Winter 2024 Edition
Newsletter
Minnesota Hearing Aid Professionals, inc.
Celebrating 40 years of hearing healthcare in the Twin Cities!
Why Fitting Hearing Aids Should be Done by a Hearing Healthcare Professional
Hearing aids are powerful tools that can transform the lives of individuals experiencing hearing loss. However, to truly unlock their potential, the process of fitting and programming hearing aids must be entrusted to a qualified hearing healthcare professional. This ensures optimal performance, personalized comfort, and long-term satisfaction.
Understanding the Complexity of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It varies greatly from person to person, requiring a tailored approach for each individual. Here are key reasons why professional expertise is essential:
Unique Hearing Profiles:
Hearing loss can affect different frequencies and intensities, making every case unique. A hearing healthcare professional can accurately assess these variations, ensuring the selected hearing aids address the specific needs of the patient.
Gradual Onset:
Hearing loss often progresses slowly, making it difficult to detect. Without professional evaluation, many individuals may not fully realize the extent of their condition, delaying necessary intervention.
Emotional and Psychological Factors:
Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and even depression. A professional can offer not only technical solutions but also emotional support, helping patients navigate the psychological aspects of hearing impairment.
The Value of Professional Fitting
Fitting hearing aids is more than just selecting a device off the shelf. It involves a series of crucial steps that ensure maximum benefit and comfort.
Comprehensive Hearing Assessment:
A licensed professional conducts thorough hearing tests to determine the type and severity of hearing loss. This information is vital for choosing the right hearing aids and customizing them to the patient’s specific needs.
Tailored Device Selection:
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles and technologies. A professional can guide patients through the options, considering factors such as lifestyle, daily activities, and budget to find the perfect match.
Precision Programming:
Programming hearing aids is a delicate process that involves adjusting settings like frequency response, volume levels, and noise reduction. A hearing healthcare provider fine-tunes these parameters to deliver clear and natural sound tailored to the individual’s hearing profile.
Comfort and Fit:
Ill-fitting hearing aids can cause discomfort or lead to poor sound quality. A professional ensures a secure, comfortable fit by making necessary adjustments or recommending alternative earmolds and tips.
Ongoing Care and Support:
A significant advantage of working with a professional is access to continuous care. From follow-up appointments to troubleshooting and reprogramming, hearing healthcare providers are there to ensure long-term satisfaction. They also offer counseling and training to help patients adapt to their new devices.
The Dangers of Self-Fitting
While self-fitting hearing aids may seem convenient or cost-effective, the risks often outweigh the benefits.
Inaccurate Programming:
Without the expertise to assess hearing loss accurately, self-fitting can result in poor sound quality and ineffective hearing aid performance.
Potential Hearing Damage:
Improperly adjusted hearing aids can over-amplify sounds, potentially damaging residual hearing. Conversely, under-amplification may leave hearing loss inadequately addressed.
Frustration and Device Abandonment:
If hearing aids do not perform as expected, users may become frustrated and stop using them altogether, missing out on the significant benefits these devices can provide.
Conclusion
Investing in hearing aids is a significant step towards improving quality of life, but the process doesn’t end with purchasing the device. By entrusting the fitting and programming to a qualified hearing healthcare professional, individuals can ensure they receive the best possible results. Professional expertise maximizes hearing aid performance, enhances comfort, and provides the ongoing support needed for long-term success.
Why Hearing Aids Should be Fit by a Professional
Begin your journey to better hearing with a visit to a professional trained to work with individuals who have hearing loss.
Living with Hearing Loss and Diabetes
A strong support network is needed when working with patients who have complex and challenging health conditions.
Accessories Enhance Hearing Aid Performance
What are hearing aid accessories?
A hearing aid accessory is a device that supports or enhances the functionality and personalization of hearing aids. Hearing aid accessories work in conjunction with hearing aids to power or unlock additional features included in the hearing aids that might otherwise be inaccessible, so users can maximize their devices.
Some different types of hearing aid accessories.
TV Streamers
TV streaming devices plug into a user’s television to connect hearing aids directly to the TV, allowing listeners to hear the TV directly through their hearing aids
Remote Microphones
Remote microphones are small wireless microphones that pick up and transmit sound from a source directly into a user’s hearing aids which can enhance the performance when someone is in a very noisy environment.
Hearing Aid Dryer
While there are many water-resistant hearing aid options on the market, a hearing aid dryer can enhance performance and durability by drying and cleaning devices that have been in contact with moisture.
Living with Hearing Loss and Diabetes: Navigating Life with Dual Health Challenges
Living with hearing loss and diabetes can be a complex and challenging journey. Each condition brings its own set of difficulties, and when combined, they can significantly impact daily life. However, with the right approach and resources, it is possible to manage both conditions effectively and lead a fulfilling life.
