Hearing Aids & Hearing Loss Resources

Approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 has difficulty hearing. But, some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. A live & interactive with the Hearing Industries Association (HIA)  to learn about innovation, research and technology to improve the lives of millions of individuals and families. 

Thomas A. Powers, Ph.D. drtompowers@comcast.net 

Questions Asked:

• What is a PSAPS? Could you briefly go over it again?
• Which hearing aids use one of these noise reduction techniques?  The noise resistance techniques are ZB (Zeta noise blocker), Beam Forming or other.
• What resources are available for financing hearing aids for Montgomery County residents?  Thank you
• You demonstrated the open fit.  Not everyone can wear that model.  What about the larger molds?
• What is the light transmission /contact lens product called?
• Do any manufacturers will work with patient directly on repairs--hundreds of dollars for hearing places to send in, plus $500 for repair--with phonak, which we broke our hearing mold 3 times.  someome said their molds break easier than others. We need a new hearing aid
•  I have read that over-the-counter aids are  not a good choice for those with Tinnitus and Vertigo.  Is this true?
• what do you feel about warehouse stores vs dr. office
• What is your opinion on Lyric brand (leave in the ear) hearing aids?  They are taken out on a predetermined schedule.
• What is a good resources on credible hearing loss statistics?
• what is loops and telecoils
• Do you know resources for low cost or free hearing aids for low income senior
• What is your opinion on EXTENDED WEAR hearing aids?
• What are some new technologies to  enhance speech understanding? Including AI.  These are technologies that exist and could be  added to a hearing aid (which is a small device).
• I had stapendectomy surgeries in early 2000, can that be repeated?

Chat Transcript

12:06:59     From  Bonnie O'leary : You can't really generalize like that, it depends on your hearing loss

12:07:53     From  Beth Barnett : @Deborah — tinnitus is not related to hearing aids because the tinnitus doesn’t happen in the ear, it is further back in the brain.

12:14:31     From  Shelly Gersten : what do you feel about warehouse stores vs dr. office

12:15:33     From  Kathy Beck   to   Hosts and panelists : What do the prescription devices do that the first 2 categories don’t?

12:17:11     From  Robert Gullo   to   Hosts and panelists : I am 85. I can insert my hearing aids. However, I find it difficult to get them inserted properly.  Please provide guidance as to how to get them properly inserted. Also provide advice as to how to remove wax from ears. Debrox does not help.

12:18:38     From  Patti Hanson : What is your opinion on Lyric brand (leave in the ear) hearing aids?  They are taken out on a predetermined schedule.

12:20:36     From  Bob Coulson : Dr Powers could you explain the Classes of Devices and differences of air conduction and bone conduction hearing like air schocks, thank you.

12:21:49     From  Deborah Dougherty : @Bonnie-you are so correct; very annoying.  Awful for those with dementia.

12:22:05     From  Bob Coulson : What is a good resources on credible hearing loss statistics?

12:22:29     From  Bonnie O'leary : www.hearingloss.org has great info

12:24:04     From  Jeanne Damlamian   to   Hosts and panelists : What is a telecom?

12:24:08     From  Cindy Scharf : what is loops and telecoils

12:24:16     From  Meryl Schaffer : Dr Powers is so correct.  I have had to walk out of certain scenarios.

12:25:07     From  Bonnie O'leary : telecoil is fabulous - I wouldn't be without it!!

12:26:11     From  Deborah Dougherty : difference between in-ear vs behind ear aids?

12:26:45     From  Margi Helsel-Arnold   to   Hosts and panelists : I have to say my experience with clients COSTCO hearing dept is quite good Margi

12:27:12     From  Bob Coulson : How do hearing aids impact memory loss and dementias?

12:27:37     From  Beth Barnett : Which hearing aids use one of these noise reduction techniques?  The noise resistance techniques are ZB (Zeta noise blocker), Beam Forming or other.

