NEW DEVICES FROM WIDEX OFFERING TRUE TO LIFE SOUND! The new DREAM by Widex, one of the most technologically advanced hearing aid manufacturers in the world, provides more sound, more words and an experience that’s more personal than ever before. With the DREAM series, sounds will seem richer, with greater depth, dimension and detail. Patients are reporting that speech is much clearer as a result of the DREAM patented technology. This technology is designed to preserve the nuances of the human voice, while minimizing background noise in social environments. Why are patients reporting that they are hearing like they used to? » The new devices actually analyze the environment on both sides of the head and send this information back and forth 21 times per second! The hearing aids then adjust automatically to bring speech up on one side and turn background noise down on the other. » The DREAM technology allows more sound into the hearing aid. This sound is then processed for a clear, rich and full listening experience even in high-noise environments like concerts, parties, movies, sporting events, and places of worship. » Widex DREAM has special features that select the best settings for speech understanding. These features provide a 3D soundscape resulting in a very natural sound quality. (continued on page 2) ISSUE 5 // FALL 2013 WHAT’S INSIDE p.4 Protecting Your Hearing From Firearm Noise p.5 Safe Noise Exposure Times p.5 Fun Facts About Hearing p.6 The Hearing Center’s New Face... With Familiar Ears p.6 Save The Date p.7 Do You Really Hear On Your Home Phone? p.8 Ask the Otologist p.8 The Hearing Center Experts sound times The Hearing Center at Dallas Ear Institute 7777 Forest Lane, Suite A-107 Dallas, TX 75230 972.566.7359 Visit our website at www.DallasHear.com THE HEARING CENTER HAS EXPANDED!! We just completed the expansion of our Hearing Center to improve your hearing care experience. All services related to hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices and specialty earplugs/ monitors will now be offered in our state-of-the-art Hearing Center. Stop in today to see our new office and to learn about the latest advances in hearing technology!
Transcript
New devices from widex offeriNg true to life souNd!
The new DREAM by Widex, one of the most technologically advanced hearing aid manufacturers in the world, provides more sound, more words and an experience that’s more personal than ever before. With the DREAM series, sounds will seem richer, with greater depth, dimension and detail. Patients are reporting that speech is much clearer as a result of the DREAM patented technology. This technology is designed to preserve the nuances of the human voice, while minimizing background noise in social environments.
Why are patients reporting that they are hearing like they used to? » The new devices actually analyze the environment on both sides
of the head and send this information back and forth 21 times per second! The hearing aids then adjust automatically to bring speech up on one side and turn background noise down on the other.
» The DREAM technology allows more sound into the hearing aid. This sound is then processed for a clear, rich and full listening experience even in high-noise environments like concerts, parties, movies, sporting events, and places of worship.
» Widex DREAM has special features that select the best settings for speech understanding. These features provide a 3D soundscape resulting in a very natural sound quality. (continued on page 2)
I s s u e 5 / / F a l l 2 0 1 3
WhAt’s InsIDE
p.4 Protecting Your Hearing From Firearm Noise
p.5 Safe Noise Exposure Times
p.5 Fun Facts About Hearing
p.6 The Hearing Center’s New Face...With Familiar Ears
p.6 Save The Date
p.7 Do You Really Hear On Your Home Phone?
p.8 Ask the Otologist
p.8 The Hearing Center Experts
soundtimes
The Hearing Center atDallas Ear Institute
7777 Forest Lane, Suite A-107Dallas, TX 75230
972.566.7359
Visit our website at www.Dallashear.com
the heariNg ceNter has expaNded!!
We just completed the expansion of our Hearing Center to improve your hearing care experience. All services related to hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices and specialty earplugs/monitors will now be offered in our state-of-the-art Hearing Center. Stop in today to see our new office and to learn about the latest advances in hearing technology!
Why can patients wearing the DREAM devices now hear soft high-pitched sounds like a young child’s voice, birds chirping, and beeps of kitchen appliances?
The Audibility Extender for the devices can shift sounds down to a pitch where there is better hearing instead of trying to make high pitched sounds louder.
Why are patients with irritating and debilitating tinnitus (ringing, chirping, buzzing, roaring) finally getting some relief?
» The DREAM hearing aids use an FDA approved Zen technology that manages tinnitus through relaxation. Zen soft fractal tones can actually break the cycle that causes a patient to suffer from their tinnitus.
Phone listening made easy
The PHONE-DEX is an all-purpose, cordless phone that streams crystal clear sound directly to your hearing aids. It provides you with good speech understanding in both ears. It is incredibly easy to use – the only thing you need to do is hold the phone normally.
The PHONE-DEX also works as a conventional phone, so family and friends can use it too.
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www.DallasHear.com
Do you WAnt A DIscREEt AnD EffIcIEnt hEARIng DEvIcE?
The devices are small and comfortable AND come in 14 colors
to choose from.
The POWERSAVER design uses 20 percent less power and offers
an extended battery life.
