For as long as most of us can remember there has been a lengthy wait for a NHS hearing assessment and the subsequent fitting of NHS analogue hearing aid, with many people waiting many months to complete the process.
The more recent introduction of digital hearing aids has greatly improved the performance of modern hearing aids. However this has also lead to an increase in demand from new users and those looking to upgrade their current analogue hearing aids. This increased demand has impacted service levels and many NHS waiting lists have increased as a result.
It is a Government commitment to ensure assessments for hearing aids are made within a six weeks. Unfortunately this target only relates to the first stage of the process and makes no difference if patients have to endure months on a waiting list before prescribed hearing aid is actually fitted. Lengthy delays between assessment and fitting can also lead to the need for a re-assessment at the time of fitting.
The RNID estimates that around five hundred thousand people are currently waiting to have digital hearing aids fitted by the NHS.
The RNID also said:
"We remain seriously concerned about the capacity of the NHS to meet the Government’s aim of ensuring that no-one waits more than 18 weeks for a hearing aid fitting by the end of 2008."
There main area of concern is that the push to meet these new targets may result in a fall in the quality of the service offered.
As a result many people in the UK choose to opt out of the NHS service and buy their digital hearing aid directly from a retailer who can offer instant services.
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
Deaf Awareness: Listen Up!
There are an estimated demographic figure of 36 million deaf and hard of hearing in the United States. Of this large number, only a few million are considered “deaf” and the remainder are “hard of hearing.” Further confusing statistics is the fact that some “deaf” people may actually be “hard of hearing,” and some “hard of hearing” people may actually be “deaf.”
In previous years, the labels “deaf” and “hard of hearing” were employed as subcategories of the term “hearing-impaired.” During that time, it was used as a generic term that was applicable to anybody with any degree of hearing loss. However, some deaf people objected to the description of their hearing status as “impaired” because they felt that the term also implied that the person was “impaired.” Such degrading terms can actually cause depression and anxiety among deaf people and, thus, this generic label has been dropped.
The deaf and hard of hearing community is very diverse, differing greatly on the cause and degree of hearing loss, age at the onset, educational background, communication methods, and how they feel about their hearing loss. How a person “labels” themselves in terms of their hearing loss is personal and may reflect identification with their relationship with the deaf community or merely how their hearing loss affects their ability to communicate. They can either be deaf, Deaf (with a capital “D”), or hard of hearing.
Interestingly, the lowercase “deaf” is used when referring to the audiological condition of not hearing, while the uppercase “Deaf” is used to refer to a particular group of people who share a common language such as the ASL (American Sign Language) and culture. The members of this group have inherited their sign language, used it as a primary means of communication among themselves, and hold a set of beliefs and their connection to the larger society. They are distinguished from those who find themselves losing their hearing because of illness, trauma, or age. Although these people share the condition of not hearing, they do not have access to the knowledge, beliefs, and practices that make up the culture of Deaf people.
Generally, the term “deaf” refers to those who are unable to hear well enough to rely on their hearing and use it as a means of processing information. On the other hand, the term “hard of hearing” refers to those who have some hearing, are able to use it for communication purposes, and who feel reasonably comfortable doing so. A hard of hearing person, in audiological terms, may have a mild to moderate hearing loss.
To understand hearing loss, it is important to understand how normal hearing takes place. There are two different pathways by which sound waves produce the sensation of hearing: air conduction and bone conduction.
In air conduction, sound waves move through the air in the external auditory canal (the “ear canal” between the outside air and the eardrum). The sound waves hit the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and cause the tympanic membrane to move. Hearing by bone conduction occurs when a sound wave or other source of vibration causes the bones of the skull to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the fluid surrounding the cochlea and hearing results.
Fortunately, there are many treatments that are available for hearing loss. People with conductive hearing loss can have the middle ear reconstructed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Hearing aids are effective and well-tolerated for people with conductive hearing loss. People who are profoundly deaf may benefit from a cochlear implant.
