A survey conducted in Ireland found that the nation’s 

MP3 generation is facing premature hearing damage. 

Listening to personal music players at high volumes 

over a sustained period of time can lead to permanent 

hearing damage. That is a fact which many people will 

sooner or later have to accept.

Dr. Mark Hamilton, known from Irish television, points out that noise-induced hearing loss is generally preventable. It is therefore hugely important that people are aware of the damage they can do to their hearing and take steps to protect it, whether it is turning the volume down on their MP3-players or protecting their eardrums at gigs. For people who have a hearing loss, ignoring it can be detrimental as they can do further damage by pumping up the volume.
The survey concluded that:
51% of MP3-users listen to their MP3-players at dangerously high volume levels (above 89 decibels (db)) for up to two hours a day.
1 in 5 people are blasting their ears with sound levels of 100db or more – the equivalent of hearing a pneumatic drill 10 feet away.
11% of people listening to MP3-players and 35% of people attending gigs and concerts say they have experienced ringing in their ears or dulled hearing, signaling that damage to their hearing may have begun.
40% of market-leading MP3-players tested reach sound levels of over 100db – listening at this volume can cause damage to your hearing after just 30 minutes. Some MP3-players reached a maximum volume of 115db which is the equivalent sound level of a jet plane taking off and should not be listened to for more than 30 seconds.
24% of people surveyed listen to their MP3-player between 1 and 2 hours a day. 1% said that they listen to their MP3-player for over eight hours a day.
Protect your hearing
The research shows a very worrying trend amongst MP3-users. The best advice is to take care of your hearing.

One way of doing that is to remember the 60/60 Rule to protect your hearing – that is to listen to your MP3/ personal music device through headphones for a maximum of 60 minutes at 60% of the volume.

The European Commission says that it could be common place in 2020 to see one in ten 30-year-olds wearing a hearing device as a result of listening to personal music players too loudly.

The research shows a very worrying trend amongst MP3-users. The best advice is to take care of your hearing.

One way of doing that is to remember the 60/60 Rule to protect your hearing – that is to listen to your MP3/ personal music device through headphones for a maximum of 60 minutes at 60% of the volume.

The European Commission says that it could be common place in 2020 to see one in ten 30-year-olds wearing a hearing device as a result of listening to personal music players too loudly.

Source: www.hearingawarenessweek.ie <http://www.hearingawarenessweek.ie>

Hearing aids have a huge importance when it comes to one-on-one conversations. On the whole, hearing aids are very important when it comes to day to day life in the home, something which is shown by a new study conducted amongst hearing aid users.

More than three out of four hearing aid users say that their hearing aids are important when it comes to one-on-one conversations in their homes. More than 60 % experience, that their hearing aids are extremely important when it comes to talking to other people.

More than every second person also says that their hearing aids are extremely important for their general well-being at home.

Two out of three hearing aid users believe that their hearing aids are useful when it comes to listening to the radio or watching TV. Two out of three report having problems hearing the telephone and the doorbell ringing if they are not using their hearing aids.

“Our survey clearly shows, that hearing aids make a big difference for the daily life at home for a hearing impaired, especially when you talk with another person or when you watch TV or listen to the radio,” said secretary general Kim Ruberg, Hear-it AISBL.

The study also shows that the hearing impaired use their hearing aids when at home a great deal. 61% say that they use their hearing aids almost all of the time.

“I can only encourage everyone with a noticeable hearing loss to use hearing aids. The results of our survey demonstrate, that hearing aids are very important for your general well-being at home if you have a hearing loss,” Kim Ruberg said.

More than three hundred hearing aid users from around the world took part in the survey during June and July 2010 and answered questions about their hearing aid usage and experiences. They responded to a questionnaire posted on www.hear-it.org.

A hearing aid, like most appliances, works most of the time. However, sometimes a hearing aid can fail and the problem is often a simple one which can easily be fixed.
Here is some advice for if your hearing aid does not seem to be working:
Try putting a new battery in
Check that the battery is the right way round
If your hearing aid has a volume control, check that it is not turned right down.
Check that you have not switched it to the “T” setting (for loop listening) by accident.
If your hearing aid has a programme button/switch, it may be on the wrong programme, or be muted.
Take your hearing aid out and check that the ear mould or ear tip is not blocked with wax
Check that the tubing is not twisted, squashed or spilt
Check whether there are droplets of condensation in the tubing. If there are, gently pull the soft tubing off the hooked part of the aid and blow down the tubing to remove the droplets.
If you have checked everything but your hearing aid is still not working, take it to the nearest Hidden Hearing audiology clinic to see if it needs repairing. If you are a Hidden Hearing customer this is complimentary no matter how long you have had the aid for other customers our specialist repair department can handle  all makes of hearing aids.

