What If Your Parents Need Hearing Aids?(ARA) - Everyone expects to lose some of their hearing as they grow older, so it should come as no surprise that 28 million people, or one in every ten Americans suffers from a hearing impairment of some kind. While measurable hearing losses can occur as early as age 40, the majority of the hearing impaired are age 53 and up.
The aging process is one factor, so is a lifetime of exposure to loud noise, says Lois Benson, who is an Audiologist at Plymouth, Minn., based Interton, one of the few companies that manufactures a complete line of hearing aids in different technologies.
Shortly after their father died, Tanya Shenkmans children became very concerned about her. She became withdrawn. She told us she was tired and didnt want visitors, says Mura Mathason of West Palm Beach, Fla.
At first, Mathason thought her mother needed time to mourn and did not push her, but as days turned into weeks, she one day made the decision to show up unannounced and check up on her mother. She got no response when she knocked on the door, but knew her mother was home because she heard the loud television from the front door of the apartment. I put my key in the lock and opened the door. Mom was sitting there staring at the television and the volume was all the way up. When she saw me, she just smiled, and I knew something was wrong. Stress can often aggravate the problem, and thats probably what happened in Mrs. Shenkmans case, says Benson. Shenkmans daughter made an appointment with an audiologist the day after finding her in front of the television, and it was determined that she needed binaural hearing aids (a hearing aid for each ear).
* Shopping for a hearing aid
If youve never sought help for a hearing problem, purchasing a hearing aid can be an overwhelming experience, whether its for you or a parent. There are several different styles and levels of technology to choose from. So how do you know where to start?
A proper hearing diagnosis and treatment starts with an Audiologist or licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. Check the Better Business Bureau and get references from friends and family who are satisfied customers. Once you find a dispenser, it might be a good idea to bring someone with you for a second opinion or for assistance in making this important decision.
Benson says you should also consider the lifestyle of the person who will be wearing the device. Todays hearing aids do far more than simply amplify sound. They can be programmed to enhance sounds in specific frequencies that the patient has lost hearing in. They can also prevent loud sounds from becoming too loud in the patients ear. Modern hearing aids have different programs to amplify sounds in different listening environment; for example in a crowded restaurant vs. in a car with the windows rolled up. They offer incredible flexibility to fit the patients specific listening needs and lifestyle. Todays hearing aids need to perform this way because hearing loss is like a finger print, no two cases are alike.
It may be helpful to understand the benefits that various technologies have to offer. Many hearing aids are advertised based solely on price but do not solve the individual hearing problem. Nor do they have the ability to be adjusted in later years to match a diminishing hearing ability.
Hearing aids come in various styles that can be worn in the outer ear, behind the ear, in the ear canal and completely in the canal. The latter is nearly invisible when worn. The audiologist will make recommendations based on the contour of the patients ear as well as results from the hearing exam, says Benson. Generally the greater the loss, the larger the hearing aid may need to be in order to house the more powerful components and larger battery.
Whatever you do, compare prices and services by shopping around, says Mathason. If the hearing professional doesnt offer at least one hour of counseling to help you become accustomed to the new hearing experience, move on to the next office. And once you find a hearing device you like, ask the dispenser if they are willing to make any necessary adjustments that may be needed with no additional charge. That ended up being a major factor with my mother.
Tania Shenkmans daughters know life will never be the same for their mother now that their father is gone. "But at least we can take comfort in the fact that she can hear what is going on around her, feels more secure, and best of all, knows that we love her," says Mathason.
Stress Reduction Tips for New Parents: Create a Sanctuary in Your Home ARA(ARA) - Nothing can turn your life upside down like bringing a new baby home. All of a sudden your sleep schedules are interrupted, your regular routine is gone, and you may feel overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities.
New parents experience a lot of joy and happiness, but the changes can also cause stress and anxiety. To insure that you dont become exhausted and burned out, it is important to take a little time to relax and rejuvenate every day. Youll feel better, and youll be a more effective parent too.
Here are some relaxation techniques for new parents who may have trouble sleeping at night, or resting during the day:
* Yoga and stretching. Community centers and health clubs offer yoga and stretching classes for all levels. Or if you cant get away, rent or buy a video that will take you through some basic positions and stretches. This is a great way to drain tension from your body.
* Treat yourself to some hydrotherapy. The Aquamasseur bathing system creates a soothing full-body massage by filling your tub with thousands of tiny, heated air bubbles. Unlike a whirlpool which shoots jets of water at specific points on the body, the Aquamasseur massages the whole body with a gentle and constant pressure that is extremely relaxing.
Youll have the best nights sleep youve ever had, says Scott Tennant, spokesperson for Acryline, the company that makes these innovative bath systems. Tennant explains that this gentle bathing experience is ideal as a stress reliever because it allows you to fully relax. You can also increase the air flow if you desire a more vigorous massage, or try one of the other systems, including the Healthmasseur System or the Ultimate System, which is a combination of the two.
And when the baby gets older, she can try it too. Kids especially are relaxed and sleep well after an Aquamassuer bath, noted Tennant, and because the tubs are acrylic, parents can clean up the bathroom in minutes allowing them to enjoy the balance of their evening together.
* Deep breathing. Slow, deep breaths can ease muscle tension, lower your heart rate, and help you fall asleep faster. This is a good technique to try if you find yourself wide awake in the middle of the night. First, close your mouth and breathe slowly through your nose, feeling your stomach rise as you gradually fill your diaphragm and lungs with air. Hold for one second before exhaling through your nose to the count of four. Repeat until you feel your body relax.
* Progressive muscle relaxation. Once you are lying in bed with your eyes closed, tense and release your muscles alternating between the right and the left side of the body. Start with your hand and forearm muscles, followed by your biceps and triceps, face and jaw, chest and shoulders, stomach, thighs and so on until you reach your feet. After about 20 minutes, you should feel relaxed from head to toe.
* Guided imagery. Imagine yourself in a favorite place such as on a warm, sandy beach or in a field of flowers. With your eyes closed, visualize every detail of the scene from the color of the sand to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach. With practice, you will be able to clear your head and focus on relaxing thoughts that will help you drift off to sleep.
For more information on massaging bath systems from Acryline USA, visit www.acrylineusa.com or call (800) 794-4667.
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Courtesy of ARA Content
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