Definition of Audiologic Care:
Audiologic Care is the protection, preservation, evaluation, and treatment of the hearing and balance function of the human audio-vestibular system and is provided ONLY by audiologists, either individually or as part of a hearing care team who use their professional skills to improve the quality of life for each patient.
10/20/2009
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm185723.htm
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new Web site that will benefit current and potential users of hearing aids.
FDA regulates hearing aids, which it defines as sound-amplifying devices designed to aid people who have impaired hearing.
“People who already use a hearing aid know that selecting the right one is not a simple process,” says Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological, and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices. “There are many issues to consider. Also, current users of hearing aids want to know about the latest types and technology, and how to properly maintain the ones they already have.”
While more than 35 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss, a 2004 survey conducted by the National Hearing Institute found that slightly more than 11 million hearing instruments were being used nationwide.
Mann says the new Web site will cover the different types and styles of hearing aids, how to obtain one, and steps to remember and consider before purchasing a hearing aid.
It has information on hearing aid safety, using cell phones while wearing a hearing aid, and on other products and procedures available to people who want to improve their hearing. It also stresses the difference between hearing aids, which FDA regulates as medical devices in order to assure their safety and effectiveness, and personal sound amplification products, which are not subject to this type of regulation.
Mann says the new Web site is not intended to provide medical advice. “If you have questions about your hearing, the best source of information is your hearing health care professional,” he says.
The site includes sections on
The Web site also has a checklist of steps to consider before purchasing hearing aids. Items on this checklist include:
You can visit the new Web site, which was launched on October 20, 2009, at Hearing Aids.
This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Date Posted: October 20, 2009
While OSHA, MSHA, and FRA provide guidelines to limit noise exposure on the job, there is essentially no regulation or enforcement of sound output for recreational sources and environments, such as sports arenas, musical venues, bars, etc. This lack of regulation resulted from the defunding of ONAC, the EPA’s Office of Noise Abatement and Control, in the early 1980s. ONAC was established in 1972 by the Noise Control Act and charged with working to assess and reduce environmental noise. Although the Office still exists, it has not been assigned new funding.
Most people in the United States are unaware of the presence of environmental sound at damaging levels, or of the level at which sound becomes harmful. Common sources of damaging noise levels include car stereos, children’s toys, transportation, crowds, lawn and maintenance equipment, power tools, gun use, and even hair dryers. Noise damage is cumulative; all sources of damage must be considered to assess risk. If one is exposed to loud sound (including music) at high levels or for extended durations (85 dB A or greater), then hearing impairment will occur. Sound levels increase with proximity; as the source is brought closer to the ear, the sound level increases.
http://starkey.com/your-hearing/helping-a-family-member/common-signs.jsp
If someone you know suffers from hearing loss, you already know it’s a challenging time for everyone close to that person including family, friends, colleagues and coworkers.
Sometimes, the change can be so gradual or subtle that you’re not sure whether it’s actually a hearing loss. Unlike many conditions, hearing loss is often hard to detect in its early stages.
Some of the most common indicators of hearing loss include:
If you believe a family member, friend or colleague is suffering from undiagnosed hearing loss, encourage him or her to contact an audiologist and request a test to check for a hearing problem.
In most cases, the hearing test will detect a hearing loss if one is present, as well as determine the type of loss. Based on the hearing test, the hearing professional can recommend the use of a hearing device or other treatment.
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Manchester Hearing Center ·
2800 Tamarack Ave. Suite 102 ·
South Windsor, CT 06074 ·
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