Understanding the Connection
Hearing loss and diabetes are more closely related than many people realize. Studies have shown that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss. This is likely due to the damage that high blood sugar levels can cause to the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Over time, this damage can lead to a gradual loss of hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss among people with diabetes is significant. Research indicates that adults with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss as those without the condition. This underscores the importance of regular hearing assessments for individuals with diabetes, particularly as they age.
Managing Dual Conditions
Managing both hearing loss and diabetes requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges posed by each condition.
- Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels: Consistently managing blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing further complications associated with diabetes, including hearing loss. This involves regular blood glucose monitoring, following a balanced diet, and adhering to prescribed medications.
- Regular Hearing Check-Ups: For those living with diabetes, it’s essential to schedule regular hearing tests. Early detection of hearing loss can lead to more effective interventions, such as hearing aids or other assistive devices. By addressing hearing issues early, individuals can maintain better communication and overall quality of life.
- Utilizing Assistive Technology: Technology can play a pivotal role in managing both conditions. For hearing loss, hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices can help individuals stay connected with their environment. Additionally, diabetes management can be supported by glucose monitoring devices and mobile apps that help track blood sugar levels and remind individuals of their medication schedules.
- Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle benefits both diabetes and hearing health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of further hearing loss. Additionally, protecting your ears from excessive noise can further safeguard your hearing
Emotional Impact and Coping
Living with diabetes and hearing loss can be emotionally taxing. Feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety are common as you adapt to these changes. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and seek support when needed.
Engaging in hobbies, staying socially active, and maintaining a positive outlook can help you cope with the emotional challenges. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and many resources are available to help you navigate these dual conditions.
Conclusion
Living with hearing loss and diabetes requires a proactive approach to health management, communication, and emotional well-being. By understanding the link between these conditions and implementing effective strategies, you can lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges. Regular check-ups, lifestyle modifications, and a strong support network are key to managing both diabetes and hearing loss successfully.
Meet Our New Audiologists
Megan Jaekel, Au.D.
Megan Jaekel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Minnesota. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska, obtaining a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology and a Doctor of Audiology degree. Megan completed her clinical externship at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Mankato, MN, where she gained experience in diagnosing and managing hearing disorders.
She is a Minnesota Licensed Audiologist and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), along with the American Board of Audiology Certification (ABAC).
Megan’s areas of expertise include hearing loss management in children and adults, hearing aid assessment and fitting, and hearing conservation. She also specializes in implantable devices such as cochlear implants and osseointegrated devices. Megan is committed to providing personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.
In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, crafting, and baking. She loves spending time with her husband, Darius, attending local events, and supporting Minnesota sports teams. She also cherishes visits with family and her energetic Weimaraner, Phoebe.
Jennifer Boblett, Au.D.
Jennifer Boblett holds a Bachelor of Science from Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned her Master of Liberal Arts in 2020 and Doctorate in Audiology in 2021 from the University of Minnesota.
Jennifer enjoys working with patients of all ages, finding fulfillment in the positive impact better hearing brings to individuals and families. Her specialties include diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid selection and fitting, and hearing conservation. She also offers custom hearing protection solutions for patients.
Outside of the clinic, Jennifer spends time with her husband, daughter, and dog. They enjoy outdoor walks, visiting parks, and exploring local restaurants, shops, and live music. Jennifer values community engagement and supporting local artists.
Josephine Marino, Au.D.
Josephine Marino completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and earned her graduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She completed her clinical fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital System in Detroit, MI.
Josephine’s professional focus includes diagnostic testing, hearing aids, and electrophysiology. She is passionate about helping patients improve their hearing and overall quality of life through comprehensive care and personalized solutions.
Outside of work, Josephine enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time with her dog. She finds relaxation in nature and values quality time with family and friends.
One Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
from modernhoney.com
Servings: 20 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup Butter (melted)
Instructions:
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave until melted.
- Add brown sugar and sugar. Whisk or stir vigorously until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and whisk until silky.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Place in the refigerator and CHILL for at least 30 minutes. The cookie dough gets better with time. If time is on your side, I suggest chilling it for 24-48 hours. Chilling for at least 30 minutes is essential.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place cookie dough on light colored baking sheets. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until cookies become a light golden color.
Contact Us
We have 7 convenient office locations around Minnesota.
We have a new phone numbers!
To schedule a hearing appointment, please call: 612-871-1144 or email us at scheduling@entsc.com.
For all other hearing aid-related questions, please call: 612-871-2445.