12:27:58     From  Carol Cockerline : Do you know resources for low cost or free hearing aids for low income seniors

12:28:46     From  Nat Andreae : What are your thoughts about what NCOA publishes re guidance for OTC, helpful? https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/best-otc-hearing-aids/

12:29:37     From  Margi Helsel-Arnold : Meant to share that COSTCO has been quite good for their hearing dept from my experience with clients over time. Margi,  Geriatric Care Counseling

12:31:17     From  Shelley Stein : Carol, my nonprofit is Access HEARS and we meet in person at the client's home (or virtually based on location) and support seniors on a fixed income with OTC hearing aids. Happy to share more info shelley@accesshears.com 410-870-9373

12:32:12     From  Carol Cockerline : Thank you Shelley

12:33:59     From  Paula Phillips : Thanks Shelley

12:35:19     From  Patti Hanson : What is your opinion on EXTENDED WEAR hearing aids?

12:35:40     From  Beth Barnett : What are some new technologies to  enhance speech understanding? Including AI.  These are technologies that exist and could be  added to a hearing aid (which is a small device).

12:36:32     From  Bob Coulson : Thank you Bonnie!

12:39:12     From  Meryl Schaffer : For anybody with hearing loss, Bonnie provides phenomenal education.  I went to a meeting in her office & the loops & telecoils represent a very positive experience for those with hearing loss.

12:39:57     From  Bonnie O'leary : Thank you Meryl !  How nice of you to say so!

12:42:12     From  Bonnie O'leary : Lions CLub has Affordable Hearing Aid Program but you need to go through your local Lions club

12:42:39     From  Meryl Schaffer : My tolerance for paying $7,500.00 for hearing aids that last 3-7 years has gone down the drain.

12:43:36     From  Meryl Schaffer : Even if one does not normally require medical referrals, one must get a referral for hearing checkups.

12:44:24     From  David Engel : Many Veterans are eligible to receive hearing aids from VA.

12:45:51     From  David Engel : The Montgomery County Commission on Aging produced a fact sheet on hearing with a good list of resources: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Resources/Files/Age-related%20hearing%20loss%20fact%20sheet%20July%202020.pdf

12:46:40     From  Krista Kramer : For people who are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, some of the special needs insurance plans cover hearing aids.  In Idaho Molina’s special needs plan offers hearing aids with no out of pocket cost.  Blue Cross’ special needs plan covers hearing aids for $700 to $900 out of pocket.

12:46:53     From  Meryl Schaffer : I am a member of HLAA.  Yes it is great for resources & positive  & valid information.

12:47:18     From  Carol Cockerline : Bonnie what state are you in?

12:47:28     From  Bonnie O'leary : Virginia

12:47:52     From  Carol Cockerline : Thanks

12:48:00     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Hearing Loss Association of America®️ https://www.hearingloss.org/

12:48:11     From  Krista Kramer : Each state also has a financing program for assistive technology.  Check with your state Assistive Technology Act Project.

12:48:37     From  Bonnie O'leary : Our organization, www.nvrc.org, is in Oakton, VA (northern virginia)

12:49:27     From  Donna Rosenbaum : I had stapendectomy surgeries in early 2000, can that be repeated?

12:52:22     From  Bob Coulson : I'm a hearing impaired vet and they give me hearing aids and lifetime no cost batteries even though my income level excludes me from other care.   Batteries are expensive.

12:52:54     From  Bonnie O'leary : Thank you for your service, Bob.

12:55:19     From  Patti Hanson : Thank you for your service Bob!

12:55:32     From  Meryl Schaffer : I had a funny situation with an uneducated person.  I was told that I did not look like I was hearing impaired.  Internally I laughed & did not respond in the negative.  My thought was that I felt very sorry for the person.

12:55:38     From  Rose Thorn : Fantastic expert! Also, fantastic questions, people! So much I  didn't know I needed to know!!

12:55:48     From  Bob Coulson : Thanks, it was an honor to serve the defense of our country for 20 years.

12:57:07     From  Cheryl Walsh : Are Jabra that is totally online considered OTC?

12:57:56     From  Meryl Schaffer : I hear Dr Powers speak via HLAA.  What an honour  to hear him speak again.

