May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Dramatic lifestyle improvement found

in patients who start using hearing devices

Many scientific studies in the past have confirmed the negative impacts associated with hearing loss: depression, anxiety and social isolation. However not many studies have shown the positive impacts created by a hearing solution. A new study released in September conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), shows overwhelming data about how much of a difference hearing devices can make.

The study surveyed more than 2,000 hearing loss patients who use devices to enhance the sense of sound. Of the sample group, 82 percent of patients would recommend hearing devices to their friends and 70 percent reported improved ability to communicate. The data also shows more than four out of five people who use a device to hear better are satisfied with their solution.

“This survey clearly reveals how dramatically people’s lives can improve with the use of hearing devices,” BHI Executive Director Sergei Kochkin, PhD said. "In this comprehensive study of more than 2,000 hearing device users we looked at 14 specific quality-of-life issues and found today’s hearing devices are a tremendous asset to people with even mild hearing loss who want to remain active and socially engaged throughout their lives.”

The study also concluded up to a third of patients saw improvements in their romance, sense of humor, mental, emotional and physical health. Further, roughly 40 percent noted improvements in their sense of safety, self-confidence, feelings about self, sense of independence and work relationships.

These results are the most significant of their kind because they show a clear potential solution to many of the draining feelings patients with hearing loss suffer. Many of the results are attributed to changing technology allowing hearing devices to be much smaller and present less of a societal stigma about wearing devices in day-to-day life. Newly introduced devices are so small they are nearly invisible. The new devices are also more intelligent and offer many improvements over older generation models. BHI’s Kochkin says, the first step to preserving your future enjoyment in life is to make an appointment with a hearing health professional and get your hearing checked.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Customer_satisfact

WWMG's Audiology department is at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0895

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Diabetes diagnosis connected

to hearing loss

Diabetes can cause blurry vision, hunger, thirst and fatigue; a lesser known associated condition is hearing loss. In fact the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found hearing loss to be about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those without the disease.

This study is alarming to many otolaryngologists and audiologists because there is no recommendation for hearing loss screenings in a diabetes care regimen. Awareness is key in increasing screening and discovering diabetes patients who suffer from hearing loss. Many doctors fail to recommend a hearing test at the annual checkup of diabetes patients. It’s important for those with diabetes to take an active role in their health care and seek treatment for any associated conditions they may be at risk for.

"Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes,” senior author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D. said. “As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a more significant contributor to hearing loss. Our study found a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes using a number of different outcomes."

The reason for this connection is not definitive, but some evidence is suggestive: The NIH study reports diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.

Afflicting nearly 21 million people in the United States, diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke and the most common cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in adults. Pre-diabetes, which causes no symptoms, affects about 54 million adults in the United States. This high incidence of pre-diabetes and the connection between dangerous associated conditions are encouraging many to evaluate their risk of developing diabetes. See your doctor if you think you might be pre-diabetic or if you suffer from diabetes and believe you may have the beginning stages of hearing loss.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Diabetes_and

WWMG's Audiology department is at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0895

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Poor heart health takes toll

on hearing health

Eating junk food and leading a sedentary lifestyle may not immediately get you thinking about hearing loss; however, new evidence is showing it should. The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow and some research proves the good health of a person’s heart, arteries and veins has a positive effect on hearing.

A review of research spanning the past six decades consistently showed impaired cardiovascular health negatively impacted both the peripheral and central auditory systems. The same review, recently published in the American Journal of Audiology, also showed with heart health improvement came hearing health improvement as well.

The close connection between cardiovascular disease and hearing relates to the cochlea, a fluid-filled tube located in the inner ears which translate sounds into nerve impulses. If the cochlea becomes damaged or is negatively affected by blood flow, the ability for the hearing organ to function properly becomes greatly diminished. One large scale study showed of the 1,600 participants with a history of cardiovascular disease 54 percent were more likely to have impaired cochlear function.