Kathy Peck

In 1988 she co-founded Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers (HEAR) with physician Flash Gordon, MD, formerly of the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic. Today the San Francisco-based, nonprofit organization still provides free hearing screenings, as it has done for the past two decades, and executive director Peck lectures widely on hearing conservation, and provides custom hearing molds for musicians at HEAR (www.hearnet.com) and through its Partner Audiology Network.

The mission of HEAR is to educate musicians about the importance of listening intelligently, and to start with young people, in order to prevent what Who guitarist Pete Townshend describes as a “painful and frustrating” hearing loss. A new Listen Smart DVD promoted by HEAR cites statistics and testimony from hearing professionals that bear out the reason for HEAR’s mission. For example, an estimated 10-30 percent of high school students have some hearing loss, although many young people believe themselves to be immune from hearing loss due to their age and do little, if anything, to protect their hearing.

Q: How did hearing loss change your life?

 A: Hearing loss impacts the music community in profound yet little-discussed ways. With support from music fans and industry professionals, I combined the experience of my own hearing impairment and a passion for the music scene with a commitment to educating children, teens and adults about the newest hearing conservation tools and methods for enjoying music — while preventing hearing loss. Our message of hearing advocacy has also gained the involvement of top performers such as HEAR’s founding patron Pete Townshend, and Ray Charles, Todd Rundgren, Ozzy Osbourne, Miley Cyrus, Herbie Hancock and Lars Ulrich. I have also partnered with health organizations to encourage hearing conservation and develop hearing loss prevention programs. I am still a musician and songwriter, and my husband, David Denny, and I recently wrote music — along with Marsh Youth Theater Director Emily Klion — for Ron Jones’ The Wave, which premiered at Marsh Youth Theater and Mercy High School in 2009.

Q: How could venues be more sensitive to protecting the hearing of musicians and fans?

A: I worked with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Entertainment Commission for three years to pass an ordinance requiring entertainment venues and after-hours premises — with a dance floor and/or a capacity of 500 persons or more — to provide or sell earplugs for hearing protection at a reasonable cost to patrons. Services like Rock Med give out free ear plugs, but more education is needed. Many of the large outdoor concert promoters are unaware of the ordinance, and do very little to protect their patrons or staff from hearing damage. A law passed is a good thing, but it needs to be enforced.

Q: How common is significant hearing loss among rock musicians you talk with?

A: The music environment for DJs, rock musicians and symphony players is very loud. If you don’t have hearing damage now, you may have it down the road. Of the 28 million Americans with hearing loss, over half is noise-induced. The good news is that it is preventable.

Q: Where should education and awareness start for music and hearing health?

A: Hearing education should be taught at every school, and especially at music schools, music camps and music institutes, but there is little funding for hearing health prevention and advocacy programs. We’ve done a lot to educate the music population, but without funding, it makes it very hard to educate music and sound art students on these important issues. I’m known in the industry, and I have worked myself into orientations at schools such as Expression College for Digital Arts in Emeryville, and I educate young kids at rock camps. Big concerts are too expensive and involve such big money that nonprofits are not asked to participate — it’s pretty much sewed up by vendors or by fans who pay $1,000 to go backstage and see an artist.

But I am really excited about a new Listen Smart DVD that I’m trying to get into the schools. It was produced by Dan Beck, a former vice-president of Sony Music and music producer who experienced hearing loss, and we’ve had a lot of great support from Mettalica. This “rockumentary” features artists, such as Ozzy Osbourne, Wyclef Jean, Metallica, Blondie and Moby, who talk about the long-term hearing damage that can occur when music is played too loudly. Students get a look at the mechanics of sound, how the human ear works, and an understanding of why high-decibel sounds can create such havoc on the body. The video will help them make better choices in their auditory consumption, provide useful tips on hearing protection, and gives solid advice from music professionals who are familiar with the world of sound. And it’s really about education, and getting to kids when they’re young. I feel like I won’t have done my job until hearing conservation is taught in every music class.

If you are considering hearing aids, the process does not have to be overwhelming. You can simplify the process by asking questions and educating yourself.  The following hearing aid information can help you with the entire process; what to expect, what questions you should ask, and what choices and options you have.

The Hearing Aid Experience

By making the decision to treat your hearing loss with hearing aids, you are the key player in this transition to a better quality of life, so take a few minutes to educate yourself on the hearing aid experience. Ask questions. Lots and lots of questions when you finally get the results of your hearing test.

