“Perceived need*” is the main reason for the

slow uptake of hearing aids for some people.

*The perception that hearing loss is not severe enough

Why? – because people adjust

Gradually over time, the person with the hearing loss adjusts to not being able to hear, and the people around them change by speaking louder and directly to them. Eventually, as communication as it gets too hard, friends and family start choosing to share less. They stop telling jokes or sharing inconsequential news and discuss only significant matters.

Hearing loss is “invisible”. It is also sneaky…

Hearing loss is usually gradual: first, you have to concentrate harder to follow the conversation in a cafe, next socialising becomes tiring from all the extra effort you need to use to understand the banter; soon you mis-hear the directions and find yourself asking for repeats.

Eventually, people take one of two paths:

• To withdraw into your own world, keep to yourself or stop going out
• to become the life of the party because while you are talking, it doesn’t matter if you cannot hear… right?

What brought you to this page?

• Have you noticed that you have been missing the details more often?
• Are you struggling to follow along in a group conversation?
• Or – have other people suggested that you don’t always hear them?

Hearing loss affects people of all ages. There are many reasons for hearing loss including hereditary factors, noise exposure, trauma and ear pathology. Hearing loss does become more common as we age due.

Hearing loss is invisible

Hearing loss is painless

Hearing loss is gradual

Hearing loss is sneaky

In the beginning, hearing loss takes away…

• The beginning of the sentence,
• The little details,
• The punchline…

With time hearing loss may…

• … increase mental fatigue – as you concentrate harder just to follow along- leaving you feeling exhausted at the end of the day
• … begin to erode your confidence – as you are no longer sure about what was said
• … cause you to ask for repeats – when you miss the first word
• … lead you to feel embarrassed about missing the details or about having to ask for repeats too often
• … make you feel less interested in socialising, choosing to stay home as it is easier that way.

The gradual nature of hearing loss means that we adapt over time.  We change our behaviour, we choose our environments and slowly our relationships change as everyone adapts to the change in our hearing.

Hearing loss is invisible and sneaky.

As it changes, we adjust.

Gradually it affects personality and relationships.

Hearing loss changes us over time.

 Maree O’Sullivan

Effects of hearing loss on you

​​Having hearing loss does not usually mean that you stop hearing all sounds equally; the hearing loss pattern will depend on the cause of the hearing loss.  In many cases, hearing loss begins in the high pitches leaving the hearing for low tones in the normal range. Words will start to sound dull or become less clear, resulting in a reduced understanding of speech, especially in difficult listening situations. For example, in a group of people, hearing while the TV or radio are on in the background or trying to understand conversation in a large echoey room.  Although for some types of hearing loss (conductive) people hear well in noisy environments, where people are speaking loudly but cannot understand quiet speech.  

The way you respond to reducing hearing clarity will depend on your personality, the degree and shape of your hearing loss and how long your hearing has been deteriorating.  Most people with hearing loss find it tiring to follow the conversation, as their brain has to work harder to fill in all the sound gaps that they miss –

“…now was that See or Tea?  Must be Tea – that makes more sense.”

This is called auditory fatigue.

Often people find the tiredness from auditory fatigue gets worse at the end of the day.  It can be harder to keep up with fast conversation, especially in a group or if people are facing away.

Many people tell me that they have felt embarrassed by their hearing loss at some point, either because they have misunderstood someone or they felt embarrassed asking for repeats. Some people find it easier to step back from the intense concentration they need to use to stay in the conversation and slip into their own thoughts. Others will talk more, as when you are talking you do not need to hear.  Unfortunately, both of these options lead to a change in relationships over time.

Impact of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss impact varies between individuals and is influenced by many factors including degree and cause of hearing disorders, length of untreated hearing loss and personality. We know hearing disorders leads to social isolation, personality change and in some people increases the chance of anxiety and depression.  Studies have also found a strong link between hearing disorders and the development of dementia. This US article outlines the effects of untreated hearing disorder in adults.