Blood flow is essential to the health of most of the body’s organs including those essential to good hearing. Therefore, many doctors are recommending preventative heart health lifestyle changes not only to increase the number of healthy years, but also to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss from cardiovascular issues. Eating healthier, losing weight, quitting smoking and lowering blood pressure are all steps you can take right now.

Those with a hearing loss should consider a heart screening to determine if there is a greater potential health threat. The opposite is also true for patients already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it’s important to have their hearing evaluated by an audiologist. Hearing loss can disconnect you from family and friends so make sure if you or a loved one has a history of heart-related illness you take the best steps to finding a solution that fits.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Heart_and_hearing_health_WHD_pr09272011.cfm

WWMG's Audiology department is at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0895 

In the audiology department, it is our goal to reintroduce our patients to a world of sound while also providing them with excellent service. For this reason, we purposely ask our patients for feedback so that we can continually improve what we do and how we do it. Below is some of the feedback we've received.

MGP- Monroe WA

4/20/2012

"Erin Robinson's services at WWMG were recommended by a friend who had gotten hearing aids from her. I had a very negative "hard sell" experience at another office (not WWMG). I found Erin easy to talk with, she listened carefully to my concerns, helped me select hearing aids and has been patient and helpful in follow-up appointments as we made corrections to the aids to suit my special needs (moderate to severe hearing loss). WWMG has very up-to-date technical equipment that was critical in assessing my needs, determining how I am using the aids, and making adjustments. I have been very impressed with the facility and Erin's services."

EB- Monroe WA

5/8/2012

"I saw Dr. Erhardt and AuD Lori Walker, and I experienced no trial and error. They did it right the first time. I have had my hearing aids for several years - the best available for my needs. They are inner ear, inconspicuous, easy to insert and remove, so comfortable that sometimes I forget I'm wearing them and feel my ears to make sure. (I know immediately when I remove them.) They make all the difference: with them, I can hear the birds chirping and the raindrops dropping. Lori has explained clearly the extent to which improvement is possible for my particular impairment, and the hearing loss which I must accept. I am grateful for the hearing I have and the help which Lori provided for my individual needs. Buying the best was expensive, but I feel was well worth it. There has been no further cost. My twice-yearly checkup with Lori is always a pleasure.

Barbara

5/2009

Wearing them (hearing aids) has improved my conversation with others. I can now hear on the phone. It used to be frustrating going to the movies and the theatre. But the hearing aids work beautifully, they are very effective. You look forward to going to the appointment because she (Dr. Walker) is so professional and knowledgeable. I have a lot of faith in her.

Rick

5/2009

I played guitar for years, but had to stop because I couldn't hear the tones. I was able to start playing again when I got the new hearing aids. I've been playing ever since! Dr. Walker did an extremely thorough exam and recommended the behind the ear model. She spent a lot of time with me and now I feel like I have normal hearing again for the first time since 1994.

Audiology is located at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0896. Lori Walker, AuD, can assist you with all your hearing needs.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Untreated hearing loss can cause

increased risk of depression

New evidence shows a strong link between the debilitating and dangerous symptoms of depression and hearing loss. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study showing those older than 50 who suffer from hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, emotional instability and paranoia. Studies done in Italy and Australia both showed similar results.

“When left unaddressed hearing loss can lead to isolation and other emotional conditions that can affect both quality of life and mental health,” said Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute.

Even more alarming, the NCOA study showed those who suffered from hearing loss were also less likely to join social activities. Because depression affects nearly one in every 12 people in America and can lead to much more grave situations, it’s important to realize and respond to the link between depression and effective treatment of hearing loss.

The impacts of hearing loss treatment on mental health shouldn’t be underestimated as shown by researchers in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. They found in just three months of hearing aid use every single patient in the study showed significant improvement in psychosocial and cognitive condition.