(...continued from page 1)
Ponto™A range of options for
users of bone anchoredsound processors
If your hearing loss is due to problems in your outer ear or middle ear or if you are deaf in a single ear, ask your audiologist whether a bone anchored sound processor might be the solution for you. Bone anchored sound processors are designed to use your body’s natural ability to transfer sound through bone conduc-tion. The sound processor captures sound and converts this sound into vibrations, which are sent through the bone behind the ear and directly into the inner ear. This avoids problems in the ear canal or middle ear.
Natural sound and comfortable use. The advantages are many – first and foremost a much clearer and more natural sound quality, as the bone anchored sound processors do not need to use as much amplification as traditional hearing aids. It is also a comfortable solution if you suffer from chronic otitis media or irritation in the ear canal, as the ear canal is kept completely open. Deaf in a single ear?If you are deaf in a single ear, the bone anchored sound processor will capture sound on your deaf side and transfer the sound to your able ear. This is designed to increase your awareness of what is happening on your deaf side and to help to understand speech.
Ponto™ is a bone anchored hearing care system from Oticon Medical that features the most sophisticated technology in sound processing. Ponto™ is designed to improve sound quality, speech comprehension and wearing comfort in both quiet and noisy environments. To learn more, contact the Dallas Ear Institute at 1-972-566-7359 or by email: [email protected]. You can also read more about Ponto™ and bone anchored hearing care at: www.oticonmedical.com
• Do you experience problems with your outer- or middle ear? • Do you suffer from chronic otitis media or eczema in the ear canal? • Or are you deaf in a single ear?
Ponto-1Page-Ad.indd 1 8/16/2013 1:18:15 PM
Ponto™A range of options for
users of bone anchoredsound processors
If your hearing loss is due to problems in your outer ear or middle ear or if you are deaf in a single ear, ask your audiologist whether a bone anchored sound processor might be the solution for you. Bone anchored sound processors are designed to use your body’s natural ability to transfer sound through bone conduc-tion. The sound processor captures sound and converts this sound into vibrations, which are sent through the bone behind the ear and directly into the inner ear. This avoids problems in the ear canal or middle ear.
Natural sound and comfortable use. The advantages are many – first and foremost a much clearer and more natural sound quality, as the bone anchored sound processors do not need to use as much amplification as traditional hearing aids. It is also a comfortable solution if you suffer from chronic otitis media or irritation in the ear canal, as the ear canal is kept completely open. Deaf in a single ear?If you are deaf in a single ear, the bone anchored sound processor will capture sound on your deaf side and transfer the sound to your able ear. This is designed to increase your awareness of what is happening on your deaf side and to help to understand speech.
Ponto™ is a bone anchored hearing care system from Oticon Medical that features the most sophisticated technology in sound processing. Ponto™ is designed to improve sound quality, speech comprehension and wearing comfort in both quiet and noisy environments. To learn more, contact the Dallas Ear Institute at 1-972-566-7359 or by email: [email protected]. You can also read more about Ponto™ and bone anchored hearing care at: www.oticonmedical.com
• Do you experience problems with your outer- or middle ear? • Do you suffer from chronic otitis media or eczema in the ear canal? • Or are you deaf in a single ear?
Ponto-1Page-Ad.indd 1 8/16/2013 1:18:15 PM
A Safety for your ears.
Your custom defense against hearing loss.
Schedule an appointment to Pick Your DefenseThe Hearing Center
972-566-7359www.DallasHear.com
By4
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140+ DEcIbElsInstantaneous
permanent damageShotgun, rifle,
jetplane takeoff
20 DEcIbElsRustling leaves
0 DEcIbElsThreshold of
normal hearing
protectiNg your heariNg from firearm Noise
Guns are loud. One shot fired from a large caliber firearm has the potential to reach up to 175 decibels and can permanently damage your hearing. While many recognize the importance of protecting their ears when exposed to loud noises over a long period of time, they are not aware that the occasional hunting trip could also damage their hearing. Anytime a firearm is used it’s very important to take precautions to protect your hearing. There is a definite link between firearm noise and high frequency hearing loss. As prime hunting season gets under way, here are some ways you can protect your hearing while shooting:
1. Always have hearing protective devices (HPDs) on hand when shooting. Two types of HPDs are specifically designed for shooters.
» Unlike traditional passive hearing protection, Electronic HPDs, actually enhance low-level sounds instead of blocking them. You can carry on a conversation, detect game, and hear your surroundings while still being protected from gunshot noise. Electronic HPD styles include earmuffs, custom-made in-the-ear devices, and behind-the-ear devices. The cost of electronic HPDs ranges from approximately $100 for earmuffs to over $1000 for custom high tech custom made devices.
» Non-linear HPDs are not electronic, but allow soft and moderate sounds to pass through, while still reducing loud sounds. They can be either earplugs that are inserted into the ear or custom-made earmolds. The cost of non-linear HPDs ranges from $10-20 per pair for non-custom devices and from $100-$200 per pair for custom devices.
