Dementia Prevention

Back in July, I posted about a report released by the Lancet Commission regarding Nine Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia.  It was proposed that one-third of all dementia cases could be prevented.  Of course, I was excited that treating hearing loss by midlife was one of the nine risk factors.  

Today I came across the following infographic depicting each modifiable risk factor and it's proposed contribution to dementia.  Treating hearing loss by midlife could eliminate 9% of dementia....NINE PERCENT.  WHOA!  

That is "treating" hearing loss by midlife.  Many people don't even "diagnose" hearing loss by midlife.  My challenge to you is...have your hearing tested!  A hearing test is non-invasive and covered by most insurance companies.  Why not rule out hearing loss?  And...on the off chance that you do have some hearing loss, it can be monitored early and treated when it becomes necessary.  

Wouldn't you like to see that 9% of dementia disappear?  As someone who has lost family members to dementia, I would!

Why Doesn't My Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Why Doesn't My Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

I cannot begin to tell you how often I get this question.  The following post details the complex issues of lack of insurance coverage.  Since I cannot word it better myself, here's the link: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52484-Why-aren-t-hearing-aids-covered-by-insurance

Additionally, we are seeing some insurance companies pick up partial coverage for adults.  In our area Humana Gold has a benefit!  Federal BlueCross BlueShield has a benefit, and some larger companies carry benefits for their employees, like Entergy.  I've seen coverage under some BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare policies.  Some insurance companies offer a discount by purchase through a contracted program or provider, rather than a dollar amount or percentage paid benefit.  

If you have more questions about navigating Hearing Aids & Insurance, feel free to email or call our office.  We'd be more than happy to help!

October & Hearing Loss Awareness

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month and National Audiology Awareness Month!

May individuals learned the hard way about hearing protection.  Unfortunately, years ago, we did not know what we know today about hearing health.  People who worked in industrial settings or were in the military were not trained to use hearing protection.  That doesn't even include the noise exposure for fun things like concerts and motorcycles!

Thankfully today we understand how noise affects our hearing and what to do to avoid permanent hearing damage.  The accompanying image plots some common noise sources and their sound pressure levels.

More information on Noise Induced Hearing Loss can be found here:
http://www.howsyourhearing.org/FSNIHL.pdf

And I'd suggest taking a quick Hearing Quiz to see if you need a hearing exam.  Audiological evaluations are covered by most insurance companies!

Wellness Expo

Please join us at the Wellness Expo!

If you are a business owner in the Houma area, 

this event is for local businesses and their employees.  

Hope to see you there!

Hearing Loss & Dementia

An article was published earlier this month (July 20), commenting on methods of prevention of dementia.  Reportedly, about 1/3 of all dementia cases could be prevented. Wow!  The Lancet Commission of Dementia Prevention and Care (a group of 24 international experts) released a report detailing nine "modifiable risk factors" - so nine things we can do something about!  Of course, smoking and physical activity appear on the list, but the commission also listed "treating hearing loss in mid-life" - how EASY is that?  I challenge you: Why wait to check your hearing if it could mean delaying or preventing brain-related changes?  A hearing exam is non-invasive, inexpensive, and could give you the peace of mind that you are doing what you can to combat the negative effects of hearing loss.

CBS Article: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-third-of-dementia-cases-could-be-prevented-alzheimers-report/

Read All About It!

We are proud to publish our first newsletter!  Existing patients should receive the newsletter via mail.  If you would like to receive our newsletter, please submit your mailing address to us via the contact page on our website.  You can also access a pdf version of the newsletter on our homepage www.comphearingsolutions.com

Feel free to share our newsletter with your friends and family!  Thank you for your support!

Better Hearing & Speech Month

While May is almost over, it shouldn't go without mention that this month is Better Hearing & Speech Month!  

Here are some quick facts about hearing loss and related issues:

• Hearing loss affects 36 million people in the United States
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or crickets in the ears) can be a symptom of hearing loss or of a medical problem and should be investigated
• Hearing instruments help 80% of individuals with tinnitus
• Signs of hearing loss: people mumble, hard to hear in noisy places, TV is too loud, people have to repeat for you, limiting social activities
• Untreated hearing loss leads to: less social activity, more depression, more anxiety, decreased ability to understand speech over time

In future blog posts, we will explore some of these issues more in-depth.  If you suspect a hearing loss or if you experience tinnitus, an audiological evaluation can be the first step in receiving proper care for your ears and hearing.  

