The Effects of Hearing Loss on Your Quality of Life

It’s 2017! A new year, a new you - especially with help from Better Hearing Systems of NorthWest Louisiana. When you improve your hearing, you improve your life. Approximately one out of every three Americans over the age of 65 has hearing loss to some degree and it’s important to be aware of it - especially as you age. The symptoms of hearing loss can be easy to ignore at first, until it has progressed to a level that has a noticeably negative impact on your life. Here are three ways in which hearing loss can impact your social, mental, and physical health:

Relationships & Social Health

Communication is arguably the single most important aspect of any human relationship. If you have trouble hearing, you may have trouble understanding what friends or family members are saying to you, which could harm your relationships. Hearing loss can be especially disruptive to a marriage, where solid communication is key to healthy and happy matrimony.

Mental Health

In a 2014 study, researchers from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) found a strong link between hearing loss and depression among US adults of all ages. Past studies have linked hearing loss to general cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing memory-related issues including Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Thankfully, studies have also shown that wearing  hearing aids can prevent or even reverse many of these issues in individuals with hearing loss.

Physical Health

Did you know hearing aids can make a person more active? A survey performed by The Hear The World Foundation found that 21 percent of those surveyed reported that they exercised more after getting hearing aids. 34 percent said they actively participate in sports at least once per week, and 69 percent believe that their hearing aids have a favorable effect on their general health. 

If you’ve discovered hearing loss is having a negative impact on your life, don’t waste another moment! Better Hearing Systems will get you fitted with a hearing aid that will suit your needs and help improve your life. Unsure if you’re experiencing hearing loss? We also offer free hearing consultations. Call us today at 318-309-4727!

Give the Gift of Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Hearing is a something that we often take for granted until we no longer are able to do so with the clarity we once had in our youth. As you age, your hearing naturally loses sharpness.  Hearing is a special gift that allows us to connect with the world around us, when that is taken away it can cause people to feel isolated and alone. According the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly “28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.”

Hearing aids offer those with hearing loss the ability to reconnect with the world. When you consider the biological function that this tiny device takes on, it should be revered as a technological wonder. Despite their small size, newer devices allow users to stream music and phone conversations directly, utilizing state of the art GPS technology. And while they are a scientific marvel, many devices still utilize a hearing aid battery to maintain power.

Traditional Batteries

The majority of hearing devices sold today rely on standard hearing aid batteries. Even the latest in GPS technology is normally powered with a zinc hearing aid battery which has a lifespan of up to two weeks.  When you consider the fact that this device is often being used upward of 12 hours a day, this little battery is really quite long lasting. However, replacing it every 7-14 days can get old quickly.

Rechargeable Batteries

One of the newest advancements in hearing aid technology is the advent of the rechargeable battery. Phonak, is the first hearing aid developer to offer a system that comes with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. And because the battery is built into the hearing aid, it lasts the lifetime of the unit. After 30 minutes of charging, the system can run for up to 6 hours. And, the best part is, you will never have to change a battery!

Selecting a hearing aid that is right for your needs can be overwhelming. The staff at Better Hearing Systems in Bossier City, Louisiana wants to give you or someone you love the gift of better hearing this holiday season. Contact us to schedule a free hearing consultation, discuss your options and see our full line of rechargeable hearing systems. We can help you choose the device that is just right for you.

Better Hearing Systems Partners with Benny Walker Helping Hands

For some families, every day can be a financial struggle; especially during the holidays. Santa doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, only if you’re naughty or nice. So, what do the kids think when they don’t receive any Christmas presents? Better Hearing Systems has partnered with Benny Walker Helping Hands at Freedom Church to make sure all Bossier City kids receive presents this Christmas. We know there aren’t any local kids on the naughty list! 

Drop off any new toys valued between $5-$10 dollars, or make a monetary donation to Benny Walker Helping Hands. Donations can be dropped off at our Bossier City location 1000 Chinaberry Drive, Suite 103. We will be accepting all donations, monetary or toy, through November 30^th. This toy drive was started by Carolyn Green to help make a huge difference in the lives of children this holiday season.

