Signs of hearing loss are often mistaken for other medical, social problems at all ages

Hearing loss in teenagers is on the rise, and recent reports about the increase in hearing problems among teenagers serve as a reminder that one can experience difficulty hearing at any age. Early hearing loss treatment is key to minimizing long-term impact for children, teens and seniors alike. However, hearing loss symptoms may vary greatly between different age groups, and it is helpful to know what to look for if you suspect a loved one has hearing loss.

Teenagers often seem to be in their own world, not paying attention to what’s happening at home or in school.  But when teens are truly having trouble hearing you, it’s time to take action.  Teens who have been exposed to loud music over a period of time may complain of ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus) or of a sensation of fullness, as if their ears are plugged.  Hearing loss can also be caused by ear infections or trauma, and it’s important to get to the bottom of the problem quickly if you suspect your teen has a hearing problem.  For infants, children and teens, even minor hearing loss can make communication difficult, and can have long-lasting consequences.  A child’s self-image may be negatively affected by hearing loss, their ability to learn may be compromised, and children with hearing loss may experience difficulty developing social skills.

Signs of hearing loss in older adults are often wrongly attributed to other age-related issues such as dementia.  Forgetfulness may be a sign that your loved one has simply missed part of a conversation due to a hearing problem. If an older adult communicates well in one-to-one conversations, but has difficulty hearing in a group situation, hearing loss may be to blame. Finally, if a older person who was once engaged and socially active becomes withdrawn, irritable or inattentive, chances are strong that they are suffering from hearing loss and should be seen by one of our hearing specialist.

To learn more about signs of hearing loss and treatment, or to arrange for a free hearing screening, call or contact us by filling out our information on our Contact Us  page.

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

For many, it takes years of struggles with misunderstanding speech in conversations, not hearing in noisy social settings and difficulties listening on the phone before they seek help with a hearing aid.  Yet, several days of strife may have been averted had a hearing aid been pursued earlier.  Today, many objections exist around hearing aids that prevent people from taking proper action.  However, many of these objections are based upon old conditions or myths.  We want to help dispel a few of those for you or a loved one. 

Myth:  Hearing aids are too big and are too noticeable when worn.

Fact:  While previous hearing aids may have been large and clunky, today’s hearing aids are drastically different in size and cosmetic appeal.  In fact, many of the behind-the-ear hearing aids needed by those with more significant hearing losses have won multiple industrial design awards in the consumer electronics category for their stylish design and ease-of-use.  Also, there are small hearing aids that are nearly invisible* when worn deep in your ear canal.

Myth:  Hearing aids only work in quiet settings and can’t help in noisy situations with background noise.

Facts:  Vast improvements in hearing aid technology have been made even in the last few years to help make hearing in noisy environments effortless.  With today’s technology from Starkey, a hearing aid will intuitively seek out speech to amplify it, all while compressing background noises and conversations.  This allows for conversations in social settings to be easy and enjoyable again.

Myth:  Hearing aids are too expensive.

Fact:  Actually, hearing aids today not only come in an array of sizes and styles but also with several levels of technology and many affordable options.  The level of hearing aid technology you will want will depend first upon recommendations from your hearing examination but also your lifestyle needs.  Many patients who have only moderate hearing losses may opt for a more sophisticated hearing aid because they need performance in large group meetings or in social settings.  On the contrary, some individuals with significant losses opt for a hearing aid that gives them performance in only a few environments of concern such as in church, hearing on the phone and in listening to television.  We are glad to review our pricing ranges and payment plan options to ensure you get a hearing aid, if needed, which satisfies both your budgetary and lifestyle needs.

We hope that if you or a loved one struggle with a hearing loss, early consideration can be given to evaluating hearing aid options.  With affordable and reliable technology available, no one should have to go a day without better hearing.  Interested to learn more or schedule a free hearing examination?  Simply request an appointment by entering your information on our Contact Us page and we will be in touch to help you get started.

