• Hearing impaired individuals may experience reduced anxiety and increased success with their devices and their ability to communicate.
• Quality of life is affected when AR includes psychosocial and informational content.
• Greater feeling of satisfaction with their hearing devices and with the clinic providing the AR.
• Greater amount of time spent focused on retraining than a patient would get in a traditional setting where hearing aids are dispensed and the audiologist addresses communication strategies only as part of a limited-time appointment.
• Generally hearing aid wearers require fewer follow-up appointments when attending AR sessions.

According to the article “Group Audiologic Rehabilitation for Adults:  Ten Reasons to Add This Service to Private Practice” by Linda M. Thibodeau, PhD, CCC-A/SLP & Jennifer A. Alford, BA, a perfect analogy to better understand the overall effects of AR is this:  “A [hearing professional] that includes hearing aid dispensing without an option for group AR sessions to address communication strategies, speech-reading, and coping skills is like giving a novice photographer an expensive camera without the instruction manual:  the fledgling photographer will not get the full benefits of the camera’s features.”

A licensed audiologist ordinarily conducts these classes.  He may facilitate the group so that participants become mentors for each other.  In fact, studies show that when this methodology is used, participants generally get the greatest rewards from the sessions.

These classes are now being conducted in the Treasure Valley.  As part of Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance’s mission to ensure every patient gets the most out of their investment in their hearing aids, they have recently started offering regular Hear Well ~ Live Well Communication Skills classes.  Led by Dr. Mel Miller, Ph.D., CCC-A, they are designed to

Dr. Mel Miller, Ph.D., CCC-A

guide people with hearing difficulties to a better understanding of the intricacies of the hearing process and to help them develop strategies for handling difficult listening situations.  Participants are encouraged to assume responsibility for managing their communication settings and will be shown how to get the most out of their assistive devices.  These classes are also designed to help family members and friends understand the challenges of hearing loss and to demonstrate techniques to make communication more effective.  They are open to the public at no charge, and should be especially helpful for:  a) new users of hearing instruments; b) veteran users of hearing instruments who want to increase their communication skills; c) people who have tried hearing instruments, but were unsuccessful with them; d) people who currently do not wear hearing instruments, but are experiencing communication difficulties.

The classes are offered at two levels and are well suited for both the hearing impaired and their significant others, including family members and friends.  Class A is for patients who have either just been fitted with hearing aids or who are contemplating devices but don’t yet wear them. The class will provide a backdrop as to how the ear works, why you may be experiencing hearing loss, what it is like to live with hearing loss, goals and expectations of hearing instruments, “care and feeding” of hearing instruments and basic communication strategies.

Class B is a follow-on class for those having just attended Class A, or for those who are a bit more sophisticated already in the wearing of hearing devices. Non-hearing aid wearers can also benefit from this class.  It will go over more advanced strategies for effective communications for those with hearing loss as well as for those communicating with someone with hearing loss.  Analyzing communication problems and learning appropriate actions toward them will be covered.

The class schedule is generally:

Class A:  3^rd Thursdays of each month, 1 PM

Class B:  2nd & 4^th Thursday of each month, 10AM & 1PM respectively

In February 2012, Class B will be held on Tuesday February 14 as an exception to the rule.

The schedule can be checked at anytime at www.treasurevalleyhearing.com/news.php.

Classes are held at Unity Health Center at 745 S. Progress Ave. in Meridian.

Register with Debbie by calling 208-377-0019.

• “retraining” the brain
• acoustic therapy
• the roll hearing instruments can play in the overall treatment
• how much time these treatments may take for you to see a difference
• news about some current research that might lead to a tinnitus cure.
• the American Tinnitus Association’s Top 5 suggestions for tinnitus sufferers

Dr. Mel Miller, Ph.D., CCC-A will be discussing these topics:

Week 1 (December 7, 2011):  Tinnitus Overview

Week 2 (December 14, 2011):  Tinnitus Causes

Week 3 (December 21, 2011):  Tinnitus Cures

Week 4 (December 28, 2011):  Tinnitus Proven Treatment Plans and Cures

Tune in for each post or subscribe to the RSS feed in our blog so they appear either in your RSS reader or email.