Not sure what toys to get? We were informed that many toys at the local Bossier City Dollar General are currently 50% off! This means that you can purchase double the toys for the same cost! Kids will be just be happy to receive a new toy, but if you’re really trying to blow it out of the park, check out Toys R Us’ “Hot Toy List” for 2016. 

Benny Walker Helping Hands (BWHH) was created in 2013 by Benny Walker! A member of Central Baptist, Walker was always looking to serve others. Though Benny Walker died in 2012, his ministry has lived on. BWHH offers a free food pantry and free clothing closet to those in hard times. The pantry and closet are open from 9 am to 12 pmon Thursday’s. 

Better Hearing Systems is devoted to improving the lives of Louisiana residents. Located at 1000 Chinaberry Drive  #103 in Bossier City, Better Hearing Systems strives to deliver outstanding customer care along with state-of-the-art hearing instruments. We are committed to better hearing, and a better community. Visit our website or call (318) 309-4727 to learn more. Thank you for making this holiday season memorable for a child in our community!

Should You Upgrade your Hearing Aid?

Your hearing is a precious and important thing. It allows you to communicate properly and to enjoy all the beautiful sounds in everyday life. As we age our hearing naturally starts to weaken, making it difficult to discern certain tones and decibel levels. Hearing aids can provide the support needed to keep your hearing sharp throughout your life.

It is important to realize that purchasing a hearing aid is not a one-time endeavor. The average life span of a hearing device is typically between three to seven years. And, while this is a good rule of thumb as you consider when to upgrade to your device, there are other reasons you might want to think about.

• Poor performance – If your hearing aids are becoming less effective, the first step is to ensure that they are working properly. A good cleaning or minor repair might be all that is required to have them operating at peak efficiency. If this does not clear up the issue you might want to talk to your hearing specialist about other alternatives.
• Your needs are not being met – A change in your circumstances might require an upgrade in your hearing equipment. For instance, if your job role changes and necessitates more time on the phone you might want to consider an upgrade to more finely tuned equipment. New technology allows hearing aids to sync with mobile devices offering a clearer phone experience.
• Change in hearing – Just because you have a hearing device does not mean that your hearing will not change. If you find that your current hearing aids are no longer sufficient for normal hearing, you might need to upgrade to a more specialized device.
• Change in technology – Just as other areas of technology are rapidly changing, so too is hearing technology. Smaller units, the capacity to synch with other devices, finer tuning abilities and even wireless options are making hearing aids more state-of-the-art.

Finding just the right hearing device for your needs requires the help of a trusted hearing professional who can assist you in wading through all the options. If you or someone you know is considering upgrading their hearing device, contact the professionals at Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana.  Their staff in Bossier City will guide you through all the important steps required to help improve your hearing. 

Should You Upgrade your Hearing Aid?

Your hearing is a precious and important thing. It allows you to communicate properly and to enjoy all the beautiful sounds in everyday life. As we age our hearing naturally starts to weaken, making it difficult to discern certain tones and decibel levels. Hearing aids can provide the support needed to keep your hearing sharp throughout your life.

It is important to realize that purchasing a hearing aid is not a one-time endeavor. The average life span of a hearing device is typically between three to seven years. And, while this is a good rule of thumb as you consider when to upgrade to your device, there are other reasons you might want to think about.

• Poor performance – If your hearing aids are becoming less effective, the first step is to ensure that they are working properly. A good cleaning or minor repair might be all that is required to have them operating at peak efficiency. If this does not clear up the issue you might want to talk to your hearing specialist about other alternatives.
• Your needs are not being met – A change in your circumstances might require an upgrade in your hearing equipment. For instance, if your job role changes and necessitates more time on the phone you might want to consider an upgrade to more finely tuned equipment. New technology allows hearing aids to sync with mobile devices offering a clearer phone experience.
• Change in hearing – Just because you have a hearing device does not mean that your hearing will not change. If you find that your current hearing aids are no longer sufficient for normal hearing, you might need to upgrade to a more specialized device.
• Change in technology – Just as other areas of technology are rapidly changing, so too is hearing technology. Smaller units, the capacity to synch with other devices, finer tuning abilities and even wireless options are making hearing aids more state-of-the-art.

