Hearing Help

Did You Know? Statistics on Hearing Loss.

2012-03-01T14:09:00.006-08:00

Having a hearing loss today is not as uncommon as one may believe. However, it seems as if seeking treatment is less likely to occur with those who do have a hearing loss. The following statistics from the Better Hearing Institute below illustrate this gap between those with hearing losses and those who seek care. While we at Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center have been able to care for numerous individuals in the community, it is surprising to be reminded that there are so many that are not receiving the care that they should have.

1 in 4 workers exposed to high levels of noise will develop a hearing loss
Only 13% of general practitioners screen for hearing loss
3 in every 10 people over age 60 have a hearing loss
1 in every 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59) has a hearing loss
1 in every 14 Generation X’ers (29-40) already has a hearing loss
1.4 million children (under 18) have hearing problems
Only 1 out of 5 people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one
9 out of 10 hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life

Clearly, these statistics are startling. This truly indicates that a lot of people are choosing to go without the benefits of solutions for their hearing loss. Most often, this can be due to confusion over what benefit hearing aids can provide and which type of hearing aid is best for a specific person’s loss. Also, cost can be a factor. At Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center we provide complimentary consultations to identify which of our many affordable hearing aid products may be recommended for each patient’s unique hearing loss. If you or a loved one are interested in getting the care you deserve, simply submit your information on the Contact Us page of our website.

Christian Kubick President of Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center

You're invited to a 3-Day Open House Event - March 20-22, 2012

2012-02-28T17:39:00.001-08:00

Hearing Loss and Dementia Linked in Study

2012-02-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests. The findings, the researchers say, could lead to new ways to combat dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens.

Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest that a common pathology may underlie both or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Whatever the cause, the scientists report, their finding may offer a starting point for interventions — even as simple as hearing aids — that could delay or prevent dementia by improving patients’ hearing.

“Researchers have looked at what affects hearing loss, but few have looked at how hearing loss affects cognitive brain function,” says study leader Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Otology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “There hasn’t been much crosstalk between otologists and geriatricians, so it’s been unclear whether hearing loss and dementia are related.”

To make the connection, Lin and his colleagues used data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA). The BLSA, initiated by the National Institute on Aging in 1958, has tracked various health factors in thousands of men and women over decades.

The new study, published in the February Archives of Neurology, focused on 639 people whose hearing and cognitive abilities were tested as part of the BLSA between 1990 and 1994. While about a quarter of the volunteers had some hearing loss at the start of the study, none had dementia.

These volunteers were then closely followed with repeat examinations every one to two years, and by 2008, 58 of them had developed dementia. The researchers found that study participants with hearing loss at the beginning of the study were significantly more likely to develop dementia by the end. Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold, and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time. The more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease.

Even after the researchers took into account other factors that are associated with risk of dementia, including diabetes, high blood pressure, age, sex and race, Lin explains, hearing loss and dementia were still strongly connected.

“A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age,” Lin says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem .”

The research was supported by the intramural research program of the National Institute on Aging.

Release Date: 02/14/2011

Source: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Buying New Hearing Aids - Top 10 List for Buyers

2012-02-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

Buying a hearing aid is an important decision on many levels as it is an investment in both money and time. However, the benefits one can gain from improved hearing will outweigh those investments on a daily basis. Therefore it is important to take the right approach in shopping for a hearing aid to ensure you or a loved one get the optimal solution for improving hearing capabilities. At Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center we offer this top 10 list of tips for anyone planning to buy new hearing aids, as well as our always complimentary appointments to get started.

1. Research hearing aids types – Learn about hearing aids types and hearing technology to gain a basic understanding of the many choices available. On our website we provide important information about the advancements in today’s technology for reference.

2. Undergo a hearing test and complete hearing evaluation – A comprehensive hearing test and evaluation is the first step toward identifying hearing loss and finding the right hearing aid for a specific hearing problem. At Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center we will work with you to provide recommendations for appropriate hearing aid solutions, if necessary, based upon your hearing evaluation and lifestyle needs.