                                                                                                  *Level of invisibility may vary

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS

Communication Can Help

The sounds of the holidays; joyous music, lively conversation and family gatherings are a cherished part of every holiday season. But if a loved one has trouble hearing in crowded, noisy situations, or suffers any degree of hearing loss, the holidays may lose some of their luster.

A person with hearing loss symptoms may have difficulty hearing the higher pitched tones of children’s (and women‘s) speech. Missing out on a grandchild’s recitation of a wish list, or not being able to contribute to a family conversation about holiday memories, can be frustrating for both the person suffering from hearing loss, as well as family members who may not be aware of the hearing problem.

There are ways to help a loved one with hearing problems enjoy the holiday season. It takes observation, awareness and a healthy dose of patience – communication skills that are useful year round- but may be even more important when families and friends gather to celebrate.

• Be sure the person is paying attention before you speak.
• Speak face-to-face, never from a different room or from behind.
• Dimly lit situations make it difficult to see facial expressions. Try to have conversations in areas with good lighting like a kitchen or near a window.
• While speaking, avoid activities like smoking or chewing that make lip reading difficult.
• Speak at a natural pace and volume level.
• Try to reduce background noise. Even people who wear hearing aids may have difficulty hearing in noisy situations.

 The holidays often provide the perfect opportunity for a heartfelt family discussion about health concerns. Recognizing the causes and types of hearing loss can help pinpoint the problem, and rule out other medical issues.

With the support of family, a person with hearing problems may be more able to accept the need to get hearing loss treatment, and may be ready to take the first steps to better hearing – a hearing test, and, if necessary, hearing aids.  What a great gift to give a loved one (or yourself) this holiday season! 

Avoid unnecessary frustrations this Holiday season. Make your appointment by simply visiting our Contact Us page to request a free hearing test.  We look forward to helping make your season free from struggles with hearing loss and full of joy.

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

 In honor of National Caregivers Month this November, we are offering caregivers of all kinds a helpful list for the most common signs of hearing loss, as well as information about hearing loss treatment. Family members are often the first to recognize that a loved one has hearing loss, but the symptoms may appear gradually and be difficult to detect.  Even professional caregivers can confuse the signs and symptoms of hearing loss with other conditions, missing opportunities for early diagnosis to minimize the long term impact of hearing problems.

Some of the most common indicators of hearing loss include:

* Turning up the volume of the television or radio

* Problems hearing the doorbell or the telephone ringing

* Difficulty hearing people calling from behind, or in another room

* Asking people to repeat themselves frequently

* Misunderstanding or “forgetting” what has been said or agreed upon

* Cupping hands behind the ears

A person with normal hearing can hear quiet sounds, medium and loud sounds that vary from low pitch to high pitch. In speech, soft consonant sounds like T, S and F are higher pitched than strong vowel sounds such as A, E and I. With hearing loss, it is difficult to differentiate between these sounds, and speech becomes harder to comprehend and sounds garbled.

If you, a friend or a family member are displaying any of these symptoms, we at Advanced Tech Hearing Aid Centers encourage you to take the simple first step and visit us for a free hearing examination by submitting your information on out Contact Us page.  Don’t miss out on the sounds you can be hearing.

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Preventing Hearing Loss with Sportsmen

The arrival of fall brings a sense of anticipation to sportsmen and women who enjoy hunting. Chances are, you started thinking about the season some time ago – maybe even made a checklist of everything you’ll need before heading out for the woods or water. New gun case? Check. Goose call? Check. Hearing protection?  Not on the list? If you haven’t used hearing protection for hunting in the past, you may already have some degree of hearing loss.  Early treatment for existing hearing loss is critical, and there are steps you can take to avoid further damage.    

There are many types of hearing loss, but the most common type, and the type suffered most frequently by sportsmen and women, is known as sensorineural hearing loss.  Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when inner ear nerves are damaged and do not properly transmit sound signals to the brain. Your inner ear contains tiny hair cells, and prolonged exposure to loud noises like a shotgun or rifle close to the ear can cause these hair cells to wither. Without these hair cells, the ear cannot detect sounds properly.