For people with hearing loss, it is a matter of deciding whether to treat it as an audiological perspective or as a cultural lifestyle. It's all about choices, comfort level, mode of communication, and acceptance of hearing loss. Whatever the decision, there are support groups and organizations that represent all deaf and hard of hearing Americans, and advocacy work that can benefit everyone, regardless of the type of hearing loss and background.
Cheap Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids Review
In previous years, the labels “deaf” and “hard of hearing” were employed as subcategories of the term “hearing-impaired.” During that time, it was used as a generic term that was applicable to anybody with any degree of hearing loss. However, some deaf people objected to the description of their hearing status as “impaired” because they felt that the term also implied that the person was “impaired.” Such degrading terms can actually cause depression and anxiety among deaf people and, thus, this generic label has been dropped.
The deaf and hard of hearing community is very diverse, differing greatly on the cause and degree of hearing loss, age at the onset, educational background, communication methods, and how they feel about their hearing loss. How a person “labels” themselves in terms of their hearing loss is personal and may reflect identification with their relationship with the deaf community or merely how their hearing loss affects their ability to communicate. They can either be deaf, Deaf (with a capital “D”), or hard of hearing.
Interestingly, the lowercase “deaf” is used when referring to the audiological condition of not hearing, while the uppercase “Deaf” is used to refer to a particular group of people who share a common language such as the ASL (American Sign Language) and culture. The members of this group have inherited their sign language, used it as a primary means of communication among themselves, and hold a set of beliefs and their connection to the larger society. They are distinguished from those who find themselves losing their hearing because of illness, trauma, or age. Although these people share the condition of not hearing, they do not have access to the knowledge, beliefs, and practices that make up the culture of Deaf people.
Generally, the term “deaf” refers to those who are unable to hear well enough to rely on their hearing and use it as a means of processing information. On the other hand, the term “hard of hearing” refers to those who have some hearing, are able to use it for communication purposes, and who feel reasonably comfortable doing so. A hard of hearing person, in audiological terms, may have a mild to moderate hearing loss.
To understand hearing loss, it is important to understand how normal hearing takes place. There are two different pathways by which sound waves produce the sensation of hearing: air conduction and bone conduction.
In air conduction, sound waves move through the air in the external auditory canal (the “ear canal” between the outside air and the eardrum). The sound waves hit the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and cause the tympanic membrane to move. Hearing by bone conduction occurs when a sound wave or other source of vibration causes the bones of the skull to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the fluid surrounding the cochlea and hearing results.
Fortunately, there are many treatments that are available for hearing loss. People with conductive hearing loss can have the middle ear reconstructed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Hearing aids are effective and well-tolerated for people with conductive hearing loss. People who are profoundly deaf may benefit from a cochlear implant.
For people with hearing loss, it is a matter of deciding whether to treat it as an audiological perspective or as a cultural lifestyle. It's all about choices, comfort level, mode of communication, and acceptance of hearing loss. Whatever the decision, there are support groups and organizations that represent all deaf and hard of hearing Americans, and advocacy work that can benefit everyone, regardless of the type of hearing loss and background.
Cheap Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids Review
Hearing Impaired Phones Help Millions Communicate
We live in a society that is more dependent upon communication technology than at any other time in human history. And, with one out of ten people living with a hearing loss, it's critically important to ensure that technology is readily adaptable to people who have mild to severe hearing loss.
Thankfully, there are a number of hearing impaired phones on the market that are designed to keep everyone in the communication loop. A wide range of amplified phones is available, including both corded phones and cordless phones. If you are interested in buying hearing impaired phones, here are some brands and models to consider:
GE: If you, a coworker, or a loved one suffers from moderate to severe hearing loss and also has vision problems, GE's big button amplified phones may be the answer. The phones have graphic equalizers that can customize the phone for a person's hearing loss, and have ringer amplification up to 90dB and a handset boost up to 40dB. The amplified base speakerphone works like a charm, and an enhanced visual ringer and vibrating alert ensures that no calls are missed.
