Cell Phones May Interfere with Hearing Aid Performance

Consumers who are looking to purchase a new cellular phone may neglect to consider the impact on their hearing aids. Cellular phones are not currently subjected to the same federal laws as regular telephones, which are currently required to be compatible with all hearing aids. Each cell phone will impact a hearing aid differently depending on such factors as the design of the phone and the wireless provider. Consumers are advised to test a cellular phone while wearing their hearing aids before purchase. An ASHA-certified audiologist can assist consumers in determining which cell phones are compatible with their type of hearing aid.

For more information on hearing aids and cell phones or a referral to an ASHA-certified audiologist, consumers may call 800-638-8255 or go to www.asha.org. Spanish-speaking operators are available.

Hearing Loss in School-Aged Children Can Impact Academic Performance

Nearly 20 percent of school-aged children have some type of permanent hearing loss, which can negatively impact academic success and interactions with peers. Children who exhibit behavior problems, short attention spans, academic difficulties, and speech or language problems should be evaluated for a hearing loss by an ASHA-certified audiologist. The audiologist will evaluate the child's hearing to make appropriate recommendations for treatment. Successful treatment options are a collaborative effort between the child, the child's family, educators, the audiologist and possibly a speech-language pathologist.

For more information on school-aged children and hearing loss, or a referral to an ASHA-certified audiologist, consumers may call 800-638-8255 or go to www.asha.org. Spanish-speaking operators are available.

Audiologists Help to Diagnose Tinnitus

Tinnitus, that "ringing in the ears," is experienced by over 40 million Americans. It can be caused by a variety of factors including noise exposure, impacted ear wax, middle ear infection, hearing loss, medications, high blood pressure and trauma to the head and neck. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the tinnitus. Since over 90 percent of individuals with tinnitus also have a hearing loss, the tinnitus may be reduced or masked by wearing a hearing aid. Other popular treatment options include equipment to mask the sound of the tinnitus, which includes common household items such as televisions, radios and fans. It is important for individuals who suffer from tinnitus to consult an ASHA-certified audiologist to undergo a complete evaluation for diagnosis and treatment.

For more information about tinnitus, or referral to an ASHA-certified audiologist, please contact 800-638-8255 or go to www.asha.org. Spanish-speaking operators are available.

Media inquiries:
B-roll on noise and hearing loss and newborn hearing screening is available for broadcast stories. Members of the media may contact ASHA's media relations office for more information or help with stories.

Facts:
Speech-language pathologists are the professionals who identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders. Their work encompasses speech problems, such as those related to fluency, articulation, and voice disorders, as well as issues regarding language, learning and literacy.

Audiologists are hearing health care professionals who specialize in preventing, identifying and assessing hearing disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 127,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

ASHA is a founding member of the World Council on Hearing Health (WCHH), a coalition organized by the Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) to focus on the prevention, detection, intervention and research of hearing issues. As a founding member, ASHA has contributed funding to support WCHH activities and programs and will provide assistance to WCHH established projects like the Hearing Healthy Vans program and planned Citizens Research and Hearing Health Conferences. For more information, please visit www.wchh.com.