Download Assistive Technology in Audiology

Assistive Technology in
Audiology
Hearing Aids
Cochlear Implants
Assistive Listening Devices
Various Circuits Available
Hierarchy of Sophistication and Price
Analog
Digital
Programmable
Options
Directional
Remote
Multi-Memory
Volume control
Compression
Ordinarily, any circuit
can be put into any size device!
Circuit Options
Analog: Amplifies in a
linear fashion, can
distort sounds, limited
means to filter
background noise,
least expensive choice
(1)
Circuit Options(2, 3)
Digital: Programmed via computer
Has at least 2 channels
Analyzes incoming sound and adjusts
the loudness based on preset
parameters
Detects softer sounds of speech, raises
loudness
Does not amplify background noise to
same degree as primary signal
Circuit Options(1)
Programmable: Offers fitting
flexibility, can be used with analog
circuits
Computer programmed processor
Normally has two channels, controlled
independently
Better able to “match” frequency
response of hearing loss
Optional Features
Directional: Uses dual
microphones
Available in analog,
compression and digital
models
Use of forward facing
microphone helps focus
on desired sounds
Helps diminish
awareness of
background noise
Optional Features
Multiple Memory
Increases versatility
Memories customized
for various situations
Remote Control
Change volume,
memory function,
directionality of
microphone
Hearing Aid Styles
Completely In the Canal CIC
In The Ear ITE
Behind The Ear BTE (4)
Hearing Aid Styles
Behind the Ear
Completely in the Canal
In the Ear
And the Survey Says…
MarkeTrak V(5)
Assess user satisfaction by polling 2720
patients who had purchased hearing aids
Devices that are programmable, have a
telecoil and are fit binaurally provide
highest satisfaction
CIC rated highest among styles of aids
1/3 users want volume control
Cochlear Implants(6)
Biomedical electronic device to convert
sound into electrical current to stimulate
auditory nerve
In use for past 25 years
Severe to profound bilateral sensorineural
hearing loss in selected adults
Severe to profound bilateral hearing loss in
children
Cochlear Implants
Children’s with Remote
Two BTE Styles for Adults
Photographs courtesy MED-EL
Cochlear Implants(7)
Ear level processor
Implant device
Body worn processor
Photographs courtesy Cochlear Corp.
Cochlear Implant
Drawings courtesy of Cochlear Corp.
Candidacy for Implant
Team approach favored
Team should include:
Audiology, Speech-Language
Pathology, Otology or Neurotology,
Social Work or Psychology,
Educator of the hearing impaired
Patient Consideration
Factors considered:
Patient age, general health
Age at time of hearing loss
Benefit derived from
present amplification
No medical contraindications such as absent
cochlea or VIIIth nerve
FM Communication Systems(2)
Receiver/BTE
Transmitter
Enhanced speech
perception in noise, at great
distances
Used in classrooms
Greatly increases signal to
noise ratio
New technology reduces
size, eliminates cords, wires
Assistive Technology
Pocket Talker
One to One Amplifier
Cell Phone with TDD
Telephone Amplifier
Amplified Phone
Devices for the Home
Strobe Light Doorbell
Bed Shake Alarm Clock
Flashing Smoke Alarm
Vibrating Wrist Watch
Television Closed
Caption Decoder
TV Infra-Red Listeners
Devices for the Home
Strobe Light Doorbell
Bed Shake Alarm Clock
Flashing Smoke Alarm
Vibrating Wrist Watch
Television Closed
Caption Decoder
TV Infra-Red Listeners
Who Can Benefit From This
Information?
 Hearing loss one of most prevalent
chronic conditions in America(8)
 More than 9 million aged 65+

3/5 in this age group in need of hearing
help do not have it
 More than 10 million aged 45-64
 6/7 in this age group who need hearing
help do not have it
Effects of Untreated Hearing
Loss
Survey by the National
Commission on
Aging reveals older
Americans who do
not use hearing aids
are more likely to
report the following:
Sadness, depression
Worry and anxiety
Paranoia
Less social activity
Emotional turmoil and
insecurity
Responses constant
across gender, age,
income
Benefits of Better Hearing
The same study showed those who use
hearing aids report:
Better relationships with family
Better feelings about themselves
Improved mental health
Greater independence and security
Why Not Seek Help?
Denial
Hearing isn’t bad enough
(in those with self-estimated
moderate to severe hearing loss)
Can get along without help
Consumer Based
Too expensive
Don’t trust hearing specialists
Heard they (hearing aids) don’t work well
Stigma
Make me feel old
What will others think?
Hearing Aids CAN Help(9)
Double blind clinical study proved
increased speech recognition and
speech quality
Benefits found for each circuit tested
when compared to unaided condition
Increase Awareness and
Referrals
Be alert for signs of
possible hearing loss
Refer patient for
evaluation of hearing
Promote Benefits of
Better
Hearing
Some Closing Thoughts
Numerous circuits, styles and optional
features of hearing aids allow patient
many ways to improve hearing
Cochlear implants available for those
with severe to profound bilateral
hearing loss, as young as 12 months
Assistive devices are available for use
throughout the home and office
The Last Thought
Hearing impairment is
leading chronic health
problem in USA
Quality of life is better
for those who use
hearing assistance
Discuss potential
hearing problems with
your patients