The Emotional Impact of Hearing Loss

Audiologist Versus Hearing Aid Dispenser: What is the difference?There are vast differences in the professional roles in diagnosing and treatment of hearing loss. It is still common today for someone to get screened, tested, or fitted with a hearing aid by someone and still not know what qualifications that person had. How do you know who you can trust? An important distinction to understand when treating your hearing loss is the difference between an Audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser. An Audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who is extensively trained in the science of hearing; while a hearing aid dispenser applies for a license after meeting some basic requirements (see below).Audiologist: An Audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear Implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, Audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an Audiologist to maintain state licensure.Hearing Aid Dispenser: A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform audiometric testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. In order to obtain a license, hearing aid dispensers are required to pass an exam. Prior to taking the exam, certain requirements must be met, which vary from state to state. In many states, hearing aid dispensers are only required to have a high school diploma. In other states, hearing aid dispensers must complete two years of college or post-secondary education in any field prior to applying for licensure. Some states require completion of distance learning coursework prior to taking the exam.In summary, the requirement for state licensure to dispense hearing aids is based on the minimum education necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the patient. The differences in education required for Audiologists versus hearing aid dispensers reflect the significantly larger range of professional practices that Audiologists are permitted to engage in.Audiologists are highly trained degree professionals. Audiologists receive extensive training in assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids that helps to ensure:         An accurate diagnosis;         An appropriate treatment plan of intervention;         A positive outcome from the hearing aid. At Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions, our mission is to provide professional audiological services and hearing health care while developing excellent rapport with our patients by giving individualized attention and personal, compassionate care. We do our best to accurately test and diagnose every patient.  For the hearing impaired, we seek to improve quality of life and maximize communication by listening to the patients' needs, accurately diagnosing their hearing loss and providing a vast array of communication solutions and cutting edge technologies to meet the needs of the patient.  Naro Audiology serves Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and Foley.  Contact Naro Audiology at 251-758-4326.  We are hear for you!

Hearing loss is often thought of as an inconvenience, making it difficult to follow conversations or hear the television. But did you know that hearing loss can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being? From balance problems to cognitive decline, this article explores the ways hearing loss can affect your physical health. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Physical HealthHearing loss affects around 48 million people in the United States alone. These statistics are made even more alarming by new research that shows a direct connection between hearing loss and poorer physical health, especially in older adults. Below, we look at how untreated hearing loss can impact physical health and daily quality of life.Issues with Balance, Dizziness, and VertigoOur inner ear is not only responsible for hearing but is also an important component of balance. We rely on sounds in our environment, like traffic noise or footsteps, to help us stay oriented and aware of our surroundings. Without these auditory cues, the brains ability to process spatial information is diminished, leading to instability and issues maintaining equilibrium.Additionally, the inner ear houses the auditory system, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance. Damage to the inner ear can affect both these systems, resulting in hearing loss and balance issues like dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can make it incredibly challenging to go about daily life, as physical activity can worsen the effects. Increased Risk of FallsSimilarly, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. In fact, research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss can triple the risk of falls. As we covered above, damage to the inner ear can significantly impact special awareness and balance, both of which elevate the risk of falling. However, the impact doesnt stop there. Hearing loss also puts extra strain on the brain. As the brain expends more energy trying to process sound, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions like maintaining balance. This can significantly contribute to instability and a higher risk of falls. TinnitusA common condition associated with hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears. Some people also experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds can also be distracting and frustrating to experience regularly. For many people tinnitus can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay focused, or fully engage in conversations, greatly impacting quality of life. Brain AtrophyA growing body of research has found a direct link between hearing loss and brain atrophy (shrinkage), particularly in the temporal lobe4. The temporal lobe is responsible for many cognitive functions including memory and critical thinking.  Just like any muscle in the body needs exercise, our brains need stimulation to function correctly. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain is deprived of the sound stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation can lead to brain tissue shrinkage.  As we discussed earlier, hearing loss also forces the brain to work harder to process sounds. This constant effort can take a toll on cognitive resources. Studies suggest this cognitive strain also contributes to accelerated brain tissue shrinkage. Increased Risk of DementiaAs mentioned above, hearing loss can lead to brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage) in the temporal lobe. This shrinkage is one of the leading explanations linking hearing loss and dementia4.  Research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times. In addition to memory loss, late-stage dementia can also have a significant impact on physical health:Mobility problemsLoss of the ability to speak Bladder incontinenceBowel incontinenceWeight lossTrouble swallowingAnd more Decreased Physical ActivityA 2021 study found a link between hearing loss and a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of factors7. First, difficulty in hearing what is going on around you can make it challenging to exercise effectively or engage in certain physical activities. Additionally, hearing loss often causes mental fatigue, communication issues, and social withdrawal, all of which can also discourage regular physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can set off a domino effect of negative physical health concerns8. From maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels to supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation, exercise is essential for our overall well-being. Decreased physical activity also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.Safeguard Your Health Schedule a Hearing Exam at an Audibel Clinic Near You Hearing loss affects so much more than your auditory senses; it can impact your physical health, too. From balance issues to an increased risk of falls and even heart disease, the physical effects of hearing loss are incredibly far-reaching. By investing in your hearing health, youre investing in your overall well-being. Find an Audibel clinic near you today to take the first step toward safeguarding your health and quality of life for years to come.