It takes up to 10 years to seek help with hearing loss

So why do we wait to do something about Hearing disorders?

• Hearing loss is invisible
• Hearing loss is gradual
• People are great at adapting to their situation and change in hearing
• Family members help to compensate
• There is a history of stigma around hearing aids
• There is a history of poor technology in hearing aids
• We “just get on with it…”
• Change is hard! … and takes motivation
• We don’t understand what is involved in getting and using hearing aids…
  • What is the process of getting hearing aids?
  • What is the cost of hearing aids?
  • What is the right hearing solution for me?
  • Do I need to wear them all the time?
  • How do I look after hearing aids?

Do you think you may have hearing loss?

Are you ready to take the first step?

The first step is to have a full hearing assessment. This will assess your hearing level as well as pinpoint where in the ear the hearing loss originates. Hearing loss may be described as:

• Conductive – where there is a blockage stopping the sound from reaching the cochlear (outer or middle ear)
• Sensorineural – where the cochlear is not able to detect all the sounds
• Retrocochlear – where sound cannot be processed by the brain due to a blockage along the hearing pathway.
• An auditory processing disorder (APD) – where the brain cannot process the sound it detects.

The discussion after the hearing assessment will give you knowledge and understanding about your hearing and how it affects your life at the moment.  If you are ready and interested, we will talk to you about the options we have for helping you with your hearing and what is involved. We will discuss the hearing aid funding options available for you. We will even fit you with some hearing aids, and you can go next door to the cafe for a cup of coffee while you try them out.  From here, it is up to you to decide your next step.

Hearing aids are the most common and effective way to help people with hearing loss (after excluding medical reasons). However, before trialling hearing aids, it is important that you are ready in yourself, to go through the hearing aid process. It must be your decision, not someone else’s…

So… what was it that brought you to this page?

I hope this article helped you gain a greater understanding of hearing loss and its effects. Maybe the subject could be rephrased. Rather than the question being “Do I need hearing aids?” Perhaps, the question could be “Would I like to communicate easily with the people that matter to me?”

“Do I need hearing aids?”

Well… “Do you need hearing aids?” Do you want to be part of the conversation?

 Hearing loss is common. Many people wear hearing aids.  Have you noticed them?

The post Do I have hearing loss? Do I need hearing aids? appeared first on Auckland Hearing.

ACC covers the cost of accidents in New Zealand

ACC provides “comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for all New Zealand residents and visitors to New Zealand. This means you can apply for our help, no matter how you got injured, or whose fault it was” – ACC website – May 2014

ACC has been covering the cost of hearing habilitation for people who have hearing loss due to workplace noise or other accidents since the scheme began in 1974.  Until 2011, ACC covered all costs associated with noise induced hearing loss. The system was changed and have contributed a smaller amount towards hearing devices and services, since then. In July 2014, ACC again reviewed their funding and here we outline the changes to the ACC hearing loss regulations and how it will help those with hearing loss due to noise or accident.

What’s new?

• A second opinion – ACC will fund a consultation with another clinic before trialling your hearing aids
• Increased ACC hearing aid payments
• A new flat fitting fee
• New funding for ear moulds
• Introduction of multiple repairs
• Better access to services for children.

ACC Hearing Loss Changes

More choice

Second device consultation – ACC will cover the cost of a second appointment with another hearing clinic or Audiologist to assess your needs and the best solution for you.  This means that if you are not comfortable with your first recommendation for any reason, ie price you have the flexibility to seek other options.

More funding

More funding also gives you more options as you will have a greater range of hearing aids to choose from.

• Increased payments for hearing aids means there are now hearing aids that can be fitted at no extra cost to the ACC claimant “Free”. Or the top up amount will be a lot lower than with the previous funding criteria and giving the option of more sophisticated hearing aids.
• ACC have set a minimum fitting fee – this means that even if only a small portion of your hearing loss is attributed to noise (or accident) your fitting fee is covered by ACC.