And now with Week 1, Tinnitus Overview:

Most people think of ”hearing” as something that happens in the ears, but in reality, the BRAIN interprets the signals from the ears and converts those signals into something the brain recognizes as speech.  So, in many respects, we really don’t fit the ears with hearing aids, we ultimately fit the brain.

Each one of our ears actually lateralizes to the opposite side of the brain and each serves a specific function.  For example the right ear, crossing to the left side of the brain, is mostly responsible for “technical” interpretation; differentiating the English language from Spanish for example.  The left ear, crossing to the right side of the brain handles more of the aesthetics of language such as deciding if someone is speaking sweetly or sarcastically for example!  Pretty important stuff!!!

Today’s sophisticated technology actually tries to mimic this process by “talking to each other”, constantly adjusting to the environment around you.  If you have a sound directed at you from one side, for instance, the devices will automatically make some changes by turning one side up and possibly the other side down.  This all happens automatically without you doing anything!

Studies indicate that people who wear two hearing devices usually have a better experience with hearing in noisy environments because the sounds are being shared by both ears and both sides of the brain.

Other important benefits include:

• Better directionality (locating where sounds are coming from)
• Better sound quality
• Keeps both ears active
• Better clarity
• You can have your hearing devices at a lower volume when you wear two
• Balanced hearing from both sides

With e-patient, you decide

• Where you want to hear
• When you want to hear
• How you want to hear
• What price best suits your budget

e-patient is revolutionary because it is turns your hearing evaluation into an interactive visual dialog.

To preview some of the e-patient™ videos, you can visit www.treasurevalleyhearing.com/e-patient.php.

The 4-step process includes:

1. The Interview

We sit down and talk with you to determine the nature of your concern and uncover any specific areas that may require further attention.  We will spend time getting an understanding of the  environments in which you are having difficulty hearing.  We believe that when someone is struggling with their hearing it actually affects everyone who lives in the household. For this reason we ask that you bring your significant other or other family member with you to your appointment.  This is important because we utilize that person’s voice during parts of the testing as well as include them in the interview process.

2. The Examination

This is the physical part of the exam, where we take a look inside your ear to determine whether the perception of Sound Voids you might be experiencing could be caused by an obstruction or damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

3. The Diagnostic Process

We will perform a comprehensive, computerized hearing evaluation to determine the nature of your Sound Voids by mapping out your hearing levels on an audiogram.  We will also evaluate your ability to hear and comprehend speech while in the presence of background noise.

4. Treatment Solutions

Once we have fully evaluated your ability to hear and understand speech,  we will discuss the results with you in depth and from there we will make a recommendation as to the type of treatment solution best suited to you.  This could be Assistive Listening Devices which are specialized technologies that help people with all degrees of hearing loss and can improve face-to-face communication as well as telephone signals and other important warning sounds.  A second treatment solution might be a medical referral to discuss surgery or implants.  Finally if needed, a hearing aid technology solution might be recommended.  If you should need a hearing aid technology solution, we may provide you with several alternatives, but most important, we will suggest a system tailored to your individual lifestyle and budget needs.

Today’s hearing aids are available in many technology levels which offer some amazing features. These features provide a multitude of benefits dependent upon the environments you have the most difficulty hearing in.  We spend a great deal of time getting to know you, your environments and your lifestyle so that we can make an appropriate recommendation for you. We have found through our own experience and from feedback from our customers, it is critical that the technology level chosen contains the features you need to obtain the benefit you desire.  To learn more about environments, click this page of our website:  www.treasurevalleyhearing.com/hearing_aid_comparison.php.  We have found that a hearing device that does not suit your environments and lifestyle could turn out to be a very frustrating purchase.   To view the types of hearing devices we may recommend to you, this page of our website will help you:  www.treasurevalleyhearing.com/hearing_aid_styles.php.

