Why Hearing Tests Are Important?

In the recent MSN Health article “The Most Neglected Health Test For Women and Men”, Molly Raisch refers to a Virginia Commonwealth University study that says, “one of the most routinely missed tests is the hearing exam, it gets bypassed nearly 70 percent of the time.” Many people with problems hearing don’t even realize they have a hearing loss because of physicians skipping hearing exams during yearly checkups!

Why you need a hearing test NOW?

Hearing loss can mean a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Hearing loss is a result of nerve damage in the ear. Nerve damage in the ear can mean there is nerve damage in another part of the body like the brain. “For every 10 decibels of hearing loss, the chance of developing Alzheimer’s increases 20 percent.” Untreated damage to your hearing will only worsen over time.

Hearing loss could be a red flag for cardiovascular disease.
Trouble hearing low-frequencies can mean you have a heart problem. The inner ear has a ton of tiny, sensitive blood vessels. These tiny blood vessels are so sensitive that any changes, like hearing loss, could be a sign of issues with bigger blood vessels (cardiovascular disease).

A hearing exam could spot CANCER…yes, the big C word.
It’s not easy to see your own ears. We don’t recommend that a family member check your ears, as they are not equipped. We recommend a physician who will likely spot any abnormalities on or around your ear when checking your hearing. Think of it as a bonus checkup during your exam.

I’m hearing perfectly with my old hearing aids…I don’t need new ones!

Advances in hearing technology have introduced many features that weren’t available just a few years ago…features you may have been waiting for but couldn’t get when you were first fitted. Audio Help Hearing Centers provides hearing instruments that are smarter than ever, working with your brain to do a better job of separating conversation from background noise and preserving the spatial ‘soundscape’ of a room — new features that enhance comprehension and reduce fatigue. The micro-brains inside these devices work hard to adjust automatically and optimize performance, to take the strain off your brain. Today’s advanced hearing aids are more fun, too. They can connect easily to all the new electronic devices around you — TVs, computers, smartphones, audio equipment and more. And there are more options than ever for size and fit: more colors, completely invisible devices, and newer, more comfortable external hearing aids.

In short, it pays to keep up to date with advances in hearing technology, regardless of how well your current hearing aids are performing. Next time you visit an Audio Help Hearing Center professional for new batteries or other services, try asking, “What’s new?”

You may be amazed at what you find!

Why do I need to clean my hearing aids every night?

Maintaining your hearing aid through daily cleaning and regular service is extremely important. Proper care helps retain optimum hearing conditions, extends the life of your hearing aid, and ensures proper hygiene.

How to care for your hearing aid:

  • Handle your hearing aid with care.
  • Store your hearing aid in a safe place that’s dry and cool.
  • Change hearing aid batteries often so they don’t suddenly run out of power.
  • Switch off your hearing aid when you’re not using it. If you don’t use it for a long period of time, remove the battery.
  • Battery contacts should be cleaned regularly. Use a cotton swab, taking care not to bend the contacts. Dirty battery contacts can cause improper device function.
  • Remove earwax from your hearing aid to prevent temporary malfunction or permanent damage.
  • Clean your hearing aid using the small brush or the soft cloth that came with it. Never insert tools into the sound outlet. Doing so could damage the receiver. If you can’t clean the hearing aid completely, ask your hearing professional for help.
  • Change filters often so they don’t collect wax or dirt.
  • Accumulated earwax may prevent sounds from traveling from the hearing aid into the middle ear. Contact your doctor regularly to have your ear canals cleaned. Never remove the earwax from the ear yourself. Doing so could damage your ear.
  • Don’t wear your hearing aid: in the shower; swimming; or when using a hair dryer, hair spray or other types of spray.

NOTE: Use a specialist for repairs and servicing. Never attempt to repair your hearing instruments yourself. You may cause more damage, which may be irreparable. Check the instructions for use that came with your hearing instruments for more details.

Always contact your hearing care professional at Audio Help Hearing Centers if you are having problems with your hearing aids.