For users with mild hearing loss, GE offers a wonderful cordless audio boost phone. Its oversized ear seal helps hearing capability, and the hearing aid-compatible phone provides a 20dB gain. In addition, its backlit keypad, large buttons, and large LCD display are invaluable to those who are also sight-impaired.
Clarity: Clarity's line of corded phones are known for amplifying only the sounds the listener wants to hear while reducing irrelevant and unwanted background noise. With an audio output jack that can be connected to a headset, a neck loop, or a cochlear implant, the phones can amplify an incoming voice for a 60dB gain. Plus, they're fully compatible with hearing aids.
ClearSounds: ClearSounds offers hearing impaired cordless phones that are perfect for people who need the versatility and mobility that cordless phones offer. With amplification up to 50dB, the phones have tone controls that affect both low and high frequencies. With a vibrating alert in the handset and a loud ringer in both the base and the handset, calls won't be missed.
Ameriphone: Ameriphone offers a variety of amplified corded phones that both increase volume and make words clearer and easier to understand. Slide control gives the moderately hearing impaired user the ability to adjust the tone range, while large, backlit buttons make it easy for those with impaired vision to dial.
Of course, corded phones and cordless phones are only one type of technology that can assist those with hearing impairments. TTY/TDD phones are vital for some people, while warning devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and weather alert radios can save lives. Similarly, knock sensors, light alerts, and bed shakers can make the lives of those with hearing impairments easier.
Hearing impaired phones are made by a variety of manufacturers and have myriad features. In order to find the right phone to fit your needs, shop with a reputable online store that has sales associates who are both knowledgeable and who are eager to help.
Hearing Aids Review
Cheap Hearing Aids
Thankfully, there are a number of hearing impaired phones on the market that are designed to keep everyone in the communication loop. A wide range of amplified phones is available, including both corded phones and cordless phones. If you are interested in buying hearing impaired phones, here are some brands and models to consider:
GE: If you, a coworker, or a loved one suffers from moderate to severe hearing loss and also has vision problems, GE's big button amplified phones may be the answer. The phones have graphic equalizers that can customize the phone for a person's hearing loss, and have ringer amplification up to 90dB and a handset boost up to 40dB. The amplified base speakerphone works like a charm, and an enhanced visual ringer and vibrating alert ensures that no calls are missed.
For users with mild hearing loss, GE offers a wonderful cordless audio boost phone. Its oversized ear seal helps hearing capability, and the hearing aid-compatible phone provides a 20dB gain. In addition, its backlit keypad, large buttons, and large LCD display are invaluable to those who are also sight-impaired.
Clarity: Clarity's line of corded phones are known for amplifying only the sounds the listener wants to hear while reducing irrelevant and unwanted background noise. With an audio output jack that can be connected to a headset, a neck loop, or a cochlear implant, the phones can amplify an incoming voice for a 60dB gain. Plus, they're fully compatible with hearing aids.
ClearSounds: ClearSounds offers hearing impaired cordless phones that are perfect for people who need the versatility and mobility that cordless phones offer. With amplification up to 50dB, the phones have tone controls that affect both low and high frequencies. With a vibrating alert in the handset and a loud ringer in both the base and the handset, calls won't be missed.
Ameriphone: Ameriphone offers a variety of amplified corded phones that both increase volume and make words clearer and easier to understand. Slide control gives the moderately hearing impaired user the ability to adjust the tone range, while large, backlit buttons make it easy for those with impaired vision to dial.
Of course, corded phones and cordless phones are only one type of technology that can assist those with hearing impairments. TTY/TDD phones are vital for some people, while warning devices like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and weather alert radios can save lives. Similarly, knock sensors, light alerts, and bed shakers can make the lives of those with hearing impairments easier.
Hearing impaired phones are made by a variety of manufacturers and have myriad features. In order to find the right phone to fit your needs, shop with a reputable online store that has sales associates who are both knowledgeable and who are eager to help.
Hearing Aids Review
Cheap Hearing Aids
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