Better follow up

ACC will cover the cost of more repairs up the the maximum of $234.09 for each aid within a 2 year period.

Ear moulds – ACC will contribute to the cost of new ear moulds, if they are needed, over the course of the hearing aid life time (must be more than 1 year after the aids were first fitted.)

History of ACC and Hearing support

Prior to January 2011 ACC covered the full cost of hearing aids and accessories, batteries, repairs, as well as annual hearing assessments and hearing aid adjustments.  This meant that ACC claimants got first class service.  ACC claimants had the ability to use hearing aids that met their needs as well as exceptional follow up and maintenance all covered by ACC.

Unfortunately as the ACC claimants increased in numbers.  Due to better technology and more hearing loss among tradesmen (who had historically not protected their hearing), the cost became too great for ACC to maintain.

In early 2011 the ACC hearing loss policy was changed in a number of ways including:

• • Increasing the level of hearing loss required to meet ACC funding criteria – to 6% hearing loss

• • Reducing the funding towards hearing aids

• • Reducing hearing related services like regular hearing assessment and hearing aids adjustment

• Reducing what ACC would contribute to ongoing repairs and maintenance.

This resulted in a significant saving for ACC. ACC expenditure on hearing devices and services fell from $59 million per annum in 2010 to $16 million per annum in 2013.
It also resulted in many ACC claimants being unable to afford the hearing aids that would best meet their needs.  Some previous hearing aids wearers had to either go without hearing aids or get very basic hearing aids, increasing the effect of their hearing disability and  their ability to function in their normal listening environment.
“The Ministry and ACC are concerned that people are not accessing the services and devices available to help them manage their hearing loss. People who suffer from injury-related hearing loss must be able to access the hearing services and devices they are entitled to in order for them to fully participate in employment, education, their community, and enjoy an improved quality of life. Hearing loss often leads to social isolation and depression.
The Ministry’s and ACC’s main objective is that services must be affordable and easy to access. In this case, more people need to be accessing the hearing loss services and devices they are entitled to so that people suffering from injury-related hearing loss can fully participate in society. Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) – prepared by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (the Ministry).
The new ACC hearing aid changes are worth celebrating as it will allow more people to get the hearing care they need.

What do these changes mean to me?

I am a current ACC claimant and hearing aid wearer

ACC have increased their on going support of hearing aid wearers by:

• Contributing more to repair costs of your ACC hearing aids
• Contributing to the cost of new ear moulds, if required
• Continuing to supply batteries free of charge

You will still need to contribute to the cost of your:

• Annual hearing review and hearing aid adjustment ($85)
• New ear moulds
• Repairs – if they are over the over $234.09 per aid over 2 years.

I am a current ACC hearing aid claimant and I need new hearing aids

A new ACC hearing aid funding claim ACC will be considered after 6 years. The level of cover will be determined by the amount of your hearing loss that is attributed to workplace noise or an accident.  If you are still working in noise you may be required to see and ear nose and throat specialist (ENT / ORL) to determine any further hearing loss due to noise. 

If you are accepted for new ACC hearing aid funding and your hearing aids are finalised after the 1st of July 2014 you will get the new higher funding allocation that includes:

• the new flat fitting fee
• increased funding for hearing devices
• ACC will continue to pay for hearing aid batteries

Under the new ACC system

• Some hearing aids are available at no added cost to you. If you would like higher level hearing aids you will need to contribute to the cost.

The steps to funding for new ACC hearing aids by a current claimant

1. A hearing reassessment by your Audiologist is sent to ACC.
2. ACC will ask you to go for a consultation with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (ENT or ORL) who will decide how much of your hearing loss is likely to be due to noise or accident.
3.  You will come to your audiologist for a device consultation, who will give their recommendations for the best hearing devices for you.
4. You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion.  ACC will cover the cost of this.
5. Once you have decided on right the solution for you, the hearing aids will be ordered and the fitting process can begin.