3. Honestly identify hearing needs – Some hearing aids are well suited for noisy situations; others are not. Some hearing aids types are perfect for an active lifestyle, while others are better suited for quiet activities such as watching television or listening to music. Features, controls - even color - may be important factors to consider when choosing the right hearing aid for your needs.

4. Understand hearing aid costs – Hearing aids may be a larger purchase and as such, the buyer should receive a written contract which includes the cost of the hearing aids, as well as any services provided by the hearing professional. These services may include fitting, training and follow up appointments. Insurance coverage and financing may also be available to help make certain hearing aids more affordable.

5. Get a comfortable fit – Custom earmolds ensure the best fit when purchasing new hearing aids. New hearing aids require a period of adjustment, and any level of discomfort could make the transition difficult.

6. Follow up – Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time as the brain learns to hear again in a new way. Follow up appointments are imperative to get the most out of new hearing aids.

7. Ask about the return policy – Most hearing professionals will offer a trial period for new hearing aids. Some may charge a fee if the hearing aids are returned; others may offer the opportunity to try a different hearing aid style.

8. Understand the warranty – As with any major purchase, hearing aids come with a warranty to cover repairs or replacement over a certain period of time. We remain committed to making sure you are taken care of throughout the life of your hearing aid and even have extended warranty plans available.

9. Consider using hearing aids with other assistive listening devices – Today's hearing aids are designed to work seamlessly with phones and audio equipment. Imagine having the sound from your radio or TV come through your hearing aid so others in the room can hear at comfortable levels. New wireless hearing aids may be the ultimate in convenience for the hard of hearing. We can answer questions about the compatibility of hearing aids with assistive listening devices.

10. Help a friend – with the prevalence of untreated hearing loss it is likely you know or may encounter someone who could benefit from better hearing as well. At Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center we are committed to helping all in our community that suffer with hearing loss and appreciate any referral you can share with those in need.

We hope this list provides a helpful guideline for making the right hearing aid purchase. We are committed to making sure every patient that needs a hearing aid gets the optimal solution for both their hearing loss and lifestyle needs. If you have any questions or are looking to start the process with a hearing test simply submit your request on our Contact Us page. We will be in touch within one business day.

Christian Kubick President of Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center

Comparing Hearing Aid Features

2011-05-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

With the rapid advancement in hearing technology it can be a bit tricky to keep up and understand what features are important to your hearing aid purchase. At Kubick and Kubick Hearing Center we want to help those conducting research on available hearing aid options and review various features. To do so, the following sections contain explanations for all of the feature categories that may be important for getting the optimal hearing aid that meets your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

Bands and Channels – these features refer to the ability to adjust hearing aid settings to best fit individual hearing loss needs. The more bands and channels a hearing aid has, the better it can be programmed to perform for the wearer.

Feedback Cancellation – Recent innovations in hearing aids over the last few years have aimed to eliminate some of the issues that make wearers unhappy with their hearing aids. One of the biggest of these problems has been annoying whistling called feedback, which can be caused by a number of things, such as hugging a loved one, having the hearing aid brushed by hair or simply being outside on a windy day. However, new technology has virtually eliminated buzzing and whistling caused by feedback in hearing aids without compromising performance.

Multi-Memory Settings – while a traditional hearing aid simply amplified all sounds, technology has adapted greatly to how the hearing aid should perform in many different environments. For instance, certain hearing aid settings may perform more appropriately in social settings as opposed to in the car or outside in the wind. By having multiple memories, hearing aids can switch into different programming settings for optimal performance.

Directional Microphone – the microphone component of a hearing aid amplifies incoming sounds for greater audibility. In the recent years advancements have been made with the microphone to help it focus on targeted sounds, such as conversations, and reduce background noises. This directional functionality has proved beneficial for helping ease the struggle of hearing speech in noisy environments.

Telephone Coil/ Compatibility – Many hearing aids today have advanced telephone compatibility. With Automatic Telephone Solutions, these hearing aids virtually eliminate feedback while automatically adjusting for optimal communication on the telephone.

Wireless Technology – allows the user to connect directly – and wirelessly – to most media devices. TV, radio and computer can be heard in stereo-quality sound directly through the hearing aid.