How do you REALLY know if you have a hearing problem?

208-377-0019

Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is one of only two AudigyCertified™ practices in Idaho.  AudigyCertified professionals possess the highest credentials and are among the country’s most experienced hearing care professionals.  Their expertise is measured by their commitment to patient satisfaction, continuing education, and the application of current technologies.

February, 2011

Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance is pleased to announce that Paul Redmond has achieved his AudigyCertified™ Certification from Audigy Group LLC, a national hearing healthcare group by recently completing “Patients for Life”.

Being a Patients for Life (PFL) program Certified Hearing Professional  means necessary requirements have been met to display and deliver the highest levels of patient hearing care and satisfaction. Through multiple hours of initial training and ongoing professional development courses and support, hearing care is able to be brought to a whole new level by connecting with patients on a more personal and customized level, thus being able to provide expert advice and extraordinary technology treatment solutions that are specific to each patient’s individual needs. This type of certification is only offered to the top 3-5% of hearing care providers and audiologists across the nation and is becoming one of the most sought after programs for patient support and retention.

Audigy Certification will assist Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Clinic  in continuing to provide the local communities of Treasure Valley with hearing care solutions backed by unmatched levels of professionalism, experience and hearing care solutions.

Together, Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Clinic and Audigy Group combine the strengths of a large, national organization (including the availability of the world’s most advanced technology) with the advantages of local ownership to provide patients with unsurpassed hearing care experience.

By continuously exceeding the expectations of patients, AudigyCertified™ professionals are earning a well-deserved reputation as the preeminent Hearing Care Providers in North America.  AudigyCertified™ professionals embody the following core values of hearing care excellence:

• Experienced Professionals.  AudigyCertified™ professionals are carefully selected based on the quality of care they deliver and their proven ability to provide the highest level of patient satisfaction.

• Expert Advice. Every AudigyCertified professional understands that technology alone doesn’t help people hear better—it’s how well the practitioner works with the patient and applies the technology.

• Extraordinary Technology. AudigyCertified professionals play an active role in developing AGX technology to ensure that their hearing systems incorporate the latest hardware and software advances and are easy for patients to use and care for.

• Excellent Service.  A customer trial period, an extended warranty program, and loss and damage insurance do more than protect a patient’s financial investment—they also help protect the investment that the patient and provider have made together in their partnership for better hearing.

• Exceptional Value.  Value equates to the benefit each patient receives for his or her money.   At every price point, AGX technology delivers greater value to the patient than other hearing systems of comparable cost.

The professionals at Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance Clinic have been helping people hear better since 1990.  They specialize in hearing evaluations, recommendations for personal hearing technology, hearing aid repairs, swimplugs and earmolds, hearing protection and personal listening systems.  With clinics in Boise, Nampa and Eagle as well as outreach clinics throughout the valley, better hearing is just a phone call away!  Call 208-377-0019 or visit www.treasurevalleyhearing.com for more information.

Now you ask, “What is an ARI?”  It stands for Acoustic Resonance Imaging.  It is a computerized evaluation which measures how your hearing system (hearing aids) responds to a live voice while in your ears.  You actually see pictures of the sounds of speech that are reaching your eardrum through your hearing system as they occur.  An ARI is performed using a voice that is familiar to you.  Your spouse or a close loved one’s voice is preferred for the exam.

Why should I have an ARI?

This important evaluation will help us to accurately determine the correct settings for your hearing system and to make necessary adjustments so that you are hearing optimally.

How often should I have an ARI?

You should have an ARI as part of your annual check up.

Why haven’t I heard about the ARI before now?

An ARI is performed using Digital Speech Mapping (DSM).  In many cases, the DSM makes it possible to fine-tune your hearing instruments so that speech is once again clearly reproduced.  We have multiple DSM systems dedicated to the performance of Acoustic Resonance Imaging evaluations.  The ARI is available exclusively from Treasure Valley Hearing and Balance Clinics.