“By raising awareness of the connection between untreated hearing loss and depression we hope to make a difference in people’s lives and mobilize individuals to address their hearing loss,” said Kochkin.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends seeking help for a complete hearing evaluation if a loved one consistently has:

·         Difficulty understanding speech, especially when background noise is present

·         Isolates themselves from social gatherings and public situations

·         Watches television or listening to the radio at a much louder volume than normal

·         Often asks for people to repeat themselves

While it can be difficult to seek treatment when depressed and to encourage those who may be suffering to find help, mental health is important to keep a close watch on because it affects so many other areas of a healthy lifestyle. The evidence is clear that those who suffer from even mild hearing loss are at greater risk from a wide range of negative emotional experiences. The first step is to seek corrective treatment from a hearing care professional.

Source: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Depression_mental_health_and_hearing_loss_pr0913.cfm

WWMG's Audiology department is at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0895

Western Washington Medical Group
Announces Expansion
with Addition of Medical Group

Everett, WA 5/01/2012—As it continues to grow and expand into Lynnwood, Western Washington Medical Group (WWMG) is pleased to announce the addition of the Lake Serene Clinic to its family of medical specialties on May 1, 2012.

“We are very excited to bring this well-established and well-respected medical group into the Western Washington Medical Group family,” said Director of Operations, Scott Baker. “They are leaders in their  field and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing network of high quality providers in the North Seattle and Everett communities.”

This even larger access to specialties within their network will provide patients ease in moving within the specialties as needed for their medical care. Adding Lake Serene Clinic also gives patients access to a family practitioner 365 days a year.  

Corey Friesen, CEO of the Lake Serene Clinic, expressed equal enthusiasm about the affiliation. “For twenty-two years we have provided caring, convenient, and complete primary care in South Snohomish County. Joining forces with WWMG further enhances the resources at our disposal by providing us and our patients access to an extensive referral network of collaborative and respected specialists.”

Western Washington Medical Group now has sixteen specialty centers to serve the many needs of community members who seek out excellent and personalized medical care in the greater Everett area. Learn more about the medical group’s services at http://www.wwmedgroup.com/.

Lake Serene Clinic is located at 3501 Shelby Road, Suite B., Lynnwood, WA  98087. You can reach them at 425-742-9119.

                                                                        ###

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Family Relationships and Lifestyle Improves

When Patients Start Using Hearing Devices

By Lori Walker, AuD

Many scientific studies in the past have confirmed the negative impacts associated with hearing loss: depression, anxiety and social isolation. Even worse, audiologists state that grandparents often report that they cannot hear their grandchildren’s voices.  Research suggests that grandchildren benefit from their relationships with their grandparents both emotionally and mentally. In fact, involved grandparents are more likely to have better-adjusted grandchildren.  When a grandparent can’t hear or communicate with a grandchild, this important relationship can be hampered. It can be painful to both the grandparent and the grandchild. 

Hearing loss in an elderly family member can impact everyone in the extended family. For adult children who take care of parents, hearing loss can impact the quality of their relationship, making it difficult and frustrating to communicate. Because hearing loss is the number one challenge to communicating with family, friends, and caretakers, it’s important that everyone understand the impact that wearing a hearing aid can have, not only on the elderly, but their loved ones as well.

A new study released in September conducted by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), shows overwhelming data about how much of a difference hearing devices can make. The study surveyed more than 2,000 hearing loss patients who use devices to enhance the sense of sound. Of the sample group, 82 percent of patients would recommend hearing devices to their friends and 70 percent reported improved ability to communicate.

This ability to communicate is so important within the family. Without it, so much can be lost. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, and it gives us the opportunity to promote treatment that can improve quality of life especially for those with hearing loss. Do you have someone in your family with a hearing problem that affects how they can communicate? Maybe May is the month that you can raise their awareness about the impact of hearing disorders and what they can do to improve their life.

WWMG's Audiology department is at 3216 Norton Avenue, Suite 102, Everett, WA  98201. You can reach them at 425-252-0895