improving hearing access for the hard of hearing in venues throughout Colorado.  Contact us for information about looping your venue at 210-210-9653 or visit http://www.assist2hear.com/ .

 

Information from 2010 Standards: Title II and III, Department of Justice

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Telecoil Education a Must when buying Hearing Aids!

Posted on July 14, 2011 by admin

With hearing loops becoming more common in the US, it is imperative that consumers be educated about options to help them hear better with their hearing aids.  Those with hearing aids and/or cochlear implants should be informed of the potential benefits of assistive listening devices, telecoils and hearing loops.

Some states, such as New York, Florida, and Arizona, have state legislation that mandates state-licensed audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to educate their consumers about telecoil technology. It is important not just to advise consumers about the function of telecoils for telephone use, but also to educate them about potential uses of their telecoils for venues that are looped or with assistive listening devices.

I can vouch for this need because literally 9 out of 10 hearing aid wearers we ask do not know if they have a telecoil (T-coil) or even what it is! 

Our friends across the pond in Europe have embraced hearing loops as THE technology for hearing access in literally all public venues, including retail businesses, and all must have hearing loops installed.  This means grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, taxis, subway information booths, airport concourses, churches, auditoriums, etc. 

Arizona appears to have been the first state to enact legislation requiring audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to inform buyers about telecoil technology at the time of purchase.   Arizona State Senator Amanda Aguirre, one of the sponsors of SB 1348, says “Many people, including many hearing aids wearers, are simply not aware of the incredible benefits of T-coil technology.  Previously, you could buy a hearing aid that had a T-coil but you might never be informed about what it could do for you.  You had no idea that by flipping on a switch in your hearing aid, your participation at theaters, banks and stores would increase dramatically.”

Other states have reportedly enacted similar legislation including New York and Florida.  Others have “suggested” the installation of hearing loops and education about telecoils such as California and Michigan.

As a consumer, we all need to ask questions and educate ourselves when making a major purchase such as a hearing aid.  But hopefully audiologists will become more in tune with the technology that serves to improve hearing aid sales and customer satisfaction.   Speak to your local representatives about mandatory education on hearing aid benefits with telecoils.   Share your experiences at http://www.assist2hear.com/blog/

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THREE Reasons to Get Hearing Aids Now!

Posted on July 7, 2011 by admin

One of the most common reactions people have when they develop hearing loss is D-E-N-I-A-L!  But denying hearing loss has an impact on others as well as your own well being. So consider a few reasons not to delay getting hearing aids:

Progress?
 
Reason #1:  Did you know that the longer you wait to get hearing aids, the harder it is for your brain to adjust to hearing certain sounds again?  Much like glasses and bifocals, the brain must adjust to sounds heard via hearing aids that may not have been heard in some time, such as birds chirping, appliances running, and everyday sounds that may have been unheard in recent years. This can be very frustrating to many new hearing aid wearers and takes time to adjust.  Unfortunately some new hearing aid wearers get so frustrated that they just put the aids in the drawer and give up.
Reason #2:  Hearing is a very important sense that contributes to our own well being.  Not being able to hear results in many people tending to isolate themselves from family and social interaction, which in turn affects their mental and physical health, as well as safety. Many people do not know about the many options that can improve hearing in many situations.
Reason #3:  While hearing aids are not perfect and do not “cure” hearing loss any more than glasses cure vision loss, they do improve hearing in many settings and open the door to add assistive listening devices to help the hearing aids hear better in various situations.  A manual t-coil setting in the hearing aid allows the wearer to enjoy sound in hearing loops or use personal neckloops with phones, MP3 players, TVs, etc. 
  
So what are you waiting for?  A hearing assessment is typically free at most audiology offices.  Hearing aids can be basic or state of the art, depending on your budget and level of hearing loss.  It takes some persistence on your part to make the hearing aids comfortable to wear and get them adjusted correctly.  So be patient and work with your audiologist to get it right!  You will be glad and so will your family and friends. 
For more information on hearing loss and options to improve hearing, visit http://www.assist2hear.com/.  Share your experiences in deciding to get hearing aids!
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What is this T-COIL in a hearing aid?