At Kubick and Kubick Hearing Center we understand that the rapid advancements in hearing aid technology may make identifying which hearing aid features are right for you. We want to ensure that every patient gets the right hearing aids to best meet their hearing loss and lifestyle needs. To start this process we recommend a complimentary hearing evaluation and consultation. To set up an appointment for you or a loved one simply visit the Contact Us page of our website to request more information and we will be in touch within one business day.

Christian Kubick, President of Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center

5 Steps to Better Hearing

2011-05-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Having a hearing loss is not something that anyone gets excited about. However, with the right attitude and approach, it can actually be a very manageable condition to care for. As a hearing professional at Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center, my years of caring for those with hearing loss, I have seen time and time again people make remarkable improvements by simply dedicating themselves to getting the most out of wearing a hearing aid. With hopes of similar outcomes in the future I am sharing 5 simple steps to better hearing for you or a loved one to use.

1. Admit that your hearing is not what it may used to be. Understanding your hearing has changed is difficult at first, but the sooner one begins to seek a solution the more likely they are to maintain critical speech comprehension abilities and avoid unnecessary struggles.

2. Keep an open mind and positive attitude while seeking help. Like we have all been told from a young age, attitude is everything. The same applies to having success in treating your hearing loss. Since everyone's hearing loss is unique, there are a lot of options available to consider. We strive to present those solutions that are best for you.

3. Learn about your hearing problem. Get educated on what may have caused your hearing loss and what the best solutions are for treatment and extended care. At Kubick and Kubick Hearing Center we will make sure every patient is aware of the factors and given the resources needed to be successful.

4. Set realistic expectations for hearing aids. As was mentioned in step 1, expectations for restoring perfect hearing are not realistic. Today’s hearing aid technology has produced tremendous hearing benefits for wearers. Your focus should be on improving your hearing abilities with hearing aids at a slow, gradual pace as you adapt to wearing a hearing aid.

5. Patience, practice and time are critical to success. As with anything good, it comes from hard work and practice. Improved hearing in various situations is no different. At first, regaining comprehension abilities for sounds that have not been heard in years may be difficult. However, the reward will be yours to eventually hear simple sounds that may have been lost, even perhaps the songs of birds on a nice day.

At Kubick & Kubick Hearing Center we are aware that an investment of money and time into hearing aids is not always preferred. Yet, we are confident that with the right attitude, the benefits of better hearing will justify those investments on a daily basis for you. We aim to make the process of gaining satisfaction with improved hearing as simple as possible. To start your hearing journey or help a loved one get the care they need, simply visit kubickandkubick.com and submit your information. We will get in touch within one business day with more information.

Christian Kubick, President of Kubick & Kubick Inc.

2011 Starkey Innovation Conference

2011-04-22T07:04:00.001-07:00

Today, the Kubick and Kubick hearing center staff went to a six hour class covering three new technologies: Wi series hearing aids, AMP (a hearing aid for people that can't afford or are not ready to invest in the latest fully customizable devices), and an interactive software called Sound Point that helps people fine tune their hearing experience.

The Wi technology is based on the Starkey S11 IQ technology, with the addition of a very special antenna. The antenna was so thin that it was undetectable when holding between fingers.

Here are some of the most important features of Wi technology:

Has no body-worn relay device like other wireless systems - less gadgets to worry about
Eliminates need for pairing, like Bluetooth
Utilizes binaural spatial mapping, meaning the hearing aids communicate with each other to give you the best clarity possible
Driven by 900 MHz radio frequency - Starkey Labs say it's a very safe stable frequency
Low battery drainage and no signal delay

From my experience, people want a hearing device that they can forget about as soon as they put it in their ears. Any obstacle that get in the way of the convenience of plug and play will take pleasure away from the hearing experience. With some wireless hearing aids you must wear a loop around your neck which becomes a deal breaker for most patients. With many devices you must pair the hearing aid every time you use the devise you want to listen to. If you have ever paired your cell phone to a Bluetooth headset you will understand how fickle and frustrating this process can get. The Wi hearing aid, in theory, solves many problems that other wireless hearing instruments have not. I look forward to putting the theory to the test.

I will test the benefits and blog on my discoveries.
Christian Kubick, President of Kubick & Kubick Inc.