Hearing Health Tip
By Deborah T. Woodward, MS, CCC-A
Are you frustrated or embarrassed when you fail to hear what others are saying in your every day listening environment? Effective hearing should not be either frustrating or embarrassing. Emory Healthcare audiologists have been working with new hearing aid technology that is virtually invisible and yet powerful enough to improve hearing in business meetings, social gatherings, and noisy environments such as restaurants. The innovative, totally open canal, digital technology is also a bonus to current hearing aid users who complain about the tone of their own voice or the feeling of their “head in a barrel.” This feeling is known as “occlusion” and can be virtually eliminated with the use of an open fit hearing aid system. These hearing systems are sophisticated enough to provide volume where needed through a thin transparent tube placed comfortably in the ear canal. When wearing these open fit systems, users report greater comfort than traditional hearing aids, as well as no “barrel” or “plugged up” sensation. Most users feel the sound is so natural with the open fit systems that they are able to move seamlessly through their day. These systems allow sounds that a wearer currently hears to pass through an open ear canal and provide help only where specifically needed. Open fit units are very cosmetically appealing and easy to use. If you would like to hear what you’ve been missing, please contact Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center at (770) 814-1260 for additional information.
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DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?
 
SOUND FAMILIAR?
Communication is the key to all human activities, and good communication habits are essential. This is a true story which illustrates situations common to over 20 million people and their families as they cope with untreated hearing loss and the resulting communication breakdowns. Pat and Lucy might be your parents, your grandparents, your spouse, or even yourself!
Pat is sitting at the kitchen table, reading his newspaper, while the TV is blasting out the morning news. Lucy hears the phone ring and hollers to Pat to answer it. Not hearing Lucy’s request, the phone continues ringing, and the answering machine picks up. It’s the doctor’s office—a call they have been waiting for. Lucy hears the answering machine and asks Pat why he didn’t answer the phone. Pat replies, “I didn’t hear the phone ringing. I heard some mumbling but thought you were talking to the neighbors.” Pat didn’t hear the phone ring, but after all, Lucy was in the other room.
Their son, Joe, picks up Pat and Lucy to take them to the doctor’s office. Joe needs directions from Pat who is in the back seat. Lucy asks, “Pat, is this where we turn?” “Pat, is this where we turn?” “Paaaat, we’re talking to you!” “What? Are you talking to me?” replies Pat. Pat couldn’t hear the conversation, but how could he with the radio on?
Pat is one of over 20 million Americans attempting to “get by” with partial hearing. He and his family members are becoming increasingly frustrated with one another. Don’t let yourself or someone you care about miss the opportunity to be included in everyday conversations and the sounds of life! If you are speaking to someone with a hearing loss, practice good communication habits such as facing the person you are speaking to, speak in a natural pace with clear speech, and eliminate background noise. To learn more about the skills of effective communicating and ways in which hearing loss can be successfully treated, contact your Audiologist.
Deborah T. Woodward, M.S., CCC-A, Certified Clinical Audiologist
Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center
4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B, Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 814-1260
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