12:58:01     From  Cheryl Walsh : some of the online hearing aides have online hearing tests which seems that it would make it more custom

12:58:59     From  Meryl Schaffer : I cannot wear Behind The Ear hearing aids.  My eye glasses create irritation of my skin.

13:00:06     From  Bob Coulson : I always announce I have hearing loss but my "hearing computers" are helping me hear better...vs hearing aids to nove from stigma to cool.

13:00:09     From  Bonnie O'leary : but hearing aids don't work like glasses for the ears.

13:00:37     From  Bob Coulson : Is it accurate to say the brain hears not the ears.

13:00:59     From  Bonnie O'leary : Bob yes, in the auditory cortex.  That's where sound is interpreted

13:02:34     From  Robert Gullo   to   Hosts and panelists : Tom, you have done a great job. Thanks.  I will replay this session.

13:02:38     From  Meryl Schaffer : Bob, I always announce my hearing loss in situations.  There are always some people who go  out of their way to speak even more clearing & look at me when they speak.  Makes things a lot better.   then there are those who automatically raise their voice & irritate others in the same circle.

13:03:30     From  Bob Coulson : What can we do to support stigma shift?

13:04:27     From  Shelley Stein : Thank you for mentioning this study! Dr. Frank Lin is one of our founders of Access HEARS through the Social Innovation Lab at Johns Hopkins. He was instrumental in helping pass legislation of the 2017 OTC regulations.

13:04:29     From  Bob Coulson : Meryl, thank you I will do this consistently now because many also are not hearing well in our retirement community.

13:05:00     From  Bonnie O'leary : Bob where is your retirement community?

13:05:54     From  Bob Coulson : Uni of Alabama, Capstone Village, Tuscaloosa, AL

13:06:02     From  Bonnie O'leary : I have another meeting, but you can reach me at boleary@nvrc.org

13:06:17     From  Robert Gullo   to   Hosts and panelists : Will the chat be included in the replay of this session?

13:06:24     From  Meryl Schaffer : I just googled earlens.com.  The are $12,000.00 for a pair.

13:06:29     From  Shelly b   to   Hosts and panelists : can you see my hand up to ask a question? harder to type the  question.

13:07:30     From  Joe Sperling : Seems like great hearing has a steep price when ne has a hearing loss.

13:09:42     From  Bob Coulson : Fantastic Speaker!

13:09:55     From  Beth Barnett : Very informative

13:10:34     From  Patti Hanson : I have learned so much, thank you for your time and expertise Dr. Powers!

13:10:54     From  Paula Phillips : Fantastic speaker and information!

13:11:06     From  Meryl Schaffer : No it is not an allergic reaction, it is the hearing aid & back of the eye glasses fighting for the same space.

13:12:13     From  Shelley Stein : I'd like to add an exciting announcement - Thanks David Engel and his committee for helping spearhead the effort for the Access HEARS partnership with Montgomery County Commission on Aging. Devices will be fully subsidized for eligible individuals thanks to their generous support.

13:12:16     From  Marilyn Gordon   to   Hosts and panelists : Back of the ear hearing aids, eyeglasses AND a mask because of covid!!!

13:12:40     From  Paula Phillips : That's awesome Shelley, thanks for sharing!

13:15:36     From  Meryl Schaffer : Warranties are 3 years in length.  It is after this that I find most issues occur.

13:16:19     From  Mary Kate Kennedy : Excellent presentation - thank you Dr. Powers and Steve!

13:16:48     From  Bob Coulson : Warranty and Tech Advances are not aligned so must balance costs and needs.

13:17:05     From  Marilyn Gordon   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you Dr Powers

13:17:24     From  Bob Coulson : Good job facilitating Steve!

13:17:56     From  Donna Rosenbaum : Thank you! Great info.

13:17:58     From  Meryl Schaffer : Thank you for all of the additional information you have provided on round 2 of my hearing you speak.

13:18:28     From  Meryl Schaffer : Thank you Steve for all you do.