Do you ever miss text notifications or have trouble understanding phone calls because of hearing loss? Youre not alone. Thankfully, technology has seen big advancements in recent years, making it easier than ever to use your hearing aids with your iPhone, iPad, and many other Apple products. In this guide, well explain how to pair your hearing aids with Apple devices. We will also cover all the ways you can use Siri with your hearing aids to get the most out of this helpful technology.What is Siri? Siri is a virtual assistant built into Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. Virtual assistants like Siri are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to voice commands. Also known as AI assistants, Siri can perform tasks like setting alarms, making phone calls, or checking the weather, and provide answers to questions that you ask aloud. By simply saying Hey Siri you can activate your AI assistants and give them a command or ask them a question. Are My Hearing Aids Compatible with Siri?To use Siri with your hearing aids, you will need Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets your devices communicate with each other. Bluetooth hearing aids have built-in wireless technology that allows them to connect (pair) to your iPhone or other wireless devices.  Most Apple products are hearing-aid compatible. However, not all Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect to Apple devices. To find out if your hearing aids and Apple products are compatible, this information is generally available in your user manuals and online.  Hands-Free 2-Way AudioAdditionally, to use specific hands-free Siri features, you will also want to confirm your hearing aid microphone has 2-way audio. Hearing aids with this type of microphone not only stream sounds to your hearing aids but also transmit your voice directly back to your iPhone or iPad. This allows you to make and answer phone calls with Siri, all hands-free. To find out if your hearing aids have 2-way audio, this information is generally available in your user manual.  Nevertheless, even if your hearing device doesnt allow hands-free calls, you may still be able to use Siri. When a call comes in, Siri will announce it and automatically stream the callers voice directly to your hearing aids for clear reception. To answer the call, youll need to use your iPhone or iPad screen manually and speak into the phone itself so the other person can hear you. How to Pair Hearing Aids with Apple DevicesPairing your hearing aids with Apple products is simple. If your hearing aids are compatible with your Apple device, you can connect them through the Bluetooth settings. For specific pairing instructions, refer to your hearing aid manual, as the process will vary for different hearing devices.How to Pair Hearing Aids with iPhone or iPadGo to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then select Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on Exit and go back to Settings, select Accessibility, and then select Hearing DevicesTurn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your iPhone/iPad Your hearing aid name should appear under MFi Hearing Devices, select it and follow any other on-screen instructions A checkmark will appear next to the name of your hearing aids on your iPhone/iPad Devices List once they are paired How to Pair Hearing Aids with MacBookGo to the Apple menu on your MacBook, then select System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then select Hearing Devices (you may need to scroll down)If prompted, turn on Bluetooth Turn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your MacBook The name of your hearing aids should appear in the list of available devices, move the pointer over the name and click Connect You only need to pair your hearing aids with an Apple device one time. After that, they will automatically reconnect whenever they are on and in range. Once paired with your Apple device, you can easily use Siri with your hearing aids. How to Use Siri with Your Hearing AidsThe Siri virtual assistant is exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Using AI technology, this smart assistant uses natural language processing to respond to commands and questions after you say, Hey Siri.  Whether you need to make a call or want to play some music, Siri offers a broad range of functions that you can use with your hearing aids: Steam Audio from Any Apple DeviceWhen paired with your hearing aids, you can stream audio from any Apple device directly to your ears. You can stream audio to your hearing aids from: SiriPhone CallsApple MusicApple PodcastsApple MapsApple TVAnd more! Hands-Free CommunicationHands-free communication is incredibly helpful, especially for people who wear hearing aids. With simple voice commands, you can ask Siri to: Make phone callsMake FaceTime callsDictate and send text messages, emails, etc.Read text messages, emails, etc. aloudAnd moreWhen paired, Siri will respond directly through your hearing aids, so you can use all these hands-free features and hear the response even in noisy environments. App Notifications and Device ControlYou can also use Siri to alert you to certain app notifications through your hearing aids. For instance, if you have a video doorbell that sends alerts to your iPhone, Siri can let you know when someone is at your door. Using voice commands, you can even control the lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices you have apps for on your Apple devices.Discover the Latest Hearing Aid Technology at AudibelIncorporating virtual assistants like Siri with your hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life. It provides a convenient, hands-free way to manage tasks, access information, and control smart devices.  Ready to demo the latest hearing aid technology for yourself? Schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare specialist at an Audibel clinic near you to demo our newest AI hearing aids for free!