2. Choose single-shot firearms instead of lever action, pump, or semi-automatic guns.
4. Obtain a baseline hearing test and monitor your hearing on an annual basis.
10 DEcIbElsBreathing
30 DEcIbElsWhisper
40 DEcIbElsRefrigerator
COMMON NOISE LEVELS AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEARING
SAFE NOISE ExpOSuRE TIMES
50 DEcIbElsNormal
conversation
60 DEcIbElsOffice, sewing
machine
70 DEcIbElsVacuum cleaner,
hair dryer
80 DEcIbElsCity traffic
85 DEcIbEls8 hours
*Beginning of Danger Zone
90 DEcIbEls2.5 hours
Lawn mower
100 DEcIbEls15 minutesChainsaw, motorcycle
110 DEcIbEls1.5 minutesPower tools, snowmobile
120 DEcIbEls* thREsholD of PAInLess than 10 seconds
Rock concert
130 DEcIbElsLess than 1 second
Jackhammer, heavy industry
fuN facts about heariNg
Cicadas have their hearing organs in their stomachs.
Crickets have their hearing organs in their knees.
Male mosquitoes hear with thousands of tiny hairs growing on their antennae.
Fish do not have ears, but they can hear. They hear pressure changes through ridges on their bodies.
Snakes do not have ears, but their tongues are sensitive to sound vibrations.
In World War One (WWI) parrots were kept on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France because of their remarkable sense of hearing. When the parrots heard the enemy aircraft coming they would warn everyone of the approaching danger long before any human ear would hear it.
do you really hear oN your home phoNe?
For millions of Americans hearing is difficult.
For individuals who have a hearing loss, it isn’t uncommon to wish the phone would stop ringing. That’s because it becomes much harder to carry on a conversation when you struggle to hear.
Instead of struggling, many just stop participating in situations where they cannot hear well. They will likely avoid attending movies or restaurants. They will also avoid talking on the phone as much as possible.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines of life, someone with a hearing loss can regain control. Texas residents with a documented hearing loss can get a free amplified telephone. The process is simple, and we can help.
The Texas Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) offers Texas residents with a hearing loss a free amplified telephone. A fee collected through the Texas Universal Service Fund via land line phone bills creates revenue to support this program. You have most likely already contributed to the pool of revenue that pays for the amplified phones. Now, the taxes you have already paid can help you!
If you are a Texas resident, we can provide you with a hearing evaluation and apply for a free telephone voucher on your behalf. Once we submit your application, simply wait for your voucher to arrive in the mail. After your voucher arrives, simply mail it to our office (or drop it off) to receive your free amplified telephone. The voucher also covers many devices that can wirelessly connect hearing aids to your cell phone.
An amplified telephone is a great solution. Amplified telephones are both louder and clearer than regular phones to help make conversation easier. It becomes much more enjoyable to stay connected to friends and family. We have selected amplified telephones with the technology to help you hear better with more clarity. If you’re interested please set up an appointment with The Hearing Center to see if you qualify for this great program.
The he A r ing Cen Ter ’ s new FACe...w i Th FA mil i A r e A rs.
a new face, with familiar ears, joins the hearing center team
The Hearing Center would like to introduce our new audiology extern, Paige Whiteley. Paige comes to us from the University of North Texas Doctorate of Audiology program. Her externship with us completes her fourth and final year of the program. While Paige is new to our staff, she is not new to the Dallas Ear Institute. After experiencing a sudden hearing loss at the age of 15 and wearing a hearing aid for 10 years, Paige became a patient of Dr. Peter’s and was fitted with a cochlear implant in 2011. We
are very pleased to have Paige join our team. We look forward to guiding her as she completes her doctoral program and we also look forward to her teaching us through her own experiences with hearing loss.
The Hearing Center at Dallas Ear Institutewww.DallasHear.com
Call today to make an appointment!
1-972-566-7359
Save the date for the Dallas Hearing Foundation’s annual Gala on Saturday December 7, 2013 at Belo Mansion. For information regarding the gala, visit: http://soundsoftheseason.org
The Hearing Center at Dallas Ear Institutewww.DallasHear.com
Call today to make an appointment!
1-972-566-7359
is there a relationship between hearing loss and dementia?The answer is yes. A great deal of deserved media attention has been given to recent studies that show a strong association between hearing loss and the presence of dementia in older adults. The research study prompting this attention was led by Dr. Frank Lin at Johns Hopkins University and found that the presence of hearing loss in older patients significantly increased the likelihood that they would experience significant cognitive decline and that the more severe the hearing loss the higher the chance that dementia would occur.
This is a very important finding both for hearing loss as well as Alzheimer’s research and has sparked additional studies to investigate this relationship further. There is much that remains to be learned, such as: does the hearing loss actually cause, contribute to the development of, or simply worsen the dementia that is already present; or is it that whatever it is that causes Alzheimer’s also happens to negatively affect the hearing? We also do not know whether or not treating the hearing loss with modern hearing technologies will help to prevent or minimize the dementia in these individuals.
The take home message at this time is that hearing loss is most likely a severely underdiagnosed problem in the elderly, especially those with dementia. Regardless of the outcomes of future studies, we know that vigilance and aggressive treatment of hearing loss is needed to prevent the social and cognitive isolation that can negatively impact any individual.