Finding just the right hearing device for your needs requires the help of a trusted hearing professional who can assist you in wading through all the options. If you or someone you know is considering upgrading their hearing device, contact the professionals at Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana.  Their staff in Bossier City will guide you through all the important steps required to help improve your hearing. 

Smart Hearing Aids Are Changing the Hearing Industry

If you suffer from hearing loss, now is the time to invest in the latest technology for hearing aids. Like a flip phone’s revolution to a sleek smartphone, hearing aids are making leaps and bounds in the technology of hearing assistance. Did you know that smart hearing aid technology has hit the market and it is now possible to connect a smart hearing aid with your Android or iPhone?

New hearing aid technology can make a huge difference in anyone’s life. For example, Daymond John, star of the reality TV show Shark Tank, states that he listened to loud music in his early years and is now suffering from a hearing disability at age 43. Luckily, technological advancements in hearing aids have improved his daily life. In his interview with CNNMoney, Daymond John says, “You think of your grandparents wearing hearing aids – not me… But I’m talking to you through my hearing aids ... and you’d never really know I’m wearing something.”

Daymond John uses advanced hearing aids from Starkey Hearing Technologies that work with iOS devices to stream calls and listen to music all through his earpieces. John didn’t realize he had a real hearing problem until he went to a Starkey Hearing Foundation event and tried on a hearing device. He says, “… at the event, they invited everyone to try on a hearing device, and it was like night and day. I was suffering from tinnitus in one ear and something else was going on in the other.”

Like Daymond John, we see advancements from Starkey Hearing Technologies as the future of hearing aids. Starkey Hearing Technologies places an importance on research, science and innovative technology when creating cutting-edge hearing solutions. Better Hearing Systems of NorthWest Louisiana is proud to offer Starkey Hearing products including Muse and Halo 2. If you would like to schedule a FREE demonstration of the latest hearing aid technology, contact Better Hearing Systems today!

The Starkey Hearing Foundation

Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana is a proud supporter of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a charitable organization that brings the gift of hearing to people in need. According to the World Health Organization, more than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, but less than 3% of those affected can afford hearing aids or have access to the care they need (source). The Starkey Hearing Foundation has given more than 1.8 million hearing aids around the world and have provided over 200,000 free hearing aids and care to people in need annually for over thirty years!

Starkey works to accomplish their hearing missions by building strong partnerships, empowering local teams, and expanding their Community-Based Hearing HealthCare Model, which consists of three phases:

1.    Patient Identification - Includes identifying and training partners and community-based health workers, providing primary ear-care services to potential hearing aid candidates, taking ear impressions, and creating custom earmolds.

2.    Hearing Mission - Fit hearing aids and custom earmolds on qualified hearing candidates, counsel and train hearing aid recipients, teachers, student ambassadors, and patients on how to care for and operate the hearing aids, and select and train local program teams to execute ongoing program activities.

3.    AfterCare Program - Conduct outreach to patients within the first month of receiving their hearing aids to provide AfterCare, provide ongoing AfterCare services to offer patients counseling, batteries, and free services to repair or replace hearing aids when needed.

As proud members of the Starkey Hearing Alliance, Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana is part of a national network of hearing care professionals that are leading the way in helping people experience healthier lives. Starkey Hearing Alliance Members specialize in fitting Starkey Technologies hearing instruments.  These state-of-the-art hearing aids ensure you are receiving superior comfort, unmatched technology and best-in-class features. When you get a hearing aid from Better Hearing Systems of NWLA, you're not only changing your life for the better, but in some small way you’re also helping improve the lives of millions of people in need. To learn more about the Starkey Hearing Foundation or to donate to this wonderful cause, click here.