I have worked in a noisy environments and would like to apply for ACC funding.

Applying for ACC funding:

1. Visit your GP and ask if they could fill in a ACC claim form (ACC45) for hearing loss.
2. ACC will send you some forms about your hearing loss and work history to fill out and return within 14 days.
3. ACC will ask you to go to an Audiologist for a full hearing assessment.
4. ACC may ask you to see an ear, nose and throat specialist who will assess the cause of you hearing loss and the amount of contribution they believe is due to noise or accident.
5. Once your claim has been accepted you will come for a device consultation by your Audiologist, who will give their recommendations for the right hearing devices for you.
6. You may choose to have another assessment and consultation by another Audiologist and get a second opinion.  ACC will cover the cost of this.
7. Once you have decided on the right solution for you the hearing aids will be ordered and the fitting process can begin.
8. More details here

Here is a link to the ACC website with more details.

How Auckland Hearing can work with you

Auckland Hearing is a small independent clinic.  This means that our overheads are low and therefore our pricing is very competitive. If you are looking for great service as well as competitive pricing while getting your new ACC hearing aids you are welcome to come along for a second opinion and pricing comparison.

Follow this link to see more details of our hearing aid fitting process…

Getting Hearing Aids – The Process

Hearing aids are fitted on a 60 day trial Once you have decided to trial hearing aids, the process usually takes about 6 weeks from the time the hearing aids are ordered. The 60 day trial system allows you to be sure you are getting benefits of owning the… READ MORE

• Ear wax removal – Auckland Ear Nurses
• Quiet new hearing clinic
• Hearing loss – Me?
• “Do I need hearing aids?”

The post ACC hearing aid changes – More funding, More choice appeared first on Auckland Hearing.

Cochlear dead regions can occur in:

– the high frequencies (most common)
– low frequencies (more likely to be congenital)
– there can be a “dead hole” in the middle (very uncommon)
– a “surviving island” (very poor hearing)
or “patchy” – possible auditory neuropathy (very poor hearing)

Cochlear dead regions and hearing aids

Providing amplification (with hearing aids) in the frequency range where there is a dead region does not add any benefit. In some cases it can make hearing worse as it causes distortion across other regions where hearing is good. This is why we often reduce amplification or take it away in the frequencies where people have severe or profound hearing loss.

Cochlear dead regions

The post Dead regions in the cochlear appeared first on Auckland Hearing.

To test hearing accurately, a hearing clinic must meet criteria for very low noise levels.  Noise, especially low-frequency noise (like trucks) may affect our ability to hear very quiet sounds and therefore affect the outcome of our hearing assessment.

Hearing clinics must pass a noise test that is carried out by independent experts.  Sound levels are measured with a very sensitive sound level meter to establish that the clinic meets the criteria to be able to assess hearing accurately.

In April 2014, we began renovating our new Auckland Hearing clinic. We painted, carpeted and got new signage, so you can easily spot us as you drive along Michaels Ave.

By early May 2014, we were up and running. Our lovely new and quiet rooms passed the noise testing assessment, we are able to see all government funded clients, including ACC.

Here is a short movie of our new hearing clinic rooms:

Our little block of shops

Auckland Hearing clinic is in the middle 5 five shops.  The shop on the far left is currently being renovated into a lovely new organic cafe. Once it is up and running, it will be a great place to have a break before or after an appointment.

Auckland Hearing clinic offers:

• The best value hearing tests and hearing aids in Auckland

• Independent advice on the best solution for your situations

• Brand new state of the art testing equipment and client management systems

• A commitment to understand and help you manage your hearing loss.

Hearing loss – Me?

I wonder: What brought you to this page?

Have you noticed that you have been missing the details more often?

Read more

The post Our quiet hearing clinic appeared first on Auckland Hearing.