To keep you on top of the latest and greatest audiology news, we’ve rounded-up a Top 5 list of audiology topics in the news this month. Did you know that baby boomers are seeking help for hearing loss at a younger age than previous generations? Plus, we’ve got a list of the best places to vacation for couples with hearing loss.
- Time for Boomers to Face Hearing Loss
Audiologists believe that adults are seeking help for hearing loss more quickly than they did in the past. A report by WVXU Cincinnati says “baby boomers are a little bit more proactive with respect to their health care…they’re more willing to accept the loss and to do something about it.” Baby boomers are also more comfortable with technology than previous generations.
- Hearing Aid Evolution
NPR reporter Kathleen Raven discussed the evolution of hearing aid technology on “All Things Considered” this month. Raven first started wearing hearing aids in 1993 (large clunky ones). She talked about how over the years, with every hearing aid upgrade, she’s discovered more and more sounds due to the advancement of technology. Two years ago, she received her latest pair of hearing aids and said, “I just happened to smack my lips together…It’s just such a simple sound, but it was earth-shattering…It was like hearing the world in 3-D for the first time.” She also says that she is more confident now that her hearing aids are virtually invisible and is more comfortable telling people about her hearing loss.
- Hearing Aid Sales Up 2.9% in First Half of 2014
According to statistics compiled by the Hearing Industries Association (HIA), hearing aid net unit sales have increased by 2.9% so far in 2014. Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) style hearing aids continued their upward sales trajectory, increasing from 51.8% to 56.6% of the total market. Overall, the HIA statistics suggest “average-to-good growth” for an industry with an historical year-on-year sales growth of 2-4%.
- Hearing Screening: There’s an App for That Too
The International Journal of Audiology reported on a new smartphone app designed to make it easier and cheaper to screen people in Africa for hearing loss, including young children and the elderly. A screening is said to take only 1 minute, and the data can be uploaded via the mobile phone network to a centralized site for evaluation and recommendations. While this doesn’t replace the expertise of a hearing healthcare professional, it may help the 80% of people with hearing loss in developing counties who have no means of early detection.
- Top 5 Vacation Spots for Couples with Hearing Loss
With your new hearing aid significantly improving your relationship with your spouse, Healthy Hearing recommends 5 vacations perfect for couples with hearing loss. And, if you would rather go on a cruise, they’ve even put together a list of tips for taking a cruise with hearing loss.
case for your hearing aid if you’re
vacationing around the beach or
ocean. Source: Healthy Hearing