What happens if I don’t take advantage of an ARI?

You may not be hearing with your hearing system as well as you could be.  Without an ARI you won’t know for sure.  Don’t run this risk.  Not hearing clearly now could have serious long-term effects on your ability to understand speech clearly down the road, even with a hearing system.   Further difficulty resulting from auditory deprivation is something that you must strive to avoid.  Through proper testing and evaluation, we will help you stay abreast of any changes to your hearing or hearing system function.

How much can I expect to pay for an ARI?

The recommended fee for an ARI is $125.  This information is invaluable in helping to determine the correct settings for your hearing aids.  However, please speak with your provider regarding special offers.

How do I receive an ARI?

You can and should book an appointment today at one of our many clinics in Boise, Nampa, Eagle and elsewhere.  Remember to bring someone with a familiar voice, preferably your spouse.  This is critical and we are unable to perform this test accurately without your “familiar voice”.

If you have questions regarding the ARI test, feel free to call us at 208-377-0019 or 800-726-1019 or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.

Definition of a Sound Void™ (noun):

1. A moment lacking clarity in hearing or understanding.

2. An empty space in one’s life caused by the absence of sound clarity.

Do you often hear people talking but simply have difficulty understanding them?

Do you sometimes struggle to hear clearly in background noise?

Do you occasionally have trouble following the conversation in small groups?

Do you find it challenging to explain your hearing situation to others?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be experiencing the perception of “Sound Voids.” The term “Sound Void” was created by AudigyCertified™ professionals to help explain the “gaps” that some individuals say they experience in their day-to-day listening lives. Sound Voids usually occur in specific listening situations where an individual’s hearing loss does not permit them to detect or understand important sounds and speech cues. Individuals often find that Sound Voids result in tiring, frustrating, and embarrassing situations. However you experience them—whether they happen during precious moments with your grandchildren, critical conversations in the workplace, or in simple everyday interactions—

Sound Voids can detract from your ability to live your life to its fullest. AudigyCertified professionals have the experience, training, and advanced technology to provide you with the best possible hearing care solutions.

So, you think you might be experiencing Sound Voids™, what do you do next?

Treasure Valley Hearing & Balance and Audigy Group members have worked very hard to create a process and an environment in which you feel comfortable, learn about your hearing loss, understand your options and have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your communication needs.

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with your local Audigy Certified Hearing Clinic.

When you call Treasure Valley Hearing, our schedule coordinator will work with you to find a convenient appointment day and time in one of our clinics for you. It is critical that you bring a loved one or friend with you whose voice is very familiar to you. That person’s voice will be used in part of our testing.

Step 2: Arrive a few minutes early for your appointment.

You will be given some paperwork to complete. Your companion will also be given a form to complete in which he/she will give their thoughts about your hearing loss.

Step 3: Time with your Hearing Care Provider.

During this appointment, your provider will conduct an interview in which he or she will gain an understanding of the environments in which you are experiencing your difficulties. We feel it is critical that your spouse or other loved one be involved in this process as they may be observing things you are not aware of. We bring them in to the discussion and use their voice during some of the testing.

Next, your provider will take a look in your ears to insure that a wax blockage or something similar isn’t the issue. From there, a hearing evaluation will be performed and then the results will be discussed with you.

If hearing devices are recommended, your provider will present multiple options for you and discuss the pros and cons of each. If you have never worn hearing devices before you will be placed on a rehabilitation program in which you will be given specific instructions as to how to wear the hearing devices and in what kinds of environments over an initial 45 day period. Just as a bright light might hurt your eyes when they have been in the dark for some time, the noisy world around us can be just as bright! It takes time to learn to adapt to the world around us.

To understand more about our process and what you can expect when you come in to one of our clinics for an evaluation, you can watch an education video on our website at www.treasurevalleyhearing.com. This short video will outline the process you will experience when you come to one of our clinics in search of better hearing.  If you still have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call, 1-800-726-1019 or 208-377-0019 or email us at info@treasurevalleyhearing.com.