Sensorineural hearing loss can also be caused by an injury, illness, medications or the aging process, but exposure to loud noise is one of the most common causes.  As a hunter, you may rely on your hearing many times during a day on the trail or in a blind – to locate game, to connect with your hunting party, or perhaps to listen for road noise to find your way back to your vehicle.  Specialty earmold hearing protection is available that allows for normal hearing when worn but compresses the loud sounds of gunfire to avoid hearing damage.  Also, new digital hearing aids are designed for all types of listening situations – even outdoor activities such as hunting – and can be worn with hearing protection to enhance and protect your hearing. 

If you’re an avid hunter, trap shooter or simply enjoy the firing range, and haven’t been careful about hearing protection in the past, now is the time to start.  Have your hearing checked by one of our specialists before heading out this season, and if hearing aids are recommended for your type of hearing difficulty, don’t delay in getting fit.  Simply visit our Contact Us page to request a hearing test, to protect your hearing in the field and continue to enjoy your favorite fall pastime for years to come.

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Introducing The Invisible-In-Canal Hearing Aid

As a hearing professional, I always find that I am noticing people wearing aids in public situations, such as at sporting events or the airport.  Mostly, because it’s my profession, but also because hearing aids of the past have been so big and noticeable, and I put great emphasis on the word PAST. 

With today’s latest hearing aids, many new options are available that are invisible* to the eye when worn.  The exact level of invisibility depends on the size of your ear canal, but, for many, these invisible-in-canal size hearing aids will help those with hearing losses receive the benefits of wearing a hearing aid without having it known to others, even their closest colleagues or friends.  The most significant of these new invisible-in-canal products is called SoundLens, made by Starkey. 

The SoundLens is custom made to fit exactly to the contours of your ear canal, so comfortable that many report forgetting they have it in.  While the size has become smaller, the technology continues to get more advanced and powerful.  The SoundLens is a digital and fully programmable hearing aid that is designed to virtually eliminate feedback and reduce background noise in noisy environments.  Not only may you not feel like you are wearing a hearing aid, but you won’t have to remember to change settings or programs when switching from quiet to noisy environments.  Candidacy for this product does depend on your degree of hearing loss as significant losses may need a more powerful solution.  Though, many hearing aid options are available in slightly bigger sizes that are still hard to notice when worn in the ear and equally effortless to use.

For myself, it looks like my days of being able to spot hearing aid wearers in public may be coming to an end, which is fantastic.  If you or a loved one feel that they could benefit from wearing a hearing aid but don’t want to have to feel like you are wearing a hearing aid, the invisible-in-canal solutions may be right for you.  Simply visit the Contact Us page of our website to request more information and we will be in touch to answer all of your questions or schedule a free appointment.

*Individual results may vary.  Invisibility may vary based on your ear’s anatomy.

Check out our E brochure here: advancedtechhearingaidcenters.ebrochure

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

Baldness, freckles…hearing loss? Yes, it seems we can inherit many of our parents’ traits, whether or not we truly want them. While we have known for years that different conditions such as baldness, high blood pressure, poor eyesight can have genetic origins, recent studies have revealed more information into the genetic causes of hearing loss in many individuals.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that almost 70 different genes in our DNA have been identified as responsible for hereditary hearing loss. Researchers expect this number to increase as more gene candidates are explored.
So while the majority of the hearing losses we see involve some degree of prior noise exposure, it is becoming more and more commonplace to see individuals who have genetic factors involved with their condition. Unfortunately, this is not something you can change. However, recognizing the signs of hearing loss early on and getting the appropriate care can help reduce the impact that hearing loss will have.
At we can treat all individuals with hearing loss difficulties, regardless of the cause. If you feel that you or a loved one is experiencing struggles with hearing loss, we encourage you to take the first step to better hearing and make an appointment for a free consultation today. Simply go to our Contact Us page and submit your information and we will be in touch within one business day.

Ed Kocher, ACA, BC-HIS
Founder
Certified Audioprosthologist
Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist