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Hearing Loss Problems: Get Your Hearing Tested

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:10:34 +0000

Did you know that hearing loss often goes ignored by those who experience it? Research shows that roughly two third of Americans over the age of 70 experience hearing loss whether it be mild to extreme. With more men than women suffering from hearing loss, HearFlorida urges you to get your hearing tested! Unfortunately, it affects their ability to be able to communicate, yet they let it go untreated.

There are a few reasons one might let their hearing loss go untreated, their pride and or their fear of those big bulky hearing aids that they have seen. These two issues normally go hand in hand, but people with these fears no longer have to be worried! With hearing aids out like the Invisible Lyric Hearing Aid, you shouldn’t be worried about anyone knowing you are wearing a hearing aid.

If you ever find yourself struggling to hear what your friends, family, or coworkers are saying it is time to take action. The hearing doctors at HearFlorida Audiology Group are always here to help with hearing loss treatment and or answer any questions or concerns you may have about anything! Many older adults feel as though their hearing loss is not that important as it is a natural coming of age, but at HearFlorida we beg to differ. Just because you have a few more candles on the birthday cake than in past years, doesn’t mean that your hearing and communication skills should be any less important. Your hearing should always be taken care of properly. Let HearFlorida help you. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Click here for information about the types of hearing loss.

A Recent Study about Treatments for Tinnitus

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:52:34 +0000

HearFlorida Audiology Group knows that tinnitus affects millions of people. For those who are not familiar with exactly what tinnitus is, it is a disease that affects the ears. It causes a nonstop high pitched ringing or buzzing noise, which is extremely annoying and to many people suffering with it, maddening. Unfortunately, there is no cure, though researchers have been taking huge steps into the understanding of what causes tinnitus and how we could potentially put the ringing to rest!

Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley recently published their findings on tinnitus and have a few new suggestions for treatment. One of the new treatment ideas was retraining the brain. Loud noises damages to the hair cells in the inner ear which in return leave a gap in frequencies that these hair cells send to the brain. More or less, ringing doesn’t originate in the ear, but in the brain, in areas such as the auditory cortex, which is receiving input from the ear. One theory is that the ringing is a phantom noise made by neurons that have lost their sensory input from the ear, therefore they start firing off spontaneously. By retraining the brain, researchers hope that they could reduce spontaneous firing by giving the cells a new form of input. Through reorganizing the cortical map, researchers believe that this would resolve tinnitus.

Another suggestion to help cure tinnitus was to find a drug that would be able to inhibit the random firing by neurons in the auditory cortex. Through a study done on rats with tinnitus, when the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA was increased, the rat’s tinnitus was cured. Though, there is still much work that must be done before any of this treatment could be used in people, as the side effects of increased GABA currently prohibit its human use.

These steps are huge in finding a treatment for tinnitus and a cure could mean peace for so many people. If you suffer from tinnitus, contact HearFlorida. The hearing care professionals at HearFlorida offer tinnitus treatments.

Click here for more information about tinnitus and the treatments available

How Hearing Loss Can Affect the Brain

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:24:17 +0000

HearFlorida’s audiologists recently heard about an alarming new study. You have always been told to protect your ears to help preserve hearing, but a new study shows that by protecting your hearing you may also be doing your brain a huge favor as well. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania recently conducted a study on the effects of hearing loss on grey matter in the brain. The results were shocking and support protecting your hearing even more than before. Hearing loss was linked to actual grey matter or brain atrophy.

With any kind of chance in the senses, in this case hearing, the brain often has to adjust to this change. With hearing loss, the brain loses part of its density in the auditory section. The study examined the relationship between hearing and brain function by first, measuring the brains response to complex sentences. Next, the brain volume in the auditory cortex was measured. People ages 60-77 that experienced some form of age related hearing loss were also tested to show if people with hearing loss had less of a response to the complex sentences. The results showed that those with hearing loss had less brain activity when listening to the complex sentences.

When thinking about hearing loss prevention, remember to protect your hearing means you will also be protecting the auditory part of your brain. Now there is an entirely new level of importance to protecting your hearing. HearFlorida is here to help; we carry a huge selection of Hearing Aids, including the new Starkey Xino!

New Starkey Hearing Aid: The Xino Hearing Aid

admin — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:52:02 +0000

Starkey is one of the leading Hearing Aid Manufacturers and is highly regarded in the hearing community. They are extremely well known for their high quality hearing aids and also their custom headphones. Starkey is proud to announce that they have just released a new line of hearing aids, called the X Series! The star hearing aid in the X series is called the Xino hearing aid.

The Xino hearing had has so much to offer, while all concealed away in one little package. If you were put off about hearing aids by their reputation of being bulky and unsightly, it is time to get to know your options. With Xino, you do not need to be worried about your hearing aid being unsightly. Starkey has made sure that Xino is small, yet still extraordinary. Xino has award winning design language, which has received many industry honors. Xino has voice iQ2, which was developed to make listening to your conversation while in a noisy atmosphere easy to do! Starkey also made sure that Xino had a mini RIC with a longer lasting battery. Not only did Starkey take into consideration the style of Xino, but also its comfort. Of course, these are just a few exciting previews of what Starkey has put into this great hearing aid.

HearFlorida is one of the leading hearing aid providers in Broward County, Florida and we are proud to offer Starkey Hearing Aid Products. For more information on our Hearing Aid Services and the Xino hearing aid, please contact us today!

New Study Reports: Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:10:09 +0000

Many things can affect a person in their older age, many times hearing loss is one of them, but did you know there may be another risk that accompanies hearing loss? Recently it has been discovered that hearing loss and dementia are possibly closely related. A study conducted Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers points to hearing loss being a large determining factor in dementia patients. The HearFlorida audiologists in South Florida want to make sure you stay educated on these new findings.

It is still unknown how exactly hearing loss and dementia are related because otologists and geriatricians had not worked closely together before. There unfortunately hasn’t been a lot of research conducted on how hearing loss can possibly effect cognitive brain function. One theory on how these two are connected through social isolation, hearing loss often leaves its victims feeling alone and vulnerable, this is a known risk factor in dementia and other cognitive disorders. A study conducted between 1990 and 1994 which focused on 639 people, tested them on their hearing and cognitive abilities, was recently released. The people tested were followed and tested every one to two years until 2005, while some had minor hearing loss at the start of the study, none had dementia. In 2005 the study revealed that 58 of them had developed dementia. Those who had suffered from hearing loss in the beginning of the test were among the ones who had the highest risk of dementia.

Currently, researchers say that something as simple as wearing a hearing aid could help prevent dementia. Many options are available to treat hearing loss and not all hearing aids are big, bulky, and obvious. Audiologists in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade County at HearFlorida suggest getting regular hearing tests and if need be, wearing a hearing aid. HearFlorida provides one of the largest selections of hearing aids in South Florida. Contact us today for more information on how to protect your health and hearing!

The Starkey Foundation on the Style Network

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:12:59 +0000

The Starkey Hearing Foundation has been tackling hearing loss around the world since 1984 thanks to founder, William F. Austin. This non-profit organization has impacted the lives of many people, helping many hear things for the first time. The hearing mission trips Starkey goes on are fully funded by donations. As they travel from country to country, the foundation and volunteers take the time to provide Starkey hearing aids to both children and adults suffering from hearing loss.

Starkey Hearing Foundation recently was aired on the August 15th episode of Giuliana&Bill on the STYLE Network. Bill sat down to speak with executive director Steven Sawalich about the hearing mission that was happening in Haiti. Starkey Hearing Foundation will be aired on the show on August 22nd when Bill Rancic will be traveling to Haiti to help. Bill and others who were on the Haiti mission, fitted hundreds of children with Starkey hearing aids. Children and adults got the chance to finally hear someone say “I love you” to them, some for the first time.

Starkey Hearing Foundation believes that: “Alone we can’t do much. But, together we can change the world.” The program relies on the education of people all around the world about how to protect their hearing or get help for their hearing loss.

If you missed the last episode of Giuliana&Bill that featured the Starkey Hearing Foundation, don’t miss your chance to catch up on the new episode airing on the STYLE Network Monday, August 22nd!

How to Combat Hearing Loss

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:23:02 +0000

Younger people are losing their hearing ability at an alarming rate. We currently live in a very “Noisy” world, and old age is no longer the number one cause of hearing loss. Excessive noise has now become the top cause of hearing loss. It is estimated that 30 million people suffer from hearing loss problems in America, and over half of the people with hearing loss are under the age of 65.

On a recent THE TODAY SHOW episode, Matt Lauer takes a hearing test and discovers surprising results. In addition, Jim McDade, a man with hearing loss, shows his invisible hearing aids, and Dr. Shelley Borgia talks about how small today’s hearing aids are compared to older versions.

The Today Show video talks about Jim McDade, a man who developed hearing loss gradually from wearing headphones while sleeping. During the The Today Show, they talked about how hearing loss problems can affect not only your hearing ability, but your day to day life, such as your communication with others, and other parts of your social life. Worried about being judged, Jim McDade was timid about even the thought of wearing hearing aids. But he soon found that with the Lyric Invisible Hearing Aid, that would not be a big issue.

Wearing custom earplugs can also help combat hearing loss and can help Americans with hearing loss prevention. The audiologists at HearFlorida can offer hearing care solutions for anyone including adults dealing with hearing loss. HearFlorida is proud to be one of the select few Lyric Hearing Aid providers in South Florida. To learn more about Lyric and how it can benefit you, contact us to make an appointment today! To see the Today Show segment featuring the Lyric Hearing Aid, click here.

I’m Ready for a Hearing Evaluation

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:13:06 +0000

The first step in determining if you have hearing loss or in selecting the solution for you is to have your hearing tested by an experienced and certified audiologist, who can make the appropriate recommendations for you. Call our Hearing Centers, conveniently located in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida to schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Audiology today.

Schedule a Hearing Evaluation Today

At Hear Florida, our Doctors of Audiology and our Audiology Assistants have the most up-to-date training in the latest testing procedures, and are the first to be trained on the latest hearing aid technology.

Our Audiologists measure hearing ability, identify hearing and balance disorders, provide rehabilitative services, assess amplification devices and instruct patients in their care and serve as consultants to government and industry on issues concerning hearing loss.

Our Doctors of Audiology (Au.D.) are independent professionals who specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance related disorders. Our Audiologists treat patients from birth through adulthood.

In providing hearing care, our audiologists:

Diagnose and treat hearing problems, including balance function and disorders.
Treat most hearing impairments through modern earware, including digital hearing aids.
Develop and implement prevention, screening and early detection programs.
Recommend hearing protection in industrial, military, travel, music, and other settings.

When deciding on the professional to diagnose, monitor and treat your hearing loss, balance disorder or tinnitus, first check with your insurance company or with Medicare to see who they trust with your hearing. If you feel you have a hearing loss, inquire about a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of your hearing. Only after having your hearing thoroughly evaluated by a licensed Doctor of Audiology, discuss the necessity and options of hearing aids.

Call our Hearing Centers, conveniently located in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Florida to schedule an appointment with one of our Doctors of Audiology today. The first step is always the hardest.

I Need a Hearing Aid

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:13:06 +0000

Selecting the right hearing aid can dramatically improve your quality of life. At HearFlorida, we examine every aspect of your hearing loss and your listening environment to recommend the best style and technology of hearing device most appropriate for your lifestyle and needs.

Hearing Aids

At HearFlorida, our Doctors of Audiology will help guide you through the process of finding the right hearing aid for your lifestyle and hearing loss needs.

It’s not about which hearing aid is the best, but rather what is the best hearing aid for you. There is not one particular hearing aid that is the best on the market while being appropriate for every hearing loss and lifestyle. Selecting a hearing aid depends on many factors including degree and type of loss, manual dexterity, personal preference, and listening needs of the patient.

We offer a wide variety of the latest digital hearing aids and popular brands such as Starkey, Siemens, Lyric, Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Widex, Unitron, and Rexton. All traditional hearing devices have a 75-day satisfaction period, so you may ensure that the technology you choose is the right fit for you.

Over the past several years, significant advances with hearing aid technology have resulted in the highest levels of patient satisfaction ever recorded. Selecting the best hearing instrument and being successful with its use involves at least four main factors:

The results of the hearing test
The quality and experience of the hearing professional
A thorough discussion and understanding of your lifestyle and hearing needs
What style of hearing aid is desired by the wearer and appropriate for the loss

HearFlorida.com has prepared a Free Hearing Aid Buyer’s Guide to provide you with more detailed information on the facts about hearing loss and an explanation of hearing aids and how they might help you.

This Hearing Aid Buyer’s Guide gives you:

Facts about hearing loss.
Explanations of hearing aid styles, technology, and options.
What to be aware of when buying hearing aids.
Comparison charts of the latest hearing aid brands and models.
Tips on learning to hear again with hearing aids.

I May Have Hearing Loss

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:13:06 +0000

If you think you or someone you know might have a hearing loss you are not alone. 17 % of people in the United States have hearing loss. Our Doctors of Audiology can help you find out if you do have a loss and how we can help you.

Hearing Loss

If you find that you ask for frequent repetitions, turn the television too loud for others, have difficulty hearing in crowds or noisy places, or find that you hear a conversation but have difficulty understanding the words, you may have hearing loss and it’s time to schedule a hearing exam.

Hearing loss can be found at birth, or it can occur at any time in your life. Hearing doctors believe that age, heredity, medical conditions, and chronic exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss over time.

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include:

Barely audible speech and other sounds
Difficulty understanding words, particularly against background noise
Frequently needing others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly
Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio higher than normal
Withdrawal from conversations
Avoidance of some social situations

Research shows that untreated hearing loss can cause negative social, psychological, cognitive and health effects. Don’t let this happen to you. At HearFlorida, we offer the latest hearing aid technology available to help improve your hearing ability. Contact us today to request an appointment.