Posted on July 1, 2011 by admin

With all this talk about Induction Hearing Loops and how they dramatically improve hearing and understanding in venues that are typically difficult for the hearing aid wearers, the one question that is asked over and over is “do you have a t-coil?”  It is a simple question that many hearing aid wearers do not know the answer to!  So what is this important t-coil?

A t-coil, or telecoil, is a small copper coil in a hearing aid that functions as a wireless antenna that links to a sound system or PA system, delivering customized sound to the hearing aid wearer.  It is an option on most hearing aids and is generally in all cochlear implant processors.

Originally used to hear better on the telephone, the t-coil is necessary to hear within a loop system.  Just increasing the volume on a hearing aid or cochlear implant doesn’t necessarily improve the clarity.  That is the “wow” factor of a t-coil in a hearing loop system.  The clarity and understanding is unequalled when listening in a loop.

With a t-coil installed in the hearing aid, the user simply pushes the button or switch for the “T” setting – no additional headsets or receivers are necessary to hear clearly in the induction loop or on the telephone.

Be sure to ask for a MANUAL T-coil when buying hearing aids.  This will allow you to switch from t-coil to microphone settings as necessary.  The audiologist should program the t-coil to suit the user’s needs which may include partial microphone on the t-setting, at least in one ear, to allow one to hear voices outside of the sound system. 

Most hearing aids can be equipped with a t-coil except for the very small ITC (in the canal) aids.  If a hearing aid does not have a t-coil, most can be retrofitted for $200-300.  Some hearing aids have t-coils installed but not activated and some need to have the t-coil volume adjusted. 

The t-coil opens doors to other options such as neckloops to use with assistive listening devices for other situations that may need additional sound support when not in a looped venue.  Residential loops work well for hearing the TV without bothering other family members or neighbors.

Bottom line, ask for a manual t-coil and have the audiologist educate you on its uses.  T-coils require adjustment as much as other settings on hearing aids so don’t be shy to ask for further assistance.

For more information on t-coils and induction hearing loops, visit www.assist2hear.com or www.hearingloss.org   Please share your t-coil experiences with us!

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International Hearing Loop Conference Educates and Advocates for Hearing Loops

Posted on June 23, 2011 by admin

The Assist 2 Hear team was proud to be part of around 300 attendees participating in the 2nd International Hearing Loop Conference in Crystal City, VA.  The Conference was in conjunction with the Hearing Loss Association of America’s 2011 Convention. 

Participants in the Loop Conference came from all over the US and across the pond.  Representatives from the major loop equipment manufacturers were present including Ampetronic, Univox, Contacta and Oval Window. 

Workshops included information on the technical aspects of looping, advocacy, telecoils, loop installations across the US, loop initiative progress and evaluations of loop systems. 

Well known loop advocates David Myers and Juliette Sterkens were presenters along with several hearing aid manufacturers such as Starkey, Oticon, Unitron and Widex and other professional in the looping industry.

And, of course, Brenda Battat with HLAA and Pat Kricos of AAA were supporting the collaborative effort between their organizations – Let’s Get in the Hearing Loop.

The good news is that the manufacturers present embrace the t-coils as being the simple technology that is the best available for the foreseeable future.  Unlike Bluetooth, t-coils do not require power and provide great clarity.  Many options are available for hearing aids, including Bluetooth, but the t-coils are consistent and add to the satisfaction of the users without additional paraphernalia.  The t-coils allow the hearing aid to be a wireless loudspeaker for the user.

According to the HLAA/AAA Let’s Get in the Hearing Loop initiative, the goal is to promote hearing aid compatible assistive listening that is affordable, available with most hearing aids/cochlear implants, demand little battery power and are inconspicuous/user friendly. 

For now, loop systems alone meet those criteria!  So join the Loop Train and help improve access for the hard of hearing in our Country.  Add your comments to our blog!

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