Heart Health Awareness Month

February is Heart Health Awareness Month 💗

Heart Health Awareness is supported by various organizations such as The Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association.  

What does this have to do with hearing?  Research shows that what is good for the heart is good for the ears!  The ear houses some of the smallest blood vessels in the body which help maintain a delicate balance for the inner ear fluid.  Due to this factor, many things that are bad for cardiovascular function are also harmful to the delicate structures of the inner ear.  Additionally, if the blood supply is interrupted to the inner ear, those delicate structures can quickly deteriorate.  For these reasons, the ear and tell a bit about the heart - at least whether or not further evaluation should be considered.

Healthy Hearing and Better Hearing Institute both discuss the science behind the link between hearing health and heart health.

Mardi Gras!

With Mardi Gras around the corner, there are some considerations for hearing healthcare.  Parades can get loud, and riding the floats is even louder!  

There are varying levels of loudness that are acceptable without putting someone at risk for hearing damage.  There are sound level meter apps available on most smart phones, and they can be relatively reliable.  

Custom hearing protection (molded to fit your ears), generic ear plugs (like the foamie yellow ones), and ear muffs (that look like headphones) are all viable options for protecting your hearing depending on the noise level and your ear’s anatomy.  

Be this guy ↓ ................... Not this guy! ↓

It’s a Noisy Planet is a useful resource for noise-related information regarding hearing health. https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/

Dangerous Decibels is another good source for information regarding permissible noise levels. http://dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/

Risks of Hearing Loss

Since I started the blog just two weeks ago, I figured it would be useful to share some basic information about hearing loss.

About 36 million people have hearing loss, and approximately 30% of those people wear hearing instruments.  Signs and symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty in noisy places, hearing from a distance, asking people to repeat, saying people “mumble”, and having difficulty following conversations.  Many people experience ringing or buzzing in their ears or head, which may or  may not be a sign of hearing loss but should be evaluated.  

A simple handout detailing symptoms and causes of hearing loss, as well as prevention was published by the American Academy of Audiology. Please share this with anyone you feel would find it useful.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email our office.

Epiphany

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Three Wise Men (or Kings) visit Jesus in the manger.  For us Louisianans it signals the start of King Cake or Carnival Season.  Yum!  

I couldn’t help but think of people with hearing loss during the holidays.  Many events are noisy, including family gatherings, and this is where people with hearing loss experience the most trouble: in group settings or noisy places.  How many people were participating in family or other social events with hearing loss?  We know that only about 30% of people with hearing loss wear hearing aids.  Many do not get tested.  

An epiphany is defined as an experience of a sudden realization or revelation.  Did you have an epiphany during the holidays?  How much of the conversation did you miss?  Could you hear your children, grandchildren, family, friends?  More importantly, do you wish you had heard better?  A hearing test is non-invasive, affordable, takes less than an hour, and the results are available immediately.  It may be that you do not need hearing instruments now but it is helpful to document any beginning of hearing loss for future comparison.  Everyone should consider having a baseline hearing test and receive personalized recommendations from an audiologist.

Take the Hearing Health Quiz to assess your risk of hearing loss.

Happy New "Ear"

2017!  How did we get here?  Time goes by so fast when you’re busy.  Reflecting on 2016, it was certainly a year of change.  New jobs, a move, a new home, and a new baby.  My family has kept busy this year, and so has the practice.  We are excited for what is in store for 2017!  

I am pleased with the support I have received from “old” and new patients.  I have always said “The Patients Make the Practice”, and it has never been more true.  Without wonderful, dedicated patients, Comprehensive Hearing Solutions would not exist.  For that, “Thank You”!  

As we begin 2017, I look forward to serving you all.  My one resolution is to continue to grow the practice so that I can provide premium hearing healthcare for years to come.