You’ll end up with the best hearing loss solution based on consultation with your audiologist or hearing aid practitioner. With your input, these hearing professionals can improve your hearing with the right hearing aids that suit your hearing needs, your lifestyle and your preferences.

Today, it’s all about complete customization. You decide from a full menu of style and feature options. By discussing your listening goals, lifestyle and personal preferences openly with your hearing professional, you become a partner in the success of your hearing aid experience.

What To Expect: Hearing Aid Transition Period

Hearing aids amplify sound and in doing so, sound waves are digitally processed, delivering a sound that may initially sound different from the organic sound you used to have.

In addition depending upon how long you’ve waited to treat your hearing loss, your hearing nerves are not accustomed to hearing sound at the pitches in which you have hearing loss. Like any part of our body, those nerves need time to adjust and get used to being stimulated with sound again.

So expect a period of adjustment, which can vary person to person. Work with your hearing professional to “ease” into listening with your hearing aids. The goal is to work your way up to wearing the hearing aids during the entire day to give your nerves and brain optimal time to adjust.

In a matter of time, your ears and the hearing centers of the brain will adapt to this new, improved sound source. The are some lucky people who will plug in, walk out the door and never give hearing a thought again. These folks adapt to hearing aid sound immediately. You will too, even if it takes a few days.

What To Expect: Hearing Aid Prices

Let’s face it, the word is out – hearing aids can cost you a penny or two. Various factors influence the cost of hearing aids such as: where you live (cost of living), level of technology you choose, size of hearing aid, warranty and after fitting care offered by your hearing professional.

Hearing professionals typically recommend the purchase of a pair of hearing aids to avoid stressing the unaided ear, and in most cases, hearing loss occurs in both ears. Don’t skimp and go with one high-end hearing aid thinking it will save you money and it will be easier to get used to. The fact is, by aiding one ear only, you are depriving that other ear of sound for a longer period of time and you actually may not see as much benefit from wearing just one hearing aid. Our brains are wired to hear with both ears. You wouldn’t just put eyeglasses on one eye would you? Need more convincing? Visit: When it comes to Good Hearing, Two Hearing Aids Are Better than One.

What To Expect: Hearing Aid Technology and Features

When it comes to different levels of technology and features, you have a long menu from which to choose, though most hearing aid features are not ala carte. Typically you can select the between entry-level, mid-level and advanced.  Depending on which level of technology you choose, additional hearing aid features may include:

• Automated feedback squelch – reduces random whistling throughout the day and improves the ability to talk on the phone.Automated volume control (up or down automatically as the hearing aids “read” listening conditions)

• Wireless connectivity – turns hearing aids into a personal headset, enabling wearers to interact seamlessly with all forms of audio devices, like cell phones and televisions

• Total control – many advanced hearing aids operate automatically; however some provide you the ability to take control of what you hear. Just as some people prefer cars with automatics, there are those who prefer manual transmissions that give them more control over daily driving activities. Some hearing aids allow best of both worlds – not happy with the auto performance, then make a manual change with a push of button

• Style –  from completely invisible to stylish choices that makes a fashion statement

• Notifications & reminders – hearing aids can talk to you, discretely notifying you of everything from a settings change to when you have an appointment with your hearing professional

Make a list of your hearing aid experience priorities, your life priorities, and the sounds you missing and what do you want to hear again. Then you’ll know where to put your hearing aid dollars to get the biggest BANG for your buck, and the best listening and wearing experience based on your priorities.

Source www.healthyhearing.com

It is not strange to feel tired as a hearing impaired person. It requires extra energy to concentrate just to hear.Most hearing impaired people recognise this situation: They feel tired after being in the company of others, been out with friends or at work. It takes more energy to keep up with the conversation. Energy which those who are not hearing impaired do not use in the same way.
Energy is used up
The hearing impaired have to use more energy than those with normal hearing to distinguish sounds and filter out background noise from the conversation.
Many factors are relevant in regards to such a situation – is it dark, can you see the person who is talking, are many people talking at the same time, are the acoustics bad and so on. As hearing impaired people are not born with more energy than people with normal hearing, it is no wonder that they run out of energy quicker. It can be compared to a person with normal hearing having to concentrate more when a conversation takes place in a foreign language which they know, but are not fluent in.Remember: take a breakPia Mikkelsen, secretary of the Danish union for the hearing impaired, Høreforeningen, recommends, that the hearing impaired remember to take small breaks throughout the day. During these breaks they can “refuel” with a little more energy.
A good tip is to be aware of the fact that if you have a hearing impairment, you use more energy and it can be an advantage to make the fact known to those around you. In this way you can avoid using more energy than you have and have to work weekends and holidays just to catch up.Pia Mikkelsen estimates that the hearing impaired use up to 50% of their energy on communication during the day, whereas those with normal hearing only use around 5%
Source: Hørelsen, March 2010

Since their inaugural season in 2008 Athlone Film Club  have fast established themselves as one of Ireland’s fastest growing film clubs.Hidden Hearing are happy to support this initative by becoming a sponsor of the club.

Ireland’s leading hearing healthcare provider Hidden Hearing today officially reopened the doors of its newly refurbished James’s Street branch in Kilkenny, which had been closed for three months following fire damage.  Kilkenny Hurling legend Henry Shefflin was on hand to greet the first visitors to the new-look Hidden Hearing branch.

Hidden Hearing’s Kilkenny branch was open for only 15 months before a fire in a neighbouring shop caused extensive smoke damage to the interior of the building in May of this year. For the past three months the branch was temporarily based at The Pembroke Hotel, which facilitated the Hidden Hearing staff to continue to provide their hearing care services to the community.

The Kilkenny branch has now been extensively refurbished and is the first of over 20 Hidden Hearing branches nationwide to be fitted with a new look branch design.  The newly refurbished branch provides state-of-the-art facilities for customers including the most advanced hearing test equipment, while providing customers with a friendly and relaxed environment as they seek the best possible care for their hearing loss.

 One in six people in Ireland experience hearing loss problems, and this increases to more than 30% in people over the age of 60. Yet research has shown that it can take people up to 15 years to seek help after first noticing their hearing is deteriorating. Hidden Hearing has over 25 years’ experience in the Irish market and conducts over 30,000 free hearing tests each year.

Commenting at the official reopening of the James’s Street branch Stephen Leddy, Managing Director of Hidden Hearing said “We are delighted to reopen our new look Kilkenny branch today, which offers state-of-the-art facilities to test for and treat hearing loss.  We would like to thank our Kilkenny customers for being so supportive during our re-location and look forward to welcoming them back to the new look Hidden Hearing James’s Street branch.”

Stephen Kelly, hearing aid audiologist with Hidden Hearing’s James’s Street Branch said: “We would like to thank all the staff and management at The Pembroke Hotel for being so accommodating during the last three months. The hotel kindly facilitated us to continue to provide a service for the community, ensuring our Kilkenny customers were not affected by the refurbishment”.

Kilkenny hurling player Henry Shefflin added: “I’m delighted to see Hidden Hearing re-open in Kilkenny. I think it’s very important to take care of your hearing and get it tested regularly. Hidden Hearing provides a fantastic service to the community, offering free hearing tests to anyone that calls in to the branch at James’s Street.”

(For more pictures check out Hidden Hearing Ireland on Facebook)

For more information or to book a free hearing test, drop in to Hidden Hearing’s Kilkenny branch at 1 James’s Street House, James’s Street, Kilkenny, telephone 056 7763 941 or visit www.hiddenhearing.ie  

Hidden Hearing are pleased to announce that we now have a clinic in Jill Farrell F.A.O.I. Opticians, Mallow Primary Healthcare Centre, Goulds Hill, Mallow, Co.Cork If you would like to make an appointment please call 022 70505.

Excerpts from “Famous people with Constant Ringing in their ears”. Pete Townshend – “I have severe hearing damage. It’s manifested itself as tinnitus, ringing in the ears at frequencies that I play guitar. It hurts, it’s painful, and it’s frustrating.” Townshend is completely deaf in one ear from an explosion when Keith Moon blew up his drum set live on stage in the early 1960′s and loud amps. He has tinnitus, resulting partly from the band’s live gigs but mainly the deafening volume in which he and Entwistle used to listen to playbacks over the studio “cans.” There are reports saying that he is unable even to hear his phone ring. The Sun newspaper reported Townshend said his hearing got worse after the band’s recent US tour. Quote from Pete: “The recent return to touring and to me playing electric guitar – albeit more quietly than in the 1970s – led to further deterioration of my hearing,” the 57-year-old said. “My right ear, which encounters my own edgy guitar and the machine gun strokes of the drums, has suffered badly. Luckily for me, I still have my left ear, which seems to be less @#%$ up. When I’ve worked solo in the past five years I’ve not used drums. This has meant I could play more quietly I think. With The Who, there is of course no way to play the old songs without drums. I’ve no idea what I can do about this. I am unable to perform with in-ear monitors. In fact, they increase the often unbearable tinnitus I suffer after shows.” source from Sky News
John Entwhistle – According to Who scholar Andy Neill, Entwhistle was pretty deaf, and tended to rely on lip-reading. He didn’t have tinnitus but still played bass at his